Introduction
Coffee was first introduced to Costa Rica in 1779 in the Central Valley of Costa Rica which had ideal soil and climate conditions for coffee plantations. The trees thrived in the region’s high altitudes and cool temperature.
The coffee industry in Costa Rica experienced a boom in the 1840s, with the country’s ideal growing conditions and high demand for coffee in Europe and the United States leading to a rapid increase in the number of coffee plantations. By the 1880s, Costa Rica was one of the world’s leading coffee exporters.
However, the coffee industry in Costa Rica experienced a decline in the 1980s due to a crash in coffee prices. Many coffee farmers were forced to abandon their plantations, but the Costa Rican government stepped in to help the industry. The country began to focus on quality over quantity in coffee production, and by the 1990s, Costa Rican coffee had regained its reputation as a high-quality product.
Today, Costa Rican coffee is highly sought after and enjoyed by coffee lovers around the world. The country’s coffee farmers continue to focus on quality and have also adopted sustainable farming practices.
Below is the List of 7 Best Costa Rica Coffee
Café Britt Costa Rican, Medium Roast Coffee
Features
- Certified kosher, USDA Organic and gluten free
- Café Britt has been certified carbon neutral since 2013
- Single-origin coffee from the Tarrazú growing region, known for its chocolate flavor and hints of grapefruit
- Medium roast highlights the coffee’s flavor notes
- Picked, roasted, and packed in Costa Rica
- Premium ground coffee packaged in a triple-layer bag to lock in freshness
- 100% Arabica Coffee, high mountain grown, Strictly Hard Bean coffee
Overview
This coffee boasts a medium roast that skillfully enhances its chocolaty undertones and subtle grapefruit notes. Sourced from Tarrazú, a revered coffee-growing region renowned for producing some of the world’s most exquisite coffee beans, it encapsulates the essence of this coffee haven.
The journey of this coffee, from farm to your home, unfolds entirely within Costa Rica. The beans are meticulously picked, roasted, and packaged in-country, offering a freshness that’s as close to the source as it gets. This unique approach ensures that each cup you brew carries the authenticity and richness of Costa Rica’s coffee culture.
Environmental responsibility is a cornerstone of Café Britt’s ethos. With a carbon-neutral certification dating back to 2013, the brand actively contributes to minimizing its carbon footprint. By choosing Café Britt, you’re not only savoring exceptional coffee, but also supporting a brand that prioritizes sustainability and the well-being of our planet.
Cafe 1820 Costa Rican, Ground Coffee, Dark Roast
Features
- 100% Arabica beans
- It has an excellent body, acidity and sweetness for a well-defined cup
Overview
Café 1820 Classic – Premium Ground Coffee is a high-quality coffee that is grown in nutrient-rich volcanic soils located more than 1,100 meters above sea level.
This coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans and is a dark roast blend that delivers a rich and sophisticated flavor. It features fruity notes complemented by hints of chocolate, yielding a well-rounded cup with an outstanding body, balanced acidity, and a dash of sweetness.
For those who relish dark roast flavors, this blend is a delight. It caters to individuals who seek the full-bodied character of a dark roast coffee, perfect for those moments when you need a bold kick to start your day or a comforting cup to savor during moments of reflection.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Costa Rica Paraiso
Features
- This medium roast coffee is wonderfully caffeinated
- Crafted entirely from 100% Arabica beans
- Sourced from a single origin
- Fair Trade Certified
- Certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union
Overview
From the moment you start brewing, the air fills with a tantalizing aroma that paints a vivid picture of the tropical paradise that is Costa Rica. The scent is a prelude to the symphony of flavors that awaits in every cup. The medium roast strikes a perfect balance, neither too light nor too dark, creating a fine blend that is a delight to the palate, and a testament to Green Mountain’s mastery over the art of coffee making.
What truly sets Green Mountain Coffee apart is their commitment to the environment and ethical production methods. Every sip comes with the assurance that the coffee you’re enjoying is sourced responsibly and produced sustainably, which reflects Green Mountain’s dedication to maintaining harmony with nature and supporting the farming communities.
Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC, Costa Rica Tarrazu Coffee
Features
- Roasted and packaged in the USA
- Made with 100% Arabica beans
- Available in different sizes
- Processing: Fully Washed Processed
Overview
When it comes to exploring the world of coffee, the Fresh Roasted Coffee’s Costa Rican Tarrazu Whole Bean is a journey worth embarking upon. This medium roast offering, sourced from the renowned Costa Rican Tarrazu region, promises a symphony of flavors with notes of honey and chocolate. Let’s delve into the highlights of this delightful coffee experience.
Brewing a cup of Costa Rican Tarrazu is akin to unveiling the secrets of the beans. The medium roast strikes an artful balance between the natural essence of the beans and the carefully orchestrated roasting process. Each sip embodies the culmination of this harmonious interplay, inviting you to savor every nuance of the brew.
The flavor profile of the Costa Rican Tarrazu is a testament to the meticulous selection of Caturra and Catuai bean varieties. Grown at elevations between 1,300 and 1,600 meters, these beans are subject to the altitude’s unique influence, resulting in a coffee that is both robust and nuanced. The fully washed processing method further refines the flavors, producing a cup that’s bold yet remarkably smooth.
One cannot overlook the ethical dimension that Fresh Roasted Coffee embodies. Sourcing beans sustainably and adhering to environmentally conscious roasting practices, the brand’s commitment to quality and responsibility shines through in every cup. The coffee’s journey from bean to bag is a story of integrity and transparency.
Costa Rica Coffee Tarrazu Original by Volcanica Coffee
Features
- Coffee Processing: Traditional wet process
- Drying: Patio and mechanical
- Family Owned: Offering Organically Grown, Rainforest Alliance Certified and Fair-Trade Certified coffees
- 100% Pure: Costa Rica Tarrazu Coffee for a smooth, bright cup, well balanced flavor with a subtle chocolate flavor
- Grown at high altitudes: On volcanic soil, where the cherries ripen more slowly which give it a rich and hearty flavor
- Certification: Fair Trade Certified, RainForest Alliance Certified and Shade Grown to care for the workers and the earth
Overview
The journey of this coffee begins with a traditional wet process, preserving the integrity of the beans. The drying process, a blend of patio and mechanical methods, ensures that the flavors are coaxed out in the most authentic way possible. It’s evident that Volcanica coffee takes pride in their craft, as this family-owned business holds the distinction of offering coffees that are organically grown, rainforest alliance certified, and fair-trade certified.
In a world where coffee options are abundant, Volcanica Coffee’s Tarrazu Original Ground stands out as an invitation to embark on a journey. It’s not just a coffee; it’s a portal to the flavors, aromas, and traditions of Costa Rica. With certifications that speak to its ethical sourcing and a commitment to customer satisfaction, this coffee is a testament to the beauty of a well-crafted brew.
Copper Moon Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast
Features
- Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Allergen Free and Kosher
- Sustainably Sourced 100% Premium Arabica Coffee Blend
- Small Batch Roasting
Overview
This medium roast coffee from Costa Rican is rich and delicious, with a silky-smooth texture and a nice bright wine-like profile. The eloquent finish of this blend is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Copper Moon Coffee is a family roastery that is focused on creating evenly roasted, uniquely smooth, high-grade coffee. Their Costa Rican blend is sustainably sourced from various farms with perfect growing conditions in the rich volcanic soils of Costa Rica in Central America. Copper Moon Coffee has created their own globally sustainable coffee bean sourcing program called “SEE Copper Moon Rising” which aims to achieve a positive social, economic, and environmental impact.
The coffee can be brewed using a drip style, French press, pour over or reusable Keurig K-cup. Copper Moon Coffee is Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Allergen Free and Kosher.
Kirkland Signature Costa Rica Whole Bean Coffee
Features
- 100% Arabica Coffee
- Kosher Certified
- Offers a taste of the unique coffee flavors from Costa Rica.
Overview
The Costa Rican whole beans by Kirkland have garnered a loyal following due to their affordable cost, dependable dark roast, and robust, satisfying taste. While they might not be categorized as single-origin beans, if you’re open to exploring a more economical option and manage to come across them at a competitive price, they undeniably deliver excellent value.
Overview of the coffee growing regions of Costa Rica
There are eight main coffee growing regions in Costa Rica:
Tarrazú
Tarrazú is considered to be the premier coffee growing region in Costa Rica. The coffee beans from Tarrazú are known for their rich, complex flavor with hints of chocolate, caramel, and citrus.
Guanacaste
Guanacaste is located in the northwestern part of Costa Rica and is known for its dry climate and high altitudes. The coffee beans from Guanacaste are known for their bright, acidic flavor with hints of citrus and flowers. Guanacaste is also known for its honey-processed coffee, which is a type of coffee that is processed using a special method that results in a sweet, fruity flavor.
Tres Ríos
Tres Ríos: Tres Ríos is located in the Cartago province of Costa Rica and is known for its high altitudes and cool temperatures. The coffee beans from Tres Ríos are known for their rich, complex flavor with hints of chocolate, caramel, and citrus. Tres Ríos is also known for its Strictly Hard Bean (SHB) coffee, which is a type of coffee bean that is known for its high quality and consistency.
Valle Occidental
Valle Occidental is located in the western part of Costa Rica and is known for its smooth, balanced flavor with hints of chocolate and caramel. The coffee beans from Valle Occidental are also known for their high quality and consistency.
Valle Central
Valle Central is located in the central part of Costa Rica and is home to a variety of coffee farms. The coffee beans from the Valle Central are known for their smooth, balanced flavor with hints of chocolate and caramel.
Brunca
Brunca is located in the southwestern part of Costa Rica and is known for its high altitudes and cool temperatures. The coffee beans from Brunca are known for their rich, complex flavor with hints of chocolate, caramel, and spices.
Orosi
Orosi is located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica and is known for its high altitudes and cool temperatures. The coffee beans from Orosi are known for their smooth, balanced flavor with hints of chocolate and caramel.
Turrialba
Turrialba is a coffee-growing region located in the Cartago province of Costa Rica. It is known for its high altitudes, cool temperatures, and fertile soil. The coffee beans from Turrialba are known for their rich, complex flavor with hints of chocolate, caramel, and citrus.
Differentiating factors that contribute to the flavor of Costa Rican Coffee
Costa Rican coffee is known for its characteristic light body, high acidity, and playful fruity notes. The flavor of Costa Rican coffee is influenced by several factors, including the growing region, bean selection, processing methods, roast profile, and brewing methods.
Growing region: Costa Rica has eight main coffee-growing regions: Valle Occidental, Tarrazú, Tres Ríos, Orosi, Turrialba, Valle Central, Guanacaste, and Brunca. Each region has its own unique climate and soil conditions that contribute to the flavor of the coffee grown there. For example, Tarrazú is widely considered to be the premier Costa Rican growing region and is known for beans that have high acidity, medium body, and excellent aromatics.
Bean selection: Costa Rica produces mostly Arabica coffee beans due to a former ban on growing Robusta coffee. Within the Arabica variety, there are several sub-varieties that can influence the flavor of the coffee. For example, peaberry beans are known for their sweeter, brighter, and more flavorful cup compared to regular beans.
Processing methods: Costa Rican coffee can be processed using several methods, including natural, washed, and honey methods. Each method affects the flavor of the coffee in different ways. For example, natural processing allows the flavors and sugars from the cherry and skin to be absorbed by the bean, resulting in a complex flavor profile.
Roast profile: The roast profile of Costa Rican coffee can also influence its flavor. A light roast typically retains many of the characteristic flavors of Costa Rican coffee while a dark roast will yield a fuller and more flavorful cup of coffee.
Brewing methods: The brewing method used to prepare Costa Rican coffee can also affect its flavor. Some popular brewing methods include pour-over, French press, drip brewing, and espresso. Each method extracts different flavors from the coffee beans.
Tips for making excellent costa rican coffee at home
Here are some tips for making excellent Costa Rican coffee at home:
Grind the beans fresh: For the best flavor, grind your coffee beans fresh just before brewing. Use a burr grinder for a consistent grind size and adjust the grind size according to your brewing method.
Use the right water temperature: The water temperature is important when brewing coffee, ideally between 195-205°F (90-96°C).
Measure your coffee and water: Use the right amount of coffee and water for your brewing method.
Experiment with different brewing methods: There are many different ways to brew coffee, including pour-over, French press, drip brewing, and espresso. Experiment with different methods to find the one that best highlights the flavor of your Costa Rican coffee.
Store your beans properly: To keep your coffee beans fresh, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Final Verdict
It is difficult to determine the “best” coffee from Costa Rica as taste preferences vary greatly from person to person. Costa Rica has eight main coffee-growing regions, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles. These regions are Valle Occidental, Tarrazú, Tres Ríos, Orosi, Turrialba, Valle Central, Guanacaste, and Brunca. Depending on your taste preferences, you may prefer coffee from one region over another.
Costa Rican coffee is known for its bright acidity, medium body, and well-balanced taste profile. Depending on the specific growing region and processing methods, it typically exhibits a smooth, sweet, and sometimes citrusy flavor with hints of chocolate or nuttiness. When selecting Costa Rican coffee, it is important to consider factors such as the growing region, bean quality, roast profile, freshness, and sustainability.
In conclusion, the “best” coffee from Costa Rica is a matter of personal taste. By exploring the different growing regions and experimenting with different beans and brewing methods, you can discover the Costa Rican coffee that best suits your taste preferences.
Happy Brewing 😊
