Costa Rica & History to Fame
In the late 1700s, Costa Rica was introduce to coffee. European settlers and traders brought coffee to Costa Rica during the colonial period. At first, coffee was harvest on a small scale but it quickly became a important export crop. Coffee production has been a vital part of Costa Rica’s economy and culture since the early 18th century. The key drivers come from European and North American markets that shaped Costa Rica’s coffee today. Costa Rica foced more on quality than quantity from their early days of demand. The local governments supported these farmers by technical assistance, subsidies, and marketing initiatives. Cooperatives from the coffee farmers and governments shaped the countries identity and creating economic growth. Not only does Costa Rica export a lot of coffee but it also produces high-quality Arabica coffee that many coffee roaster seek to add to their offering list.At Banyan coffee, we decided to add this special single origin coffee to our list. We have had several customers asking for Costa Rican coffee due to many of them experiencing the coffee when they visited Costa Rica. That is not the only reason we chose it, Costa Rican coffee provides delicious tasting notes of creamy chocolate and brown butter which embodies the countries rich tourism and coffee culture.There are several regions in Costa Rica that produces excellent coffee because of its various microclimates, volcanic soil, and high altitudes create perfect conditions for coffee cultivation.Volcanoes are beneficial for farmers because it recharges water and provides fertile soils in the region for agriculture purposes. The main coffee-growing regions, include Tarrazú, Naranjo, and Tres Ríos. Each region has a unique flavor profile to Costa Rican coffee.
Tarrazú:
Located in the central mountains, Tarrazú is known for its high-altitude coffee farms that produce beans with bright acidity, full body, and fruity notes.
Altitude: 1,200 – 1,900 meters above sea level
Climate: Cooler temperatures and higher altitudes contribute to slower bean maturation, resulting in beans with bright acidity and complex flavors.
Flavor Profile: Anticipate vibrant acidity, full body, and a flavor profile with notes of citrus, berry, and chocolate.
Varietals: Tarrazú is known for producing predominantly Caturra and Catuai varietals, which thrive in the region’s specific microclimate.
Cupping Notes: Bright acidity, fruity undertones, and a lingering chocolatey finish make Tarrazú coffee highly sought after among coffee connoisseurs.
Naranjo:
Situated in the West Valley region, Naranjo’s coffee is characterized by its sweet, floral aromas and delicate flavors.
Altitude: 1,200 – 1,600 meters above sea level
Climate: The West Valley’s moderate temperatures and consistent rainfall create ideal conditions for coffee cultivation, resulting in beans with sweet, floral aromas.
Flavor Profile: Naranjo coffee is often characterized by its delicate flavors, floral aromas, and subtle fruity notes.
Varietals: Bourbon and Villa Sarchi varietals are commonly grown in Naranjo, contributing to the region’s unique flavor profile.
Cupping Notes: Aromatic with floral and fruity notes, Naranjo coffee offers a well-balanced cup with a smooth finish.
Tres Ríos:
East of the capital, San José, Tres Ríos produces coffee with a medium body, vibrant acidity, and hints of citrus and chocolate.
Altitude: 1,200 – 1,700 meters above sea level
Climate: Tres Ríos benefits from a combination of high altitude, rich volcanic soil, and ample rainfall, resulting in beans with vibrant acidity and complex flavors.
Flavor Profile: Tres Ríos coffee is known for its medium body, vibrant acidity, and flavors that range from citrus and berry to chocolate and nuts.
Varietals: Geisha, Typica, and Villa Sarchi are among the varietals commonly grown in Tres Ríos, each contributing to the region’s diverse flavor profile.
Cupping Notes: Bright acidity, citrusy undertones, and a chocolatey finish make Tres Ríos coffee a favorite among coffee lover’s seeking complexity and depth in their cup.
Costa Rican coffee is considered exceptional quality which carries some of the most unique flavor profiles. The country’s rich coffee heritage, combined with its favorable growing conditions and dedication to quality, has established Costa Rica as a respected origin in the global coffee industry.
