El Zorro
STORY
El Zorro is a coffee brand made up of a group of small-scale producers from the department of Chiquimula. Their coffee is called El Zorro honoring the expedition of motorcycles that takes place annually in Guatemala City, going all the way to the “Basilica del Cristo Negro” in Esquipulas. The expedition is called “La Caravana del Zorro” and it is a very popular annual event. The work between Caravela and the producers responsible for El Zorro started as a result of many cupping sessions that took place in the region back in 2015 and 2016. During these sessions we found the coffees from this area to be perfectly balanced, with notes of chocolate and caramel.
Chiquimula derives from the Aztec word “Chiquín”, meaning parrots, and “Molin”, meaning place – so a place for birds! Chiquimula is also known as the Pearl of Orion. Locals believe that the name comes from the cotton plantations that can be seen in the region, which look like a pearl, and that the land is rich in minerals and gold. It is important to note that the original inhabitants of this department are descended from the Maya Ethnic Ch’orti’ group.
Farm Varieties
Size

Average Farm Size
5 to 10 Hectares
Location

Country

Municipality
Camotan, Olopa, Esquipulas, Quetzaltepeque.

Department
Chiquimila

Elevation
1.300 – 1,500 MASL
Technical info

Harvest
December – April.

Processing Method
Washed. 18 to 24 hour dry fermentation.

Shade
Chalum, Banana, Citrus, and native trees.

Drying Method
Sun-dried on concrete patios.