Land in the Clouds, Guatemala

Coban is the capital of the state of Alta Verapaz in central Guatemala. At a height of over 4000 feet, this major coffee growing region was founded by Dominican Friars in 1543. The city began its development in the late 1800’s by German coffee growers. Its mountainous rain forests are laden with orchids. Coban’s name is from the local indigenous language of Mayan Q’eqchi, which means, “Land in the Clouds.” That is where we begin our journey for the best Cardamom in the world!

Cardamom loves the humidity, a warm temperature and the proper environment. Coban with year round average temperatures of 70 degrees, lush rainforests and it’s distinction as the Land in the Clouds, certainly seems like Cardamom Heaven! The ecosystem is well maintained with a determined and controlled reforestation process. The soils are rich, well balanced clay and limestone that have aged under the forest canopy and afford a powerful nutrient exchange to grow the finest Cardamom, Coffee, Allspice and other plantation spices.

The local Organic Growers are very adept at sustainable methods. It was great to see the old growth on the Cardamom plants circling the plant base to decompose into soil amendments. The shade for the plants is provided by old growth forestation, new forest plantings and in some areas trees that can be pruned at the right time to ripen the fruit. And the cuttings are used for firewood to dry the Cardamom!

Organic farming of Spices is done on many small farms rather than large clear-cut ranges. The natural landscape is a well maintained partner of the grower! It really is a pleasure to link the local indigenous farmer with our international clientele.

I traveled to Guatemala at this time specifically due to an El Niño that had been officially declared in July; this weather pattern was expected to cause dry, warm conditions in much of the country. This turned out to be true, and although Coban has not suffered in any extreme, the lack of rainfall has produced a delay in the Cardamom harvest and will shorten the season. The normal Cardamom season is from September 1st to May 1st. This year will start late due to unripe seeds and end early due to a lack of late stage flowering. Thus we expect the harvest to begin October 1st and end around the 1st of the New Year.

We are confident with our Cardamom supply, but where the prices will be are unknown at this point. The quality of the finished product will be excellent.

Allspice is the other product we get from the region and will be in ample supply with a stable price.

Both Cardamom and Allspice are beautiful, powerful plants. I have included photos in the journal to show how wonderful they are, and how magnificent Guatemala is as well!

As always, Joy to the Palate!