COSTA RICA COFFEE ORIGIN 2024
By David Hawley
The smell of diesel quickly gave way in the cool mountain breeze, replaced by the sweet scent of flowers, green leaves, and soil warmed by the sun. Disembarking from the truck bed we climbed down a ladder as the kids scrambled off the side with practiced ease. Cerro San Luis is a family run farm and micromill, and as we were given a tour of their highest farm, the pride they take in their work was obvious. Tasting coffee cherries ripe off the tree gave life to so many of the ideas and terms that I have used for years. No longer an abstract, the work involved was given a face and a name, and opened my eyes to the lengths that these farmers go to to produce the quality coffees that we so fortunately get to enjoy.
With visits to both Cerro San Luis and Las Lajas Micromill, I was impressed by the fact that these farmers are so passionate and take so much pride in their work. This is not simply a means to provide for their families. They have transformed their land and their practices as they reach for an ever improving mark of quality. It was incredible to get a glimpse at the depth of knowledge, experimentation, and science that goes into every aspect of their farms. They aren’t just growing and harvesting a crop, they are producing and developing a product with as much care and intentionality as I have ever seen. The pride they take in their work was paired with hospitality and an eagerness to share with us. They were genuinely grateful for our interest and met us with excitement for every question and moment of awe.
After the incredible experience of seeing the farms and micromills firsthand we were given a glimpse into what it is about Costa Rica that has provided a stage for such amazing coffees. Costa Rica has a long history with coffee. As their founding export, coffee has long been held in high regard, and early in their history the country as a whole decided that the thing that would set them apart was going to be the quality of their coffee. To that end ICAFE was created along with a law that governs the production of coffee. More than just a governing body, ICAFE has done a lot of work to help farmers, producers, mills, and workers to thrive through research and technology, efforts in sustainability, and promotion. Their influence has created the opportunity for many farms to succeed and provide for their families, communities, and all of us consumers abroad.
Visiting cafes and restaurants in San José, we found that the level of excellence was astounding. The specialty coffee scene seems to be thriving and finding a strong influence in the culture of Costa Rica. I was amazed how in touch with the global coffee scene the baristas were and how they present themselves with confidence backed by knowledge and skill. This is a place that truly takes pride in what they do and is consistently reaching for quantity in every facet of coffee. It was truly invigorating to be in a culture that celebrates coffee as a part of their heritage and cultural livelihood rather than just another step in their daily routine.
I am forever grateful to Cafe Imports for facilitating the opportunity to visit Costa Rica. The individuals I met will always hold a special place in my heart and I now have faces I dearly hope to see again, both in the States and in Costa Rica.
