The story of how the coffee industry got started is entangled with the story of the Spanish conquistadors. They named Costa Rica (Rich Coast) thus in the hope of finding valuable rocks and minerals in the hills. Since no such riches were to be found, they focused their attention on agricultural pursuits. Out of all the growing regions, the Central Valley region has proven to be the most profitable for coffee growing and coffee farms were cultivated in its hills. Other coffee growing regions include Santa Elena in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. When visiting this iconic National Park, many local establishments will offer coffee roasted from this local produce.
The government mandates the coffee industry to a certain degree. The coffee produced in Costa Rica is known as Arabica coffee. The Arabica beans have a deep and sweet flavor when brewed. The roast is often mixed with other ingredients and flavors such as chocolate, citrus or even berries, which creates an even more intoxicating blend. The dark roast generally has a pretty low acidity level in favor of a fuller and more complex flavor. But of course, the variety in the production process, the plant and of course the coffee growing regions, can produce different kinds of flavors. The strictly hard bean, for example, is grown above 39,000 feet. Coffee producers then hand select the beans by dividing the harder beans from the softer ones. In Orosi, the crop is grown underneath the shade trees with the intention of improving the quality.
Maintaining a sustainable process has become almost as important as the quality of the roast. Costa Rica now tries to grow in harmony with the environment and to go along with how green Costa Rica is. Costa Rican law has a set standard for coffee mills for the highest quality coffee. These regulations are in place to help protect the environment including water, forests, and wildlife. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment in Costa Rica regulate the law concerning the coffee production. Coffee in Costa Rica is an excellent way to help improve Costa Rica’s socio-economic and a way to increase sustainable practices.
Enjoy the first part of your day with our coffee experts at the Café Britt Classic CoffeeTour. This tour will introduce you to all the aspects of the coffee making process including what makes the industry more sustainable than before and how different micro-climates can influence the flavor and quality and the beans. Your tour will end with a visit to the factory where you can sample some chocolate and of course, delicious coffees.
Recommended Ages: All ages.
Tour Includes: Bilingual guide (English / Spanish), transportation.
What to bring: Light jacket, comfortable shoes, money for souvenirs.
Duration of the trip (approximately): Half day.
The main objective of the Coffee Tour is to educate and inform the local and international population with regard to the whole production process as well as the processing of coffee. The tour takes place on the Doka Estate, where you can learn about the production, the harvesting, the processing plant and the roasting of the grain. Costa Rica has a large variety of microclimates and altitudes within short distances. This route explains how the different climatic factors favor the taste of our coffee. Guided by an expert, the visitors will receive extensive information, which will make this activity an incomparable experience.
What Includes: Entrance
What to Bring: Hiking shoes, raincoat jacket, camera, money for souvenirs.
Recommended Ages: All ages
Duration tour: 2 hours.
El Trapiche tour is a great way to learn about Costa Rica culture and food! You will have a guided tour of the family farm and learn about the production of Coffee, Sugarcane, and Chocolate! You’ll also learn about other important Costa Rican crops that are grown on the family farm. You’ll learn about the coffee process, how they pick the coffee to various types of the coffee processing. Then enjoy learning (and tasting!) how chocolate is made! You’ll also have the chance to ride in a typical ox cart to the Sugar Cane Mill (El Trapiche). At the Sugar Cane Mill, you’ll learn about how the sugar cane is transformed from a plant to a sweet treat, you’ll even have the chance to make your own sugar cane candy! At the end of your tour, you’ll have the chance to try coffee, fresh pressed sugarcane juice, and picadillo de arracache (a traditional vegetable dish) – a true taste of Costa Rica and Monteverde!
Whats Included: Transportation and guide
Recommended Ages: All Ages
Tour Duration (approximately): 2.5 hours
What to bring: Rain jacket, sweater, closed toed shoes, money to buy coffee or chocolate in the gift shop
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