Where does the name of our coffee come from and what does it mean?
Why is our coffee called Amate?
The term ‘Amate’ goes far back in the history and the true origin of Mexico and its indigenous people. ‘Amate’ traces back to the word ‘Amatl’ which comes from the Nahuatl language, one of the most important indigenous languages of Mexico.
What does AMATE mean?
In English ‘Amate’ means “tree bark paper” or “paper that is made from the bark of a tree”. The trees used to make this special ‘Amate paper’ are a type of ficus which belong to the family of Moraceae (mulberry family).
young Amate tree
Amate bark
Why is AMATE so special?
Amate is a very special kind of paper that has a very long history and was of great importance to indigenous Mexico during the Aztec ruling (14th– 16thcentury). Back then it was certainly not an everyday item but was considered something exclusive and unique. It was made and used as a gift for kings on special occasions giving the paper a holy relevance and high status.
Even today Amate Paper is considered something very special in Mexico and is used by artists for making exclusive art.
Why is our coffee called AMATE?
There are two main reasons why our coffee bears the name AMATE:
1. Because our coffee has a lot in common with the Amate paper,
- starting with its long tradition,
- its carefully handcrafted production,
- to its exclusiveness and rarity.
2. For the production of Amate paper, Amate trees are required. These types of trees do not grow everywhere in Mexico. In fact, they have become rather rare but there are Amate trees on our ranch, next to our coffee plants.
AMATE coffee
Furthermore, AMATE is a combination of the Spanish word ‘amar’ = love and ‘te’ = you.