A Taste of Costa Rica: Discover the Magic of Santa Elena at Rock Creek Coffee Roasters

At Rock Creek Coffee Roasters, we take pride in offering a selection of the finest coffees from around the world. One blend, in particular, has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of our customers—the Costa Rica Santa Elena. This coffee is more than just a drink; it's an experience, a story, and a journey into the heart of Costa Rica's coffee culture.

A Blend Like No Other

The Costa Rica Santa Elena is our best-selling coffee, and for good reason. It's a medium roast that offers a perfect balance of flavors. With every sip, you'll experience a crisp, clean taste of citrus, followed by a smooth, buttery finish. The brightness of this coffee is complemented by a light sweetness, making it a truly elegant cup that even the most discerning coffee lovers will appreciate.

From the Highlands of Costa Rica

The journey of our Costa Rica Santa Elena coffee begins in the highlands of the Tarrazú region, one of the most renowned coffee-growing areas in Costa Rica. The beans used in this blend are harvested from the single estate of Santa Elena between November and February each year. The high-altitude location, coupled with the shade in which the coffee plants grow, creates the ideal environment for producing beans of exceptional quality.

The Art of Handpicking and Processing

What makes Costa Rica Santa Elena stand out is the meticulous care taken in every step of its production. The beans are handpicked by skilled workers who sort them by quality level, ensuring that only the best beans make it into your cup. After harvesting, the beans undergo a natural washing process. This is followed by a unique pulped natural honey process and sun drying on patios at the mill. The beans are then allowed to rest in parchment for a minimum of 30 days before milling and shipping. This careful process preserves the beans' natural flavors, resulting in a coffee that's both rich and complex.

A Rich History of Coffee Production

Costa Rica has a long and storied history of coffee production. The country has been commercially producing and exporting coffee to the United States since around 1860. Over the years, coffee has become an integral part of Costa Rican culture and economy. However, in recent years, the focus has shifted, with many areas prioritizing real estate development over coffee farming. Despite this, there are still dedicated farmers who are keeping the tradition alive, particularly those who own small estates or "micro-mills."

In recent years, a new generation of coffee farmers in Costa Rica has emerged, focusing on quality over quantity. These farmers, many of whom own small estates or micro-mills, have complete control over every aspect of the coffee production process, from growing and harvesting to milling and shipping. This level of control allows them to produce some of the best coffee in the world, including our beloved Costa Rica Santa Elena.

At Rock Creek Coffee Roasters, we believe in offering coffees that are not only delicious but also produced in a way that's kind to the planet. The Santa Elena Estate follows a holistic, sustainable approach to coffee production. The farmers use a water-treatment system that meets Costa Rica's high environmental standards, ensuring that their farming practices are as eco-friendly as possible.

A Unique Classification

The beans from the Santa Elena Estate are exported as Strictly Hard Bean (SHB), a classification that indicates the coffee has been grown at a specific altitude of 1,250 to 1,500 meters above sea level. This altitude contributes to the coffee's density and quality, setting it apart from beans classified as Hard Bean (HB). The genetic varieties of the beans used in our Costa Rica Santa Elena blend include Caturra and Typica, both of which are known for their exceptional flavor profiles.

Costa Rica Santa Elena is a versatile coffee that pairs well with a variety of foods. Whether you're enjoying it with a salmon dinner or a sweet treat like beignets, this coffee enhances the flavors of your meal. Its richness and complexity make it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a well-rounded cup of coffee.

Supporting Small Farmers

When you choose Costa Rica Santa Elena, you're not just enjoying a delicious cup of coffee—you're also supporting a small community of farmers and their families. These farmers take great pride in their work, and your purchase helps sustain their livelihoods and continue the tradition of quality coffee production in Costa Rica.

Why We Love Costa Rica Santa Elena

At Rock Creek Coffee Roasters, we love Costa Rica Santa Elena for many reasons. The flavor is unparalleled, the quality is consistent, and the story behind the coffee is one of passion and dedication. This blend embodies everything we stand for: great taste, sustainability, and supporting small, independent farmers.

If you haven't tried our Costa Rica Santa Elena yet, we invite you to do so. Whether you're a longtime coffee lover or someone who's just beginning to explore the world of specialty coffee, this blend is sure to impress. Stop by Rock Creek Coffee Roasters and pick up a bag of Costa Rica Santa Elena today. We promise it will be a coffee experience you won't forget.

Costa Rica Santa Elena is more than just a coffee—it's a celebration of everything that makes coffee great. From its origins in the highlands of Costa Rica to the meticulous care taken in its production, every cup of Costa Rica Santa Elena tells a story. A story of tradition, quality, and a commitment to excellence. We are proud to offer this blend at Rock Creek Coffee Roasters, and we know you'll love it as much as we do.

So the next time you're in the mood for a truly exceptional cup of coffee, reach for Costa Rica Santa Elena. You won't be disappointed.