This coffee is available as a ‘limited edition’, in small quantities. If this coffee wins your hearts, we will try to obtain the same beans next year, but in larger quantities.
The Tarrazú coffee region of Costa Rica is a highland area famous for producing some of the world’s most renowned high-quality Arabica coffee varieties. Coffee in the Tarrazú region is mainly grown on small farms and is known for its diversity and aroma. The farms are located at an altitude of 1,200-1,800 meters above sea level, which promotes slow ripening of the coffee cherries and dense, higher-quality coffee beans.
This particular coffee comes from ASOPROAAA (Asociación de Productores Agropecuarios de las Comunidades de Acosta y Aserrí), an association of agricultural producers in Acosta and Aserrí, which was founded in 1998 after a devastating hurricane Mitch swept through the region. ASOPROAAA offers financial, commercial and technical assistance to its members and implements special programs to improve the living conditions of the community. As part of the association’s initiatives, more than 2,000 homes have been built for people with limited means.
The coffee beans are processed using a special “black honey” method. The “honey” in the name does not refer to the taste, but to the sticky, honey-like coating (a sugary, soft substance) that remains on the coffee bean after the husk and part of the pulp have been removed. The pulp-coated beans are spread out on raised platforms to dry. This is the most important part of the process, and it is where the name “black honey” comes from. The beans are dried in the shade to slow down the process, which allows for a longer fermentation period. The sugars and acids in the pulp are transferred to the coffee beans, giving them their unique flavor profile. The coffee beans must be constantly monitored during the process to prevent excessive fermentation or mold growth.
We roast this coffee to a medium degree, which, in our opinion, brings out its best qualities – the coffee beans are perfectly suited for making a “juicy” espresso.
