Costa Rica Tarrazú Washed Caturra & Catuai Coffee Beans

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Costa Rican coffee so famously bright and clean, the answer often starts in the high-altitude volcanic soils of Tarrazú. This region’s reputation isn’t built on hype—it’s the result of consistent elevation, optimal rainfall, and decades of focused growing. For coffee lovers seeking a reliable, vibrant single origin, Tarrazú offers a textbook example of how terroir shapes flavor.

The coffee profile you’re looking for comes from Costa Rica’s Tarrazú region, where washed Caturra and Catuai beans are grown between 1200–2000 metres at Beneficio Palmichal. These beans are processed using the washed method, which highlights their inherent clarity and acidity.

Why Tarrazú Stands Out for Coffee

Tarrazú is one of the most renowned coffee-growing areas in the world, often called the 'Area of Saints' due to its high elevation and stunning landscapes. The region lies in Costa Rica’s fertile volcanic belt, where rich, well-drained volcanic soils combine with year-round rainfall and cool temperatures from high altitudes. The dense natural forest canopy provides ideal shade, slowing cherry maturation and developing complex sugars. All of these factors contribute to the clean, vibrant cup profiles Tarrazú is known for.

The Role of Altitude and Processing

Growing coffee at 1200–2000 metres above sea level slows down the ripening process, allowing cherries to develop more concentrated sugars and acids. The washed processing method—where the coffee cherry’s skin and pulp are removed before the beans are fermented and washed—further enhances the beans’ clarity, acidity, and cleanliness. This method is especially effective at highlighting the inherent characteristics of Caturra and Catuai varieties in Tarrazú’s terroir.

About the Growers and Processing

The beans are processed at Beneficio Palmichal, a large farm and mill established in 1950. Operated under the Ceca group, Beneficio Palmichal has been directly sourcing coffee cherries from local smallholders for over fifty years. Their long-term relationships and consistent processing standards have helped build an internationally recognised brand. The mill focuses on quality control from harvest to export, ensuring that each lot reflects Tarrazú’s high standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What altitude are the Tarrazú Caturra and Catuai beans grown at?

The Caturra and Catuai coffee beans from Tarrazú are grown at elevations between 1200 and 2000 metres above sea level. This high altitude slows cherry maturation, leading to greater sugar development and more complex acidity in the cup.

What processing method is used for these beans?

These beans are processed using the washed (or wet) method, which involves removing the coffee cherry’s skin and pulp before fermenting and washing the beans. This method highlights the coffee’s clarity, brightness, and clean profile.

Where is Tarrazú located and why is it famous?

Tarrazú is a region in Costa Rica known for its high-altitude volcanic soils, consistent rainfall, and cool temperatures. It’s famous for producing some of the country’s brightest and most balanced coffees, often referred to as the 'Area of Saints' because of its scenic, elevated landscape.

Who processes the beans and how long have they been operating?

The beans are processed at Beneficio Palmichal, a farm and mill operated by the Ceca group since 1950. They have been sourcing cherries directly from local smallholders for over 50 years and are known for their consistent quality and international recognition.

What coffee varieties are included in this lot?

This coffee lot includes both Caturra and Catuai varieties, which are well-suited to Tarrazú’s high-altitude conditions and are known for their bright acidity and clean cup profiles when processed using the washed method.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Pour-Over

For fans of Costa Rica’s bright and clean profile, try FrontStreet’s Brazil Hilariano Red Bourbon—a medium roast with a round body, mild acidity, and notes of nuts and caramel. Or explore Colombia’s Finca La Esperanza Gesha, offering intense floral and citrus tones with a juicy body. Both beans are excellent for pour-over and showcase the clarity and balance that high-altitude, well-processed coffees can deliver. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.