Costa Rica produces some of the world's highest-quality Arabica coffee, benefiting from ideal conditions like fertile volcanic soil, high altitudes, and consistent rainfall.
It sits just north of the equator.
The country is a leader in the boutique micro-mill movement, with diverse microclimates producing distinct flavors.
Known for being rich, balanced, and full-bodied, Costa Rican coffee often has notes of caramel, honey, and dark chocolate, with unique sweet and floral aromas.
The government's investment in technology and support for small farms have solidified its status as a major, high-quality coffee exporter.
Costa Rica's eight main coffee-growing regions are Tarrazú, Central Valley, West Valley, Tres Ríos, Orosi, Turrialba, Brunca, and Guanacaste.
These regions are characterized by high altitudes, fertile volcanic soils, and a distinct dry and rainy season, which contribute to the production of high-quality, well-balanced Arabica coffee with bright acidity.
Officially Costa Rica had eight primary regions for coffee production. Now it has 7:
Northern zone, Western Valley, Central valley, Los Santos, Perez Zeledon, Turrialba, Corto Brus,
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Northern Zone:
Guanacaste, Puntarenos, Alajuela
The Northern Zone of Costa Rica, also known as Huetar Norte, is a region in the northern part of the country, bordering Nicaragua to the north. It is located to the northeast of the capital, San José.
It is home to popular tourist destinations like the Arenal Volcano National Park near La Fortuna, the cloud forests of Monteverde, and the Tenorio Volcano National Park with its blue Celeste river.
West Valley: A crucial growing area with microclimates, fertile soils, and the ability to harvest cherries during the drier summer months.
Central Valley:
The Central Valley of Costa Rica is located in the central highlands of the country and is the most populated region, containing most of the large cities and government centers. It is a highland valley defined by low volcanic hills and is divided into basins drained by rivers like the Reventazón. The valley includes the capital city, San José, and other provincial capitals such as Cartago and Alajuela.
Coffee is well-balanced & high-quality, known for its chocolate, fruit, and honey notes, thanks to its rich volcanic soil and ideal climate.
Coffee from this region is often a blend of Strictly Hard Bean (SHB) varieties, meaning it's grown at high altitudes where it matures slowly, resulting in a denser, higher-acidity bean. These beans stand up well to roasting, producing a strong, flavorful cup.
Grown at altitudes from 1,000 to 1,200 meters, but is also highly produced at elevations up to 1,700 meters.
The region has a well-defined wet and dry season, and a consistent temperature that allows for slow maturation of the coffee beans.
Bean characteristics:
The slow maturation process makes the beans "hard" and dense, which contributes to their vibrant acidity and complex aromatic features.
Varietals:
While many varietals are grown, some Bourbon and Caturra varietals are still cultivated in the Central Valley.
Tarrazú: A specific area within the Central Valley, known for producing some of the country's finest Arabica beans.
Dota Tarrazu coffee refers to premium coffee grown in the Dota region of Costa Rica's Tarrazú mountains, known for its high altitude, volcanic soil, and the Coopedota cooperative. The coffee is celebrated for its bright, clean acidity, and complex flavors, which include notes of citrus, stone fruit (like peach and apricot), honey, and chocolate, with a smooth, full body and sweet finish. It is a versatile coffee, excellent for both espresso and various filter methods like Aeropress or V60, and is often available in light to medium roasts that highlight its bright, floral characteristics.
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Tres Ríos: Located near the Pacific Ocean and the capital city of San José, this region produces distinct, bright, and sweet coffees.
Orosi: A region known for its lush landscapes and high-quality coffee production.
Turrialba: A fertile area with winding rivers and thriving coffee plantations, also recognized for chocolate.
Brunca: Another of the country's distinct coffee-growing regions.
Guanacaste: One of the eight official coffee regions in Costa Rica
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