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Costa Rica — Tarrazu

Travel due south of San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica and you will find the majestic mountains of Tarrazu. Sheltered between the Pacific Coast, the Central Valley and the high peaks of the country’s central mountain range, Tarrazu is one of the world’s most famous coffee growing regions. This magnificent area, fondly known as the Area of the Saints, is considered to yield the most superb Strictly Hard Bean coffees in Costa Rica.

The rich volcanic soil, the high altitude, and the perfect combination of sunlight, temperature and precipitation, all conspire to produce an exceptional coffee. The coffee growers of Dota are represented by a co-operative association governed by statutes dictated by an administrative council that represents 750 associates. Founded in 1960 by 96 members, this co-operative has now modernized its production processes and increased its membership by increasing the quantity of coffee produced each year.

In 2006 the Dota Co-op produced 65,000 fanegas (one fanega = 46 kilos) of coffee. But for the last three years, the Dota co-op has produced an average of 60,000 fanegas. With the Dota Co-op’s support, farmers in the area produce around 30-fanegas per acre and some are able to produce an astonishing 45-fanegas per acre. The Dota county produces one of the finest quality beans in the country, with a high level of acidity and complexity.