Costa Rica Tarrazú Hot Springs Washed SHB 2023

Hot Spring Water Washed Processing

Costa Rica is a pioneer of coffee processing methods like this unique take on the washed processing. In the Hot Spring Water process, natural thermal mineral water is employed to ferment the pulped coffee.

During fermentation at the San Diego wet mill, the hot thermal spring water accelerates and enhances the breakdown of mucilage, resulting in superior cup clarity. The beans also absorb natural minerals from the spring water, yielding a more, complex, flavorful cup. One can detect the classic fruit notes that are the hallmark of the Tarrazú region, highlighted with outstanding notes of spice.

Tarrazú Green Coffee Beans

Tarrazú is the most famous – and highest-producing – coffee region in Costa Rica. The canton was awarded Denomination of Origin status in 2019, and its distinctive cup profile, with fine acidity and full body, is why green coffee from Tarrazú is differentiated from the broader Los Santos area. Here, the focus is on quality over quantity, and the coffee in this lot grew at an altitude of 1,600. The red clay soil, humid climate, and tropical temperatures with an average of 24ºC help nurture some of the best coffee in Costa Rica.

Beneficio San Diego Coffee Mill

Beneficio San Diego is the most modern mill in Costa Rica. It was established in 1888 and has been innovating ever since. Today, Beneficio San Diego specializes in coffees from Tarrazú and Tres Ríos regions. The mill takes pride in striving for ever-increasing efficiency and quality standards. At the same time, it has taken a leading role in working with producers to ensure good community relations and sustainable production.

Costa Rican Green Coffee Quality

A Strictly Hard Bean (SHB) green coffee must be grown at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level or higher. When coffee grows at high altitudes, the coffee cherries mature more slowly. This allows the fruit to take in more nutrients, resulting in denser, sweeter coffee beans that are considered higher quality.

Costa Rica Unroasted Coffee Beans

Costa Rica coffees sell at a premium. The country has a reputation for delivering high quality and innovation – a winning combination. Costa Rica’s quality socio-economic infrastructure programs, such as universal healthcare, high education levels, sophisticated agronomy and research, and well-regulated agricultural sustainability programs, certainly contribute to the high cost of coffee. Additionally, when coffee roasters buy Costa Rican green coffee, producers receive nearly 80% of the FOB value, guaranteed. Read more in our Costa Rica Green Coffee Origin Report.