Maximiano Garcia Zaragoza

Amidst the beautiful mountains and nutrient rich soils of San Lucas Zoquiapam, lies Arbol de Chichihuate, owned by Maximiano Garcia and his wife Catalina Garcia Martinez for over 45 years. They learned from their parents and followed the same practices and how they worked the land to make it productive. He has been involved with specialty coffee since 2020 when he joined Caravela’s Grower Education Program or PECA in Spanish.

Since his primary source of income is specialty coffee, Maximiano says he has learned as much as possible about the world of coffee. In the off-season months, they grow corn and beans for consumption. Currently, they produce washed coffee, fermented between 48 and 72 hours, and dry the coffee on concrete terraces for an average of 4-5 days.

The predominant variety on the farm is 90% Typica and 10% is Colombia and Marsellesa. In his own words, Maximiano says, “I thank you for allowing me to grow and for motivating me with the prices I have been paid. To all those who love my coffee, I send a warm greeting.”