Costa Rican Coffee
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Coffee was intoduced to Costa Rica from the Caribbean islands, the first beans came probably from Martinica and Antillas, around 1720, in the XVIII century, but it was until the 1800's when the production of Coffee got really serious, in big part to the work of Governor Tomás Acosta. 
The first plantation known refers to a priest, Father Felix Velarde, who described a coffee plantation next to his house, this was just around the corner from the actual Central Park in the capital city of San José.
There are several factors why coffe became a mayor product in Costa Rica. The places where coffee was being grown had a volcanic soil origin, great for the plants; a good rainy season and another one with nice sunny days, with steady temperatures all year round.
By the year of 1821, there was already near 17,000 plants producing coffee and the government decided to increase support for those who wanted to plant coffee. Declared the west side of San José (Pavas today) to be dedicated to this matter, the local goverment was giving free plants and it was declared o be free from taxes. Also, started the road to the Atlantic gateway: our Caribean, to have a way to export the coffee to new markets, aiming for the English.
It was 1820 when the first 2 sacks were sold to Panama and a new era started for Costa Rican Coffee Producers. Another reference point was a coffe lot sold to England using Chile as a gateway, in 1831. After 1840 coffee sales to Europe became more often and by 1845 there was a trip with various ships who wanted our coffee. By 1846 Coffee was the first and only Export Product of Costa Rica until 1890. During this time coffee became the first commercial product for Costa Rica's economy and plantations were expanding all over the Occidental Valley (San Ramón, Palmares, Naranjo, Grecia, etc), which region was closer to the Puntarenas Port thru the newly finished road.
Af
ter that point and until today, constant research to improve plantations, the benefit process inolving peeling, dryness and toasting of the coffee have made the Costa Rican Coffe a product that needs no more presentation or promotion. It's quality is between the best in the world. But there is something that still remains the same... Hard workers pick up the coffee beans by hand, this is hardly to change as the quality of the coffee in your cup depends in big matter to selecting the right beans...
Costa Rica: Coffee Production Regions
Brunca | Pérez Zeledón |
This area is located South of Costa Rica. Mostly the Perez Zeledón County and some other areas.
The plantations range from 600 to 1700 meters of altitude, this height is reached next to the Chirripo and Talamanca mountains. A large percentage of producers are small farmers.
Temperature ranges from 18 to 34 centigrades, plantation of coffee uses mostly very steep land in combination with hard woods reforestation or other agriculture (bananas or plantain) to recharge the soil in an organic way.
Harvesting is done from September to February, with a peak in September to January.
Coffee Properties: Some of the finest coffees in the world are grown in this region. Coffe with a nice balance between Aroma, Body and Acidity. |
Brunca | Coto Brus |
This region is located in Southern Costa Rica, including mostly the Coto Brus county of the Puntarenas Province, with locations like San Vito, sabalito, Agua Buena, Limoncito and Pitier.
The coffee grows in a range from 900 to 1400 mters of altitude, with an 85% of that between 900 and 1200 meters.
Soils with volcanic origin, very humid, with average temperatures between 180 to 26 centigrades.
Harvesting season from September to February.
Large portion of small farmers. Very irregular and steep land for plantations.
Good coffee cup with normal Aroma and Acidity, body near 60%. |
Guanacaste |
Cover the coffee plantations to the North West of Alajuela and Puntarenas, and the Provice of Guanacaste.
There are several subregions: (meters of altitude)
San Carlos y Sarapiqué: 600 to 900 meters.
Península de Nicoya: 600 to 100 meters.
Abangares, Tilarán, Monteverde y Montes de Oro: 600 to 1350 meters.
Frresh temperatures and up to 30 centigrades in some areas. Good soils with volcanic origin and good structure.
July to December and Octuber to February (depends on subregion)
Good coffee with a nice balanced Aroma, Acidity and Body. |
Orosi |
Located in the central valley, around 40 kilometers southeast from the capital city San José. Includes the towns of Orosi, Cahí and Paraíso.
The coffee plantations range from 1000 and up to 1400 mters of altitude.
This regions features soils that enjoy an organic recharge as the top soils are protected areas. The weather has a direct influence from both Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Volcanic soils with great fertility.
Harvesting is done from August or October in some areas and up to February.
Nice coffee cup with a good balance between Aroma, Acidity and Body.
This region grows coffee in more flat land and has been producing coffee for over 100 years. |
Tarrazú |
This region is also know as the "Saints Region" as many of the communities were named after catholic saints. Including but not limited to: San Pablo de León Cortés, San Marcos de Tarrazú y Sant María de dota.
Production takes place between the 800 and up to 1900 meters in the surroundings of the Talamanca mountain range. Ideal conditions for the plantation of coffee.
Average temperature of 19 centigrades and sedimentary soil.
Harvesting from November to March.
Very steep plantations. Coffee beans with a nice riping and high quality.
The coffee is a well balanced drink, with nice Aroma, fine acidity and good body. Intense taste with some chocolate like flavor. |
Trés Ríos |
This region is located to the East side of the capital city of San José.
The altitude of the plantations range from 1200 to 1650 meters.
Weather and soil are ideal for the plantantion of coffee, with a direct influence from the Irazú Volcano. Average temperature between 21 and 22 centigrades and relative humidity of 84%.
Harvesting from August to February.
Produces a balances coffee, with quality acidity and good Aroma and Body. |
Turrialba |
This region is located about 1 hour Southeast from the capital city of San José, near the volcano with the same name: Turrialba.
The plantantions range from 600 to 1400 meters, with a sooner ripeness of the bean. Volcanic soil with direct influence of the Atlantic and Pacific weather. Average temperature of 21 centigrades.
Harvesting from June to February.
Larger coffee beans.
Produces a normal beverage with balanced Acidity, Aroma and Body. |
Valle Central |
Covers different areas from the provinces of San José, Cartago, Alajuela and Heredia.
Plantation altitude ranges from 800 to 1600 meters, but most of them, about 80%, are located within 1000 and 1400 meters.
Soils are influenced by the many volcanos: Irazú, Barva and Poás, with lots of organic charge and nice weather humidity of 80%, with average 20 centigrades temperature.
Harvesting is done from November to March.
The size and hardness of the bean depend directly on the elevation of the plantation. The area produces a nice balanced coffee, with high and fine acidity and good body and Aroma. |
Valle Occidental |
This region includes the towns and surroundings of San Ramón, Palmares, Naranjo and Grecia.
Palmares: 900 – 1.400
Naranjo: 800 – 1.700
San Ramón: 900 – 1.450
Grecia: 750 – 1.500
Valverde Vega: 850 – 1.550
Atenas: 700 – 1.350
Average temperature of 21 centigrades with volcanic soils very fertiles. About 75% of the plantations have forest shade and are neutral carbon.
Harvesting from November to February.
This area produces a high quality coffee, with beans of good hardness and closed crack.
85% of the producers are small farmers.
The coffee features a very good acidity, good aroma and body, with a balance unique from this region.
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