San Diego Mills: Tarrazu, Costa Rica

From the Importer

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.

About Honey Process
The honey process started in Costa Rica and has since spread to other countries in Central America. In this process some or all of the mucilage of the coffee cherry - or coffee honey - that coats the parchment is left on during the drying stage, giving the coffee a sweetness that resembles a natural.

As the average farm size of three hectares in the Tarrazú region, this unique honey coffee is produced by a community of farmers who deliver to the San Diego wet mill. These are carefully selected during the harvest, based on their farm condition and cherry ripeness.

This coffee was selected for its incredibly exceptional cup profile. Given the uniqueness and complexity of the honey process, no two honey coffees are alike. This craft process starts with the strict selection of perfectly ripe cherries, once the coffee is depulped the mucilage is left on allowing the natural sugars to enhance the coffees sweetness. The coffee is then dried on African beds or patios, allowing the coffee to dry in a slow and even way.

From the Roaster

We love this coffee because it really embodies the transition of the last of the summer turning into fall. Fresh and ripe fruit flavors of raspberry, cherry, passion fruit, and guava on the front end of each sip transition and finish with warm and comforting flavors of praline and milk chocolate. This uniquely sweet coffee is perfect for cool mornings as well as warm afternoons.