Origin Stories: Las Trojas Superior, Costa Rica

June 7, 2025

Sipping cocktails by the beach with the sun beaming down on your skin, the scent of suntan lotion as you doze off to the sound of waves and chirruping birds in the overhanging trees. If most of us were to describe life in Costa Rica, it would probably take on a similar description.

For others, though, particularly those who have visited Costa Rica’s central and western valley regions, will likely come away thinking of a very different icon. The oxcart, or carrettas as they are spoken of in Spanish, are a significant cultural icon symbolic of the history of Costa Rica. They speak of long, rigorous hours hauling coffee bean crops from the fertile valleys to the coastal ports and are traditionally painted in bright colors. Now, they are seen as proud designators, often as humble decorations in yards and tourist destinations in the region. While cheerfully decorated, they are also symbolic of the hardworking spirit that has guided Costa Rica’s nation, economy, and culture.

Las Trojas Superior: From Rich Volcanic Soils to Your Cup

Costa Rica's rich volcanic soil is a key ingredient to their iconic coffee. Photo by Leolo212 on Pixabay.

Coffee is still an extremely important export for Costa Rica's resilient and diversified economy. The country's commitment to social and economic welfare translates directly to its high-quality bean cultivation. This dedication is perfectly embodied in the single-origin Las Trojas Superior coffee.

Intentionally cultivated in the West and Central valleys of Las Trojas, this coffee thrives at an altitude of 4,265 - 5,249 feet. This high altitude allows the beans to mature slowly, developing a denser and more flavorful profile, earning it the SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) designation. The plants are nurtured in rich volcanic soils, which contribute to the coffee's unique and vibrant taste. Maintained by small-scale producers, these farms flourish in the region's deep, humid climate.

A lush Costa Rican coffee farm. Photo by Paige Laine Elmer on Unsplash.

Because Costa Rica as a whole is a biodiversity hotspot, these coffee regions are home to a stunning variety of flora and fauna. Costa Rica stands as the only tropical country to have successfully reversed deforestation, a testament to its focus on ecotourism and environmental services. Amidst this ecological success, coffee has remained a vital crop, with the nation providing 1% of the world’s coffee beans.

From Bean to Cup: The Wet-Wash Process at Beneficio La Eva

While the traditional oxcart has mostly been replaced by modern vehicles, the dedicated producers of the Catuai and Caturra coffee varietals still traverse the rugged terrain to process their harvest. Their destination is the esteemed Beneficio La Eva in Sarchi, a micro-mill known for its meticulous processing methods.

Small hut for coffee plantation workers to rest, with hammocks and an oxcart for carrying coffee. Photo by Esteban Leon on Unsplash.

Here, the coffee cherries undergo the wet-wash process. This technique involves:

De-pulping: The outer skin and fruit pulp are removed from the coffee cherry.
Fermentation: The beans are placed in water to ferment, which helps to break down the remaining mucilage.
Washing: A final wash cleans the beans completely.
Drying: The beans are then sun-dried on patios, allowing for a clean and consistent flavor.

This precise method results in a coffee with a bright, clean acidity and a smooth body. At Beneficio La Eva, the processed beans are expertly blended to create the uniquely famous "Las Trojas Superior" flavor profile. Described as having notes of stone fruit, honey, and even lemongrass, this coffee’s fruity and floral character speaks to the tropical climate and rich volcanic soil it hails from.

The Rich Coast is so much more than its beautiful beaches. It’s a place that exemplifies what it means to live in and protect a paradise. So when you brew a cup of this exceptional Costa Rican coffee, letting the vanilla and jasmine scents drift in front of you, I wonder if it makes you feel hopeful.

Explore Our Costa Rican-Influenced Roast

Experience the unique character of coffees shaped by beans from this incredible region: