Perla Negra coffee, or “The Black Pearl” is a blend of coffees produced in the mountains of Chiquimula and Zacapa. They are blended together as these coffees have similar profiles and characteristics. The department of Chiquimula is coloquially known as La Perla de Oriente due to its beautiful landscapes and architecture as well as the beauty of the people who live there. Chiquimula is known for being the cradle of art and artists as many of Guatemala’s best poets, writers, singers, musicians come from there. Esquipulas is a municipality located inside this department and is known for its Black Christ, a wooden image of Christ now housed in the Cathedral Basilica of Esquipulas. For this reason, this coffee is named Perla Negra.
The work between Caravela and producers responsible for Perla Negra started as a result of many cupping sessions to determine the perfect balance between the sweetness of chocolate, panela and yellow fruit acidity found in this full bodied coffee.