The black gold

Geographical conditions make Costa Rica an outstanding coffee-growing country, producing particularly varied, aromatic coffee. Strong temperature differences, volcanic ash and the best altitude in the interior provide a diverse climate in which the coffee plant can develop completely different notes. Costa Rica, also called "Switzerland of Central America" due to its neutrality, also benefits from its political stability. It has been able to expand its economic ambitions in terms of agriculture and coffee cultivation and has thus become one of the richest countries in Central America. The most famous coffee growing areas are the Tarrazú Highlands, Naranjo and the Valley Central.

Quality at a fair price

Costa Rica was one of the first countries to set up its own "cooperatives" for small farmers and to protect the employees working on the plantations and in production through a Fairtrade program. The minimum price set there and the higher income structure of the farmers can guarantee the production of the exceptional Costa Rican Arabica beans in the long term. As a direct result of Fairtrade, Costa Rica has a healthy level of competition, with a focus on maintaining high quality and long-term care of the plantation. We source our coffee exclusively from farms that we know personally.

Cultivation in Costa Rica: Selection by hand

The cultivation and harvesting of the usually very remote highland plantations is mostly done by hand. This gentle but very laborious method of work can only be ensured by the cooperatives and the Fairtrade agreement and contributes significantly to the quality of the coffee cherries. In larger mills, the fruits are stripped of their thick skins after harvesting and are usually dried in the open air. The dried leather coating is then removed, the beans prepared for roasting and subsequently shipped. The residues of the processing - such as the husks and the pulp - are later used in agriculture as fertilizer. Cascara, which is becoming increasingly popular, can also be purchased from us. The tea obtained from it has an antitoxic effect and is very taste-intesive. When selecting our local partners, we do not only attach importance to the highest quality standards but also to socio-economic aspects.