4 Reasons to Love Costa Rican Coffee

4 Reasons to Love Costa Rican Coffee

We know our fellow avid coffee drinkers love learning about all things coffee. After all, what could be better than reading about where your coffee is sourced while drinking a steaming cup of one?

So, pour yourself a cup of your favorite brew and discover why you should love Costa Rican coffee. If you're already a fan of this coffee, you'll have an even deeper appreciation every time you drink it. And, if you haven't tried it yet, we know you'll be excited to get your hands on some once you've finished reading about it. 

Renowned for producing high-quality coffee, Costa Rica is known to have some of the world's best coffee beans. Find out why below.  

1. Coffee Beans are 100% Arabica

The highest quality coffee beans are Arabica coffee beans. While these beans are among the most difficult to grow, they produce a richer, premium coffee blend.

And, believe it or not, Costa Rica is the only country in the world where it's illegal to produce any type of coffee other than 100% Arabica. In 1989, a law that banned bad beans was passed to encourage Costa Rican growers to produce only the finest coffee beans. And they most certainly do!

2. Ideal Climate for Growing Coffee Beans

As noted above, Arabica coffee beans are not easy to grow successfully. They need very specific conditions to thrive. This includes mild temperatures, fertile soil (for oxygenating the beans), rainfall, and high altitudes.

Costa Rica is known for its diverse geographic features, which happen to be perfect for growing Arabica coffee beans. With a warm climate, soil enriched by volcanic ash, mountainous areas, and heavy rainfall, it has the superior conditions required for growing the highest quality Arabica coffee beans around.

Thanks to this favorable climate, Costa Rican coffee beans boast a vibrant taste and fine aromas.

3. There Are Eight Distinct Coffee Growing Regions

Costa Rica has eight distinct regions where coffee is grown, thanks to its diverse tropical climate and changes in humidity levels. Each region has its own microclimate and ecosystem, growing its own variety of beans that produce a unique coffee flavor.

Each of the eight growing regions has its own special characteristics and is famous for different aspects of its flavor:

• Valle Occidental (West Valley) - This region produces various flavors, including honey, vanilla, orange, peach, and more.
• Tres Ríos - Coffee from this region has been nicknamed "the Bordeaux" of Costa Rica due to its balanced acidity.
• Turrialba - This region's coffee is light-bodied with a soft aroma and mild acidity.
• Brunca - Known for its complex citrus flavor, coffee from the Brunca region ranges from very mild to extremely sweet.
• Orosi - Produces a perfectly smooth, balanced coffee.  
• Tarrazú - Known for delicious flavor, coffee from this region boasts flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and orange.
• Valle Central (Central Valley) - Central Valley coffees are sweet with bold, aromatic flavors and have a heavier body and milder acidity.
• Guanacaste - Produces coffee with a smooth body, light acidity, and some salty and bitter notes.

4. Beans Are Hand-Picked Only When Fully Mature

The farmers in Costa Rica take pride in their unique growing processes, which is a big and important part of letting the beans fully mature. Since the 1700s (when coffee was first planted in Costa Rica), the coffee beans have been hand-picked by only the most experienced individuals with a keen eye and deep understanding of – and respect for - the process.

Even more, the beans aren't picked all at once - at any given time, only the fully ripe beans are picked for processing.

If you love coffee, then coffee from Costa Rica is a must-have item to keep at home. Stock up on our exclusive La Cascada, a medium-bodied coffee from the Tarrazu region of Costa Rica today.