Costa Rica is a peaceful country with beautiful geography, beaches, natural habitats with amazing wildlife and flora. This country also has one of the best climates in the world. Costa Rica is also a politically and economically stable country, one of the oldest democracies in Latin America. This nation does not have a permanent standing army but maintains small forces capable of law enforcement and foreign peacekeeping. Costa Rica is slowly becoming a computer technology power in the region attracting many foreign investors. The accessibility to computer technology has a very positive effect on its national educational system. In addition, this country has a national “passion for coffee, the grain of gold.”
The five main geographical areas of the country are: the Tropical Lowlands (Pacific and Caribbean Coasts); the North Central Plains; the Central Valley, and the Northwest Peninsula. From a governmental standpoint, the country has seven provinces: Guanacaste, Alajuela, Heredia, Limón, Cartago, San José and Puntarenas. Most of the regions have rivers, mountains, volcanoes, valleys and coffee, of course.
The highest mountain in Costa Rica has an elevation of about 12,450 feet and is called the Chirripó. Mountain ridges run across the entire country, interrupted by valleys which are extremely fertile areas. Costa Rica is located at the heart of one of the most active volcanic regions on earth, part of the Pacific Rim of Fire. Costa Rica has 7 of the isthmus’ 42 active volcanoes and an additional 60 dormant or extinct ones.
The best gourmet specialty coffee anywhere in the world grows in volcanic soil at high elevation. This is true in Costa Rica where the coffee is excellent and is enjoyed with all meals. Coffee is often prepared by many Costa Ricans by pouring hot water through grounds held in a sock-like device although many people use regular coffee makers and other coffee equipment. Costa Ricans talk often about coffee and all the benefits derived from the brew. It is a common practice for Costa Ricans to serve coffee with sugar already added to it or mixed with milk. If you find yourself in this situation, either ask for black coffee or enjoy the cup “like a native.”
What are the different kinds of coffee available in Costa Rica?
“Café La Carpintería:” from the Tres Ríos zone, in the Central Valley area. Type: Strictly Hard Bean (SHB). The cup has exquisite balance between body, aroma and acidity.
“Café Atarazu:” from the Tarrazu zone, a volcanic mountain area in the Great Mountain Range named Talamanca. Type: Strictly Hard Bean (SHB). The cup has a very good body, exquisite aroma and excellent acidity.
“Café El Gran Vito:” from the Coto Brus zone, the far land of the country. Type: Strictly Hard Bean (SHB). Italian immigrants started this coffee growth which has a unique string taste, light, and reminds those who drink it of the mountains and forests.
“Café Zurqui:” from the Heredia zone, one of the oldest coffee plantations areas in the country. Type: Strictly Hard Bean (SHB). Excellent bean quality, with high acidity, very good body and aroma.
“Café Ujarraci:” from the Cachí zone, a fertile valley with lakes and crystal clear waters. A unique coffee with special characteristics that Europeans, Americans and Japanese gourmet coffee drinkers really like.
“Café Buena Vista:” from the San Isidro del General zone, in the Valle del General (General’s River Valley). This valley is surrounded by the most impressive mountains in Costa Rica. The cup has good aroma and body and great acidity.
So, ready to have a great cup of your favorite gourmet coffee, such as Costa Rican Tarrazu or Costa Rican SHB Decaffeinated?
