Costa Rica Aquiares Estate Peaberry
Region: Turrialba, Costa Rica
Varietal: Caturra peaberry
Altitude: 1200m
Processing: Wet-process, fully washed dried on raised beds for 18-24 days
Roast: Medium
Tasting notes: Rich body, balanced acidity, lime, hazelnut, chocolate
Peaberry coffee is named for its pea-like shape. Most coffee cherries develop two seeds, but a peaberry occurs when only one seed is formed.
The Turriabla region of Costa Rica is home to an active volcano, enriching the soil with nutrients for growing vegetables, coffee, and sugarcane. Aquiares translates to “land between rivers” in the Huetar indigenous language. The Estate is a model of sustainable agriculture and the largest farm in the country being home to 1,800 people. Founded in 1890 but transformed in 1980 by Alfonso Robelo, a refugee of Nicaragua where he was politically active. He built community, challenged the status quo, and transformed the relationship between farm workers and landowners. He evolved the farm into a town where workers purchased their own homes. Now, his son Diego manages the farm, which is commonly known as Aquiares Coffee and Community. In addition to sustainable and equitable coffee production, Aquiares has focused on the measuring and offsetting the Estate’s carbon footprint. They also welcome researchers and ensure the biological corridors of the farm ensure the well-being of the flora and fauna.
