The Story Behind Café Rica's Signature Espresso Blend: A Journey Through Costa Rica & Guatemala
At Café Rica, we’re passionate about creating the perfect cup of coffee, and that starts with using the finest beans. Our espresso is no exception. Crafted from a unique blend of Costa Rican La Rosa and Guatemala SHB EP coffees, every shot is a reflection of the rich landscapes and sustainable farming practices that bring these beans to life.
Guatemala SHB EP: A High-Altitude Treasure
Our journey begins in the highlands of Guatemala, where the Guatemala SHB EP (Strictly Hard Bean European Preparation) coffee is grown at over 4,500 feet above sea level. Coffee at this altitude matures slowly, creating beans that are harder and denser than those grown at lower elevations. This slow growth gives the beans a rich depth of flavor and consistency that’s perfect for espresso.
But it’s not just the altitude that sets this coffee apart. The beans undergo European Preparation (EP), which involves meticulous hand-sorting to ensure the highest quality. In fact, the EP standard allows for no more than 8 defects per 300 grams of green coffee. The result? A beautifully consistent coffee with robust, complex flavors in every cup.
Costa Rica La Rosa: A Symphony of Sustainability
Next, we head to Costa Rica, where the La Rosa coffee is grown by Coopronaranjo, a cooperative that is as committed to sustainability as it is to producing exceptional coffee. Coopronaranjo operates like a well-tuned symphony, managing every aspect of post-harvest coffee processing with eco-friendly methods.
Their entire operation runs on hydropower, and they even have a unique organic fertilizer production plant that uses vermiculture (worms!) to turn coffee pulp into organic fertilizer. This helps keep costs low for farmers while also promoting sustainable farming practices. With over 2,000 small farm producers contributing to the cooperative, the La Rosa blend harmonizes the distinct flavors of the region into a smooth, balanced coffee that’s perfect for espresso.
In fact, the quality of this blend is so exceptional that La Rosa was one of Royal Coffee’s first Crown Jewels, a recognition of its outstanding flavor profile and consistency.
The Perfect Espresso: A Blend of Art and Science
At Café Rica, our espresso is a celebration of these two incredible coffees. The rich, full-bodied Guatemala SHB EP and the smooth, sustainable Costa Rican La Rosa come together to create a balanced espresso that’s both complex and approachable. Whether you're sipping it straight or enjoying it in one of our handcrafted lattes, the dedication and care that go into every shot are undeniable.
We’re proud to offer a coffee experience that not only tastes incredible but also supports the farmers and cooperatives who work tirelessly to produce these amazing beans.
Ready to experience our espresso for yourself? Visit Café Rica and taste the difference that quality, sustainability, and passion make.