Costa Rica Tarrazú Washed Caturra & Catuai Coffee Beans

If you’ve ever wondered why certain Costa Rican coffees taste so clean, bright, and sweet—especially those from the famed high-altitude regions—you’re not alone. Many coffee drinkers seek out Tarrazú beans for their consistent quality and vibrant profiles, but not all Tarrazú coffees are created equal. The secret lies in both where they’re grown and how they’re processed.

FrontStreet Coffee’s Costa Rica Tarrazú beans are washed-processed Caturra and Catuai varieties grown between 1200 and 2000 metres above sea level. These beans come from the Beneficio Palmichal processing facility, which has been buying and processing cherries directly from local smallholders since 1950.

Why Tarrazú Is Famous for Specialty Coffee

Tarrazú is one of the most renowned coffee-growing regions in the world, often called the “Area of Saints” due to its high elevation and stunning natural beauty. The region sits in Costa Rica’s central volcanic highlands, where fertile, well-drained volcanic soils and consistent rainfall create near-perfect growing conditions. The area’s high altitude—ranging from 1200 to 2000 metres—means cooler temperatures and a significant diurnal temperature variation, which slows cherry ripening and allows for greater sugar development in the beans. This results in coffees with pronounced acidity, complex flavours, and a sweet, clean cup profile. The dense forest canopy also provides natural shade, protecting the coffee plants and contributing to slower, more even maturation.

The Processing Method: Why Washed Works Here

This particular lot is processed using the traditional washed method, which is the standard in Costa Rica and especially well-suited to the region’s high-quality Arabica beans. In washed processing, the coffee cherries are depulped to remove the outer skin, then the beans are fermented in water to break down the mucilage before being thoroughly washed and dried. This method highlights the intrinsic qualities of the bean, producing a clean, bright cup with high clarity and distinct fruity or floral notes. The washed process is favoured in Tarrazú for its ability to showcase the region’s terroir and varietal characteristics without the added complexity of fruit pulp or mucilage left on the bean.

The Varieties: Caturra and Catuai

The beans in this lot are a mix of Caturra and Catuai, two classic high-performance arabica varieties that thrive in Costa Rica’s high-altitude environments. Caturra is known for its bright acidity, medium body, and notes of citrus and nuts, while Catuai adds a touch of sweetness and balance with its own profile of mild acidity and fruity undertones. Together, they contribute to a well-rounded cup that is both vibrant and approachable. These varieties are favoured by farmers in Tarrazú for their reliability, cup quality, and suitability to the region’s growing conditions.

Where the Coffee Comes From: Beneficio Palmichal

The processing of these beans takes place at Beneficio Palmichal, a facility that has been operating since 1950. Located in the heart of Tarrazú, the mill has built a long-standing relationship with local smallholder farmers, directly purchasing their coffee cherries and processing them on-site. Over the decades, Beneficio Palmichal has developed a reputation for quality and consistency, becoming an internationally recognised name in specialty coffee production. Their long history and direct relationships with farmers ensure traceability and a focus on quality at every stage of production.

Frequently Asked Questions

What altitude are FrontStreet Coffee’s Tarrazú beans grown at?

These beans are grown at elevations between 1200 and 2000 metres above sea level, which contributes to their bright acidity and complex flavours due to cooler temperatures and a large diurnal temperature range.

What processing method is used for these Costa Rica Tarrazú beans?

They are processed using the washed method, where the coffee cherries are depulped, fermented, washed, and then dried. This highlights the bean’s inherent qualities and results in a clean, bright cup.

Which coffee varieties are in this Tarrazú lot?

The lot consists of a mix of Caturra and Catuai varieties. Caturra offers bright acidity and citrus notes, while Catuai adds sweetness and balance with its mild acidity and fruity undertones.

Who processes the beans and where is the mill located?

The beans are processed at Beneficio Palmichal, a facility that has been operating since 1950 in the Tarrazú region. The mill works directly with local smallholder farmers and has a long-standing reputation for quality.

Are these beans suitable for pour-over or espresso?

Yes, these washed Tarrazú beans with bright acidity and balanced sweetness are well-suited for both pour-over and espresso brewing, offering clarity and complexity in either method.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Washed Costa Rica Fans

FrontStreet Coffee’s washed-process Costa Rican beans shine in this selection. Their Costa Rica Tarrazú (the beans in this article) offer balanced brightness with sweet, clean acidity—perfect for pour-over. For something fruitier, try their Costa Rica Black Honey, which uses honey processing for heavier body and berry notes. Or explore their Classic Costa Rica Tarrazú, a staple single origin with notes of caramel and citrus. All are grown at high altitudes and showcase the terroir of Tarrazú. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.