9 Costa Rican Coffee Facts

In the thriving nation of Costa Rica, home to around 5 million people, a remarkable 10% of the population dons the hat of a coffee farmer. This land is not only brimming with experts and connoisseurs who appreciate the art of coffee, but its love affair with this beloved bean traces back to an extraordinary moment in history.

Cast your mind back to the year 1779, when the first coffee plants were brought to Costa Rica all the way from Cuba. Little did they know that this humble introduction would ignite a fiery passion that would shape the future of the nation.

Fast forward to 1821, a time when Costa Rica yearned for independence from Spain. It was during this pivotal moment that the country made a bold move – exporting its precious coffee beans as a symbol of autonomy and self-sufficiency. Within a mere decade, coffee production skyrocketed, overtaking other commodities like sugar and tobacco, and establishing itself as the driving force behind Costa Rica’s economic growth.

From those early days to the present, the art of coffee cultivation has flourished, creating a legacy that continues to thrive, enriching the lives of both the farmers and those who savor each and every sip of Costa Rican coffee.

Costa Rican coffee is often offered as single-origin, allowing coffee lovers to savor the unique flavors specific to each region within the country. Tarrazú, Naranjo, and Tres Ríos are just a few of such renowned coffee-producing regions where the rich volcanic soil and ideal environmental conditions produce beans that have nuanced flavors.

These flavors can be truly enjoyed when the beans are lightly roasted. Don’t just take our word for it, try some of our Costa Rican Single-Origin Coffee.

Beyond the well-known coffee-growing regions of Tres Ríos and Terrazú, Costa Rica surprises with its eight distinct and diverse coffee-growing regions. Despite its small size, this country is a treasure trove of coffee cultivation.

From the enchanting Valle Occidental to the mesmerizing Tres Ríos, the adventurous Turrialba to the vibrant Brunca, and the picturesque Orosi to the celebrated Terrazú – each region boasts its own special charm. Let’s not forget the captivating flavors that emerge from the Valle Central and the captivating beans produced in Guanacaste.

These regions gift us with an array of flavor profiles, each as distinctive as it is tantalizing.

Costa Rican coffee is almost exclusively Arabica beans. This type of coffee is renowned for its smooth, mild flavor and balanced acidity, making it highly sought after by coffee aficionados who appreciate its nuanced taste.

In fact, in 1989 a law was passed by the Costa Rican government that forbids coffee growers to produce anything other than Arabica beans. In 2018, however, this ban was lifted, but even then, much of Costa Rica focused heavily on producing good Arabica coffee.

Try some of our Arabica bean coffee here.

Coffee is notoriously hard to grow.  A slight change in temperature or environmental factors and you can end up with completely different-tasting beans. Costa Rica’s climate and environmental conditions make it one of the best places to grow coffee beans.

The highlands in Costa Rica provide optimal elevation for coffee growth, whereas the distinct rainy and dry seasons hydrate the plants without oversaturating them. Add to this the volcanic soil magic, and the perfect trifecta of good soil, perfect climate, and ideal temperature for coffee farmers is born, delivering coffee beans that are imbued with a unique, well-rounded taste.

Traditionally coffee producers used two techniques, natural or washed. In 2006, a Costa Rican man named Juan Ramón Alvarado experimented with a process that combined the two techniques.

With this method, part of the mucilage of the beans remains in the seed and is dried without washing. As the mucilage dries with a bean, it produces a sticky honey-like consistency, hence the name, this process results in a creamier, richer, and more intensely flavored coffee.

While this process is still a work in progress, it has garnered a lot of popularity over the years.

Costa Rica is known to price its coffee at a premium level. The main reason for this is the quality of the beans; the country mostly grows Arabica beans, which are superior in quality and demand more care during the growing and harvesting process.

Additionally, since the country is relatively small and can only produce a certain amount of coffee, the growing demand for these beans and limited supply also hike up the prices. 

Costa Rican coffee is a journey through history, geography, and culture. Its unique flavors and sustainable practices have earned it a well-deserved place in the hearts of coffee lovers worldwide.

So, whether you’re sipping it in a bustling Costa Rican café or brewing it at home, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating facts about Costa Rican coffee.

Special cheers to you on selecting your favorite coffee roast with knowledge. The perfect aroma, coupled with the best flavor, awaits you. #coffeemugsunite