Description
Tasting Notes of Apricot, Honey, Chocolate and Citrus
- Altitude: 1500-1800 MASL
- Variety: Caturra and Catuai
- Processing Method: Washed
Costa Rican coffee is acclaimed globally for several reasons. It is the sole country where the production of coffee is restricted to only 100% Arabica beans, which are recognized as the finest quality.
Despite the challenges in cultivating Arabica beans, this regulation has incentivized farmers to pursue excellence, resulting in beans that are flavorful, robust, and commonly featured in premium blends. Arabica coffee plants require specific growing conditions, including minimal temperature fluctuations (around 10°C year-round), ample rainfall, and high altitudes, creating an optimal climate for coffee cultivation.
The majority of coffee in Costa Rica is cultivated in the mountainous regions, where the soil is enriched with volcanic ash, enhancing the flavors of the matured beans. The coffee processing is managed by Coope Dota, which was founded in 1960 and currently represents approximately 900 small-scale growers in the area.
In 2011, they became the world’s first carbon-neutral certified coffee processor. Before the establishment of cooperatives, coffee farming in the region was challenging. Farmers faced difficulties in coffee cultivation due to a lack of expertise in agronomy. The absence of nearby wet mills necessitated long journeys to process their coffee, leading to unfair compensation when selling to middlemen. Since the inception of cooperatives, local producers now have a dedicated facility for coffee processing and have received training in soil management and crop cultivation, resulting in higher-quality coffee and fairer prices. The cooperatives have also made significant investments in local infrastructure, providing improved facilities for the farmers.
This coffee originates from the Dota and Tarrazú cantons in the San José province, renowned for their acidic notes. However, roasting to a City/Full city profile reduces acidity while introducing complex flavors of caramel, chocolate, and black tea.
