History of coffee in Costa Rica

The history of coffee in Costa Rica begins in the second half of the 18th century, when Spanish settlers arrived in what is now Costa Rica and began establishing coffee plantations. One of the first areas where coffee cultivation began was around the present-day town of Heredia, located north of San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Over the following decades, coffee became one of Costa Rica's most important exports, and coffee plantations spread throughout the country. In 1821, Costa Rica declared independence, and coffee became an even more important source of income for the country. In the second half of the 19th century, Costa Rica became one of the world's major coffee producers, and its coffee began to gain recognition in international markets. In 1888, the Costa Rican Coffee Producers Association (Asociación Nacional de Cafetaleros) was formed to promote and protect coffee from Costa Rica. Today, coffee from Costa Rica has a reputation as one of the best in the world. Costa Rican coffee is characterized by a complex and intense flavor, with citrus, floral and nutty notes, as well as pronounced acidity and a full body. Many varieties of coffee are grown in Costa Rica, including Arabica and Robusta coffees, but it is the Arabica coffee from Costa Rica that is particularly prized for its quality and exceptional flavor. Costa Rican coffee is often grown sustainably and in accordance with good organic practices, making it prized by connoisseurs around the world.