23/06/2024
Costa Rica is renowned for its high-quality coffee, and the country’s diverse growing regions each contribute unique characteristics to its coffee. Here are the main coffee-growing regions in Costa Rica:
Tarrazu:
Location: South of the capital, San José.
Altitude: 1,200 to 1,800 meters above sea level.
Characteristics: Coffee from Tarrazu is often full-bodied with bright acidity and intense flavors, including citrus and berry notes.
West Valley (Valle Occidental):
Location: West of the Central Valley, including areas like Naranjo and Palmares.
Altitude: 1,200 to 1,700 meters above sea level.
Characteristics: This region produces coffee with a balanced profile, showcasing a smooth body and sweet, fruity notes with a hint of chocolate.
Central Valley (Valle Central):
Location: Around the capital, San José, including areas like Heredia and Alajuela.
Altitude: 1,000 to 1,400 meters above sea level.
Characteristics: Coffee from the Central Valley is known for its mild acidity and balanced flavor, often exhibiting floral and fruity undertones.
Tres Rios:
Location: East of San José.
Altitude: 1,200 to 1,650 meters above sea level.
Characteristics: This region is noted for its clean and balanced coffee with bright acidity, often featuring citrus and fruity notes.
Brunca:
Location: Southern part of Costa Rica, including areas like Coto Brus and Buenos Aires.
Altitude: 800 to 1,200 meters above sea level.
Characteristics: Coffee from Brunca tends to have a lighter body with smooth, mellow flavors and a subtle sweetness.
Orosi:
Location: Southeast of San José.
Altitude: 900 to 1,400 meters above sea level.
Characteristics: This region produces coffee with a balanced profile, often with nutty and chocolatey flavors complemented by mild acidity.
Guanacaste:
Location: Northwestern Costa Rica.
Altitude: 600 to 1,200 meters above sea level.
Characteristics: Coffee from Guanacaste is typically smooth and mild with a balanced acidity and sweet undertones.
Turrialba:
Location: Near the Turrialba volcano.
Altitude: 600 to 1,200 meters above sea level.
Characteristics: This region's coffee is known for its full body and rich flavors, often featuring a pronounced earthy and nutty profile.
Each of these regions benefits from Costa Rica's favorable climate, rich volcanic soil, and meticulous cultivation practices, ensuring that the coffee produced is of exceptional quality. The diversity in elevation and microclimates across these regions allows for a wide range of flavor profiles, making Costa Rican coffee highly sought after by enthusiasts worldwide.
