The Details
One hour northwest of San Jose sits one of the most important coffee regions in the
world–Naranjo in the West Valley of Costa Rica. The Naranjo region has produced four Cup of
Excellence winners and is known for its pleasant climate year-round. It is here, where we find the
farm, El Mirador, in which this natural processed coffee hails. Finca El Mirador (meaning the “lookout”
after the beautiful views) is owned and operated by Olman Aguilera Chaves. Don Olmon and his wife, Margot,
are closely involved in every aspect of the farm. In fact, they only have 3 fulltime employees! But come
harvest season (December-February) their workforce swells to over 40 just to handle the 45 acres of coffee
trees!
The Process
Once this coffee is harvested, it is taken to La Eva Mill where the cherry is received, weighed, and
then washed with clean water. The cherries are then taken to the patios for drying. This normally takes
between 15 and 20 days depending on the amount of sunlight. Once the coffee reaches its correct humidity,
it is stored and kept for resting until it is time to export. The peeling of this coffee is very slow,
but the end product is a lovely natural coffee.
As this coffee is our first natural processed single origin coffee, we thought it was of the utmost importance
that we select and roast a natural coffee that is approachable to everyone. So what exactly is the natural process?
Natural Process
It’s the process in which the coffee cherries are dried on raised beds or patios and then hulled (the seed is
separated from the dried fruit). This is in sharp contrast to the washed process method in which the seed of the
cherry is taken out right away and immediately washed and then dried.
Because the seeds are encased in the cherry for longer, the resulting flavors from this process are generally
sweeter and more fruity and fuller-bodied than your typical washed coffee. A natural coffee can sometimes be
overwhelming to the palate as fruit flavors can occasionally overwhelm the cup. But not this one!
The Cup
Our El Mirador Natural is fruity but chocolatey like a raspberry mocha. It is sweet but familiar like brown
sugar. And finally, it’s fun and exciting thanks to the satisfying aromatics of rose and the delicious taste
of lychee. Enjoy this coffee on drip for crowd pleasing brew or as a pour over for a trully remarkable cup.
Cheers!