The history of coffee in Costa Rica has a rich and unique tradition. Costa Rica is the only country in the world with an executive order (#19302-MAG, December 4, 1989), banning the production of any variety of coffee other than Arabica. This country has also enacted laws protecting an estimated 25% of its territory in order to preserve the 5% of the world’s biodiversity it shelters, much of it in coffee plantations. Such closely knit relationship between the environment, laws and popular support for the brew is truly remarkable.
After El Salvador, Costa Rica is the second smallest Central American nation. The narrowest distance separating the Caribbean from the Pacific Ocean measures only 73.94 miles (119 kilometers). The broadest area of the country measures 173.98 miles (280 kilometers). The distance from the northern most point of Costa Rica to the Panamanian border is only 298.25 miles (480 kilometers). The country’s land mass is part of the great Andean-Sierra Madre chain which is present in the western region of the Americas. There are many volcanoes and mountains everywhere. The nation’s northwestern part has low, narrow hills. The mountains grow steeper and larger near the Panamanian border.
Costa Rica lies wholly within the tropics. The country has at least a dozen “climatic zones” and very diverse local microclimates.
- Most regions have a rainy season, usually from May to November. The dry season is from December to April.
- The rainfall tends to follow a predictable schedule. Highland ridges are wet. Windward sides of the country record the most rain.
- The geography and natural habitats in Costa Rica are really beautiful. The country is perfectly suited to grow crops such as coffee.
- The country’s soils are enriched by volcanic ash which helps produce a slight degree of tropical acidity.
- The soils are also rich in organic matter which promotes healthy root systems and retains humidity. The result is good oxygenation and quality crops.
The quality of Costa Rican coffee is simply outstanding.
- Most of the coffee grows in the mountains. The altitudes vary from 3,000 feet to 6,000 feet.
- The length of daylight varies little during the year. Usually, sunrise is around 6 in the morning and sunset 12 hours later.
- Seasonal variations in temperatures typically do not vary by more than a few degrees in any given location.
- Hottest months: March to May. September and October can be quite warm.
- December, January and February enjoy lower temperatures because of cool winds bearing down from northern latitudes.
- During the summer time, called the “dry season,” night temperatures can be quite cool. Clear skies at night allow maximum heat loss through radiation.
- By contrast, during the wet season, the nights are warmer as the heat built up during the day is trapped by the clouds.
All these weather conditions are perfect for coffee growth and help maintain a quality hard to find elsewhere.
Ready for a cup of delicious Costa Rican Tarrazu gourmet coffee?
Timothy (“Tim”) S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him “The Gourmet Coffee Guy.” He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author’s website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
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