Coffee has been a motor for economic development in Costa Rica – now it will become one of its national symbols. The symbols we are already familiar with are: the Costa Rica flag, the national shield, the oxcart, the orchid (La Guaria Morada), the national bird (El Yiguirro), the Arbol de Guanacaste tree, and of course the national slogan “PURA VIDA”. Now, the “grano de oro” (grain of gold) will join these symbols of Costa Rican culture and traditions.

Coffee production in Costa Rica began in 1779 in the Central Valley region, which had the ideal soil and climate for successful coffee plantations. Eventually, the government offered farmers plots of land for anyone wanting to cultivate coffee, and it became a true cash crop, surpassing cacao, tobacco, and sugar. The revenue generated by coffee cultivation funded Costa Rica’s first railroads – and even the iconic National Theater in San Jose.

Costa Rican coffee is considered among the best in the world. At one time there were even bumper stickers saying “Juan Valdez bebe café de Costa Rica” (Juan Valdez drinks Costa Rican coffee). Juan Valdez was the spokesman for the rival Colombian coffee industry. This feud led to a lawsuit against Café Britt by the coffee growers of Colombia. Britt produced an affidavit from a Tico who was actually named Juan Valdez, certifying that he did drink Costa Rican coffee. The suit was eventually settled out of court.
Earlier this month Costa Rica’s Legislative Special Commission on Science, Technology, and Education, declared Costa Rican coffee “a national symbol of the economic, social and cultural development of the nation.” This honor celebrates the socio-economic importance of Costa Rica’s grano de oro, its Golden Grain. A full 100% of Costa Rica’s coffee is of the finest quality Arabica species. Since 1989, the planting of lower quality Robusta coffee is prohibited by law.

Additionally, the Costa Rican coffee crops are a sustainable, biologically responsible way for farmers to earn a living. According to the Costa Rica Coffee Institute, “Costa Rican sustainable coffee is produced in plantations with high biological diversity and low agrochemical applications. It conserves resources, protects the environment, produces effectively, competes commercially, and reinforces the quality of life of farmers and society as a whole.”

Best of all, Costa Rican coffee has a unique aroma and flavor which makes for millions of delicious cups all year long, all around the world. Tastiest national symbol in Central America!

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