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Coffee origin · Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Precision born beneath volcanoes

Bright citrus, honey, ripe stone fruit, and caramel clarity reflect volcanic soils, cool nights, and meticulous processing.

HoneyCitrusCaramelStone fruitClean finish

Stand in the landscape

Before it is coffee,
it is a place.

Coffee grows across volcanic highlands including Tarrazú, the Central Valley, West Valley, Brunca, and Tres Ríos. Elevation and distinct wet and dry seasons help build sweetness and structure.

Harvest window

When the cherries turn red

Picking generally begins in October and can continue through March, with the highest regions often finishing last.

Harvest rhythm

How often the trees give

One main annual harvest follows synchronized flowering after the first rains. Mills prepare for concentrated deliveries of ripe cherry.

In the field

How the fruit is gathered

Ripe cherries are selected by hand, then delivered quickly to family micro-mills or larger beneficios for careful sorting.

From fruit to seed

How flavor takes shape

Washed coffee is foundational, while Costa Rica became famous for precise honey processes that leave controlled amounts of fruit on the seed while drying.

The map inside the cup

Regions to know

Common cup tendencies

What you may taste

Flavor changes with variety, farm, elevation, processing, roast, water, grind, and brewing method. These are common tendencies, not guarantees.

From this origin to the world

How Costa Rica
changed coffee.

Costa Rica showed how traceability, micro-mills, and processing experiments could give small farms a distinct voice in specialty coffee.

Brands and roasters that commonly feature this originCafé BrittStarbucks ReserveNespressoSpecialty micro-roasters
Origin offerings and blend recipes change by season and market.

Harvest timing varies by region and weather. Research starting points:

Instituto del Café de Costa Rica ↗International Coffee Organization ↗Back to Coffee With Krissy