Costa Rica Tarrazú - Single Origin Medium Roast

Costa Rica’s Tarrazú region — often called Los Santos or the Area of the Saints — is one of the most celebrated coffee-growing valleys in Central America. Sitting high in the Talamanca Sierra mountain range, Tarrazú’s steep hillsides, rich volcanic soil and cool night-time temperatures create the perfect environment for slow-ripening Arabica. The result is a sweet, dense bean with exceptional clarity and balance, a profile that has earned Tarrazú global recognition for producing some of the finest coffees in the world.

This lot comes from smallholder farms cultivating Caturra and Catuai varieties at 1,200–1,800 masl, where warm days and cool nights promote slow cherry development and concentrated flavour. Classified as SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) and EP (European Preparation), the coffee is grown at high altitude, fully washed, and meticulously hand‑sorted to remove defects — a mark of Costa Rica’s commitment to quality. Processing takes place at NKG Beneficio Palmichal, one of the country’s most respected mills, ensuring clean fermentation, precise washing, and consistent drying.

In the cup, this medium roast highlights Tarrazú’s signature sweetness and brightness. Expect milk chocolate, plum, pear and caramel, wrapped in a creamy, well‑rounded body. A gentle stone‑fruit acidity adds lift without sharpness, giving the coffee a lively yet smooth character. It’s a classic Central American profile: clean, balanced, and quietly complex.

Tarrazú coffee is deeply tied to Costa Rican culture. Coffee cultivation began here in the late 18th century and quickly became central to the nation’s identity — funding railways, theatres, and shaping the country’s agricultural heritage. Today, Costa Rica remains one of the world’s most environmentally conscious producers, protecting its volcanic landscapes, banning low‑quality robusta, and championing sustainable farming. The region’s economy still revolves around coffee; during harvest season, Tarrazú’s population triples as families and seasonal workers come together to pick ripe cherries by hand.

This coffee reflects everything that makes Tarrazú special: volcanic soil, high altitude, meticulous processing, and the country’s “Pura Vida” spirit — a celebration of simple, pure, joyful living.

Versatile and characterful, it shines as a vibrant filter coffee, a smooth and sweet espresso, and cuts beautifully through milk for flat whites and cappuccinos. A cup with something to savour in every brew

What flavour profile should I expect?

A smooth, medium roast with sweet milk chocolate, soft plum and pear, gentle stone‑fruit acidity, and a creamy, well‑rounded body. Clean, balanced and quietly complex.

Where is this coffee grown?

In the famous Tarrazú region of Costa Rica — also known as Los Santos or the Area of the Saints. It’s one of Central America’s most celebrated coffee-growing valleys, known for volcanic soil, high altitude and exceptional quality.

What varieties are used?

Primarily Caturra and Catuai, two classic Costa Rican Arabica varieties prized for sweetness, clarity and balance.

What altitude is it grown at?

Typically 1,200–1,800 masl, where cool nights and warm days promote slow cherry development and a dense, flavourful bean.

How is it processed?

Fully washed and meticulously sorted at NKG Beneficio Palmichal, ensuring clean fermentation, precise washing and consistent drying. This produces a bright, clean, classic Central American cup.

What does SHB EP mean?

SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) means the coffee is grown at high altitude, producing a denser, premium bean. EP (European Preparation) means the beans are hand‑sorted to remove defects for exceptional quality.

Which brew methods does it suit?

It’s highly versatile — excellent as a vibrant filter coffee, a smooth espresso, and it cuts beautifully through milk for flat whites and cappuccinos.

Is this coffee strong or smooth?

Smooth and balanced. The medium roast brings out sweetness and body without bitterness, making it approachable and easy to drink.

Why is Tarrazú coffee so famous?

Tarrazú’s volcanic soil, high altitude and cool climate create ideal growing conditions. The region has a long history of producing some of Costa Rica’s most sought‑after coffees, known for clarity, sweetness and bright citrus‑fruit character.