Costa Rica was introduced to coffee beans in 1720. The perfect weather and climatic conditions made coffee export a thriving business. To date, coffee is the largest export from this region. It has a huge impact on the Costa Rican economy. Costa Rican government is putting a lot of effort to develop coffee farming.
Before we jump into Costa Rican coffee review, we should look into what is Costa Rican coffee? Costa Rica has rich soil. The richness of soil comes from volcanoes which are now no longer active. But these volcanoes were once active, and this activity led to lava flowing to the surface of the earth.
This lava turns into rich fertile soil over time. Another beautiful thing about Costa Rican coffee is that it grows on high grounds. Because of volcanic activity, the land turns into valleys and mountains.
Costa Rica falls in Latin America which is a miraculous region. It has a variety of cultures, foods, and resources. The Costa Rican coffee is wet-processed meaning it goes through a standard wash. But before going through the wet process the coffee cherries are handpicked. The coffee farms follow high standards because the law of the land has been set to achieve high quality.
When we talk about the wet process, special machines are used which are specific to carry out this process. Water is also abundantly used in this process. The ripe coffee cherries will sink in the water and unripe coffee cherries will not sink rather they will continue to float. Later on, the ripe coffee cherries go through the process of pulp removal.
After removing the skin and pulp further two more layers remain on the coffee beans which are also removed. Later on, the coffee beans are either sun-dried or dried in machines. The laws which have been put in place to ensure good quality products are the reason that Costa Rican coffees are in demand worldwide.
Costa Rica Peaberry Coffee, Whole Bean, Medium Roast, Fresh Roasted
Volcanica Coffee sources its coffee beans from the volcanic regions of Costa Rica. Their roasting facility is located in Atlanta, GA. These coffee plantations are elevated 3000 – 6000 feet above sea level. The region is famous for its cool climatic atmosphere and the air is moist. This region also experiences lots of rainfall.
This company started in 2004 with the vision to provide gourmet coffee to its customers. Apart from delivering the best quality single-origin coffee, they also focus immensely on customer service. This company sources its coffee beans from farms that are part of the third wave of coffee.
This company offers over 120 different types of coffee which include peaberry, estate, single-origin, flavored coffee, and decaf. These coffee beans are sent to Atlanta where experienced artisanal roast masters turn these coffee beans into coffee gold.
This company believes in charity and gives 1% to clean water projects.
Features
Volcania Peaberry coffee beans are 100% Arabica bean sources from Acquiares Estate which is located in the region of Tres Rios on the pacific coast. This a is shade-grown single-origin coffee. Coffee is grown at an altitude of 5200 feet. This company has acquired a rainforest alliance certificate and Kosher certification.
Specifications
This coffee is medium roasted. It has flavor notes of Almond, Honey, and Lemon. These are handpicked and manually removed. It has a pH of 5.2. These are 100% Arabica gourmet Costa Rica coffee beans. Coffee beans are wet-processed (washed). 100 % customer satisfaction guaranteed.
The packaging is zip locked airtight bag. The bag contains 16oz of medium roast whole coffee beans.
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Café Britt – Costa Rican Tres Rios Valdivia Coffee Whole bean, Arabica Coffee
The Costa Rican region of Tres Rios has mineral-rich soil due to volcanic activity. The last volcanic activity was observed in 1963. This region has an elevation of around 6000 feet. The regional climate is dry as well as wet. The region is called Tres Rios because of the concurrence of three rivers. It is also referred to as the Bordeaux of Costa Rica. That is because of its high-quality coffee.
The company Grupo Britt, N.V owns the brand, Café Britt. This company was established in 1985 in Costa Rica. The location of the company gives them an added advantage, due to their proximity to the coffee growers they receive the best quality coffee beans.
This company has taken it upon itself to ensure a give-back attitude. To ensure environmental sustainability they work hand in hand with the coffee growers. Their coffee roasting facility is also located in the same region hence the freshest and finest coffee beans are sent for roasting. They have mastered the art of coffee roasting and their master roasters roast coffee in small batches.
They are one of the few companies in the coffee business that have attained Kosher certification, as well as ISO certification. To Continental US this company is offering free shipping. In 2004 they were the winners of the Circle of Excellence Gold Honoree Awards by BizRate.com. They were praised by BizRate on above-average ratings in 7 key categories.
Features
The Café Britt Arabica coffee beans are wet-processed. After wet processing, the beans are sun-dried. These coffee cherries grow at an altitude of 1200 – 1650 meters. The Arabica variety of these coffee beans is called Catuai.
Specifications
The roasting level of these coffee beans is 6. It has the flavor notes of Plum, Allspice, Citrus, and orange. The packing is 12oz and has a shelf life of one year. This coffee is gluten-free. These are 100% gourmet Arabica coffee beans from Costa Rica. These coffee beans are medium roasted. This coffee is additive-free.
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Artifx Cafe Deep Cloud Forest, Monteverde Costa Rica Coffee
This company was conceptualized by Dr. Keith Whittingham. Dr. Keith traveled to Costa Rica for consulting projects. He noticed that coffee farmers and families were finding it difficult to survive. The coffee companies were reaping huge profits by exploiting the coffee farmers.
Dr. Keith came up with Artifx Cafe to help the poor farmers of Costa Rica and uplift their community. He noticed that farmers would collect around 200 pounds of coffee cherries per person per day and take them to lower elevations to be processed.
He noticed that farmers were doing extensive manual labor and the profits were distributed among the brokers, roasters, distributors, and large coffee companies. Since Dr. Keith had 11 years of experience where he would take students to Costa Rica. These students would then get involved in consulting projects.
He started direct trade with small farmers of coffee in the area of Monteverde. This helped in the sustenance of the local farming community. Later on, more and more farmers joined the community.
The Artifx deals directly with farmers and sources the coffee. The coffee is of single-origin obtained directly from the farmers. The coffee beans are roasted and packed in Orlando, FL.
Features
The caffeinated coffee is double roasted. Double roasting means Arabica coffee beans are meticulously chosen and are roasted two times. This method gives the coffee an exclusive exquisite taste. The coffee tastes sweeter and has a different taste, flavor, and color from French roast. This coffee has a full body. It also gives full fruity notes. It is grown using sustainable methods at the edge of Cloud forest.
This coffee is washed and sun-dried. The coffee is purchased directly from the coffee farmers. This direct trade has a direct impact on the community.
Specifications
The coffee is packed in 12oz airtight packing. Dark roasted which makes it low in acidity. Has caffeine content. Dual roasting enhances fruity notes.
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Kirkland Signature Expect More Costa Rica Coffee
Costco warehouse is sourcing Costa Rica 100% Arabica coffee beans. Although one would not expect a quality product from a warehouse operator. But this coffee is one of the best Costa Rican coffees in the market. The best part is that this coffee is not very expensive.
Costco Wholesale Corporation has its headquarters in Issaquah, Washington. The company started in 1983. Costco has its chains worldwide. It is one of the largest chains in the United States. Costco has more than 250,000 employees both full-time and part-time. This company was ranked on Fortune 500 and its ranking was 14.
Costco sources coffee beans from Costa Rica. These coffee beans are dark roasted. Dark roasting has many benefits. It brings out the unique, deep, and dark flavors of the coffee. It gives the coffee chocolate, caramel, and nutty flavors. When the coffee bean is roasted for a longer time period the oil comes to the surface of the coffee bean. The coffee becomes smokey, smooth, and reveals a darker flavor. Dark roasting reduces the acidity in the coffee.
Features
This coffee is 100% Arabica coffee beans from the rich lands of Costa Rica. The coffee is grown in the foothills of Palmares and San Ramon. This coffee is shade-grown in the oil-rich regions of Costa Rico.
Specifications
Airtight packing in 1-way valve packaging to maintain freshness. Package weight of 3lb. The package is bundle packing of 2 packs. The coffee is Kosher certified.
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Teasia Coffee, Costa Rica, Single Origin, Medium Roast, Whole Coffee Beans
Teasia Coffee company sources its coffee beans from Dota, San José, Costa Rica. Great care is applied when the coffee beans are selected. The coffee beans have to meet a strict criterion of quality, origin, and flavor profile before being selected. These coffee beans from Costa Rica are 100% Arabica coffee beans.
This company is focused on the vision that it must serve the community and protect the environment. When consumer purchases a coffee bag a fraction of the amount is given to charities. These charities then invest that amount in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and the environment.
Teasia uses single-origin Arabica coffee beans. This coffee is grown in the heartland mountains of Costa Rica. These coffee beans are grown by deploying sustainable farming methods. The coffee beans are roasted in batches.
Features
100% single-origin coffee beans. Pure Arabica Costa Rica coffee beans. The coffee beans are wet-processed. The beans are extracted from the fruity pulp and coverings. Once the covering is removed and the bean is separated from the pulp, it is dried. After drying the beans are roasted by artisanal roasters.
Specifications
Arabica beans are wet-processed to extract the coffee bean. The coffee beans are machine dried. The coffee beans are 100% Costa Rica and are sourced from a single origin. The coffee beans are medium roasted which gives it chocolate flavor and retains acidity. The body is smooth. It further gives notes of cantaloupe and tangerine.
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Costa Rican Coffee Buyer’s Guide
As we mentioned above that Costa Rica regularly produces high-quality Arabica beans. These coffee beans have a distinct flavor of ripe fruit and chocolate. Coffee experts believe that these coffee beans have the best flavorful characteristics.
Due to their naturally provisioned growing conditions, these coffee beans have tremendous versatility. It gives amazing results no matter which type of roasting method is used.
Before you indulge in buying coffee beans from this region you need to understand your preference and taste. Coffee is distinguished by the different roasting levels. Because each kind of roasting gives a unique flavor, texture, and aroma to coffee beans and coffee grounds.
There are four levels of coffee roasts. We will mention all four so that it becomes easy for you to decide which coffee is most suitable for you.
Light Roast
When light roasted Costa Rica coffee bean will give a sweet and clean taste, the acidity will be mild. The coffee will have flavor notes of molasses, grapes, citrus, and honey. These flavors can be achieved by brewing the coffee through a paper filter.
Medium Roast
When Costa Rica coffee beans are medium roasted it accentuates the full body and delightful, engaging sweetness. This kind of sweetness with the full body is magnificent for any time of the day drip coffee.
Dark Roast
Costa Rica coffee beans when dark roasted give a bold, low tone, smoothness with low acidity. It is best suited for a French Press.
Below we will look into different coffee brands from Costa Rica.
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Which Costa Rica coffee is the best?
We have mentioned some of the best brands which are available in the market. There are many other products in the market which have not been discussed. But the products that we have mentioned are known to best in the market.
There a many steps and processes in developing high-quality coffee beans. If these are not followed strictly then the coffee product cannot be declared as high quality. Apart from high quality, another major factor which one has to consider is one’s own personal taste.
The taste differs from person to person. One person may like a strong coffee which high in acidity. Yet another person may choose smoothness and sweetness. One can only come to know which coffee is best by trying out the different types of coffee shops.
By experiencing different types of coffees, one would definitely find the right blend suiting to one’s taste buds. The next step is to choose the coffee brewing method. After that is taken care of rest is easy.
In the above list of coffees, there are different types of coffees. If you have done your homework with regards to your taste buds, then one of the coffee brands would definitely suit your choice.