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Get to know Central American Coffee-- an introduction to Costa Rica Coffee producing areas

Published: 2025-08-21 Author: World Gafei

Last Updated: 2025/08/21, For more information on coffee beans, please follow the Coffee Workshop (Wechat official account cafe_style) Central America is a land bridge connecting North and South America. There are seven countries, namely, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. Coffee is produced in seven Central American countries, including Guatemala, Costa Rica and Acer.

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Central America is the land bridge between North and South America, a total of seven countries, namely, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. Seven Central American countries all produce coffee, with Guatemala, Costa Rica and Honduras among the top 10 coffee exporters in the world.

Coffee originated in Central America in the 18th century, and this important economic product originated in Costa Rica around 1840. Since Central America became independent from Spain in 1821, wars have continued. Since Costa Rica was far from the Spanish colonial capital of Guatemala, it was not affected by the civil war. On the contrary, it was Guatemala and El Salvador that delayed the production of coffee because of the civil war. After that, the political dispute gradually subsided, and with the exception of Honduras, Central American countries began to produce coffee in the 19th century.

Central America has the natural advantages of sunshine, land, and mountains, and an abundant working population, which makes the region unique in growing and producing high-quality coffee. In the late 19th century, coffee had become an indicator of economic growth in Central American countries, and all Central American countries passed a bill to promote coffee. The most remarkable results have been achieved in countries such as Costa Rica El Salvador and Guatemala coupled with the scientific and technological way of growing coffee making Central America one of the four largest coffee producing regions in the world.

Costa Rica

The seven main coffee producing areas are distributed from northwest to southeast along with the inland central plateau. Costa Rican volcanic terrain with fertile volcanic ash, mild and suitable temperature, and stable and abundant rainfall is one of the reasons why coffee has become one of the main agricultural products in Costa Rica.

Since the coffee industry in Costa Rica began to develop since the middle of the 18th century, it was the first country where coffee was first introduced into Central America and has a long history. Therefore, the coffee organization has a complete system from production to marketing. In terms of quality and quantity, Costa Rican coffee has always been recognized by the world, and has been rated as the world-class high-quality coffee.

Its coffee beans are all Arabica species. Pure flavor, pleasant aroma, both in acidity and taste have an unassailable balance, suitable for a single coffee, can also be mixed into a comprehensive coffee.

Production area name planting height (meter) coffee characteristics of seasonal cup test results

Western valley

West Valley

1000-1200

November to March

High acidity

The bean body is full.

The aroma is fragrant

The acidity and bean body can not compete with beans from other producing areas, but the overall taste is well balanced, with hints of almonds and peaches.

Central valley

Central Valley

1200-1600

November to March

High acidity in the mouth

The bean body is full.

Rich fragrance

Coffee in this area is the earliest coffee growing area in Costa Rica, with rich volcanic soil and sometimes chocolate aroma.

Tarasu

Tarrazu

1200-1700

December to March