SHB EP

Costa Rica is made up of beautiful, bustling landscapes that range from volcanoes and beaches to rainforests and mountains. With two sides of the country that border the ocean, its known for its long coast lines and high-altitude mountains, which deem the perfect condition for growing rich, delicious coffee.

Coffee was introduced to Costa Rica in 1798 and is now the country’s second largest commodity. Today, the country plays an important role in the industry as a whole, having proven their commitment to sustainability and quality over the years.

Strictly hard bean (SHB) is a term generally used in Central American countries to indicate the altitude at which the coffee was grown, which has a significant impact on its quality and flavor profile. SHB coffee is grown at altitudes above 1,200 meters above sea level. Higher elevations have cooler temperatures, which slow the maturation of coffee cherries. The slower maturation allows the beans to become denser and develop more complex sugars and nuanced flavors, which is highly prized in specialty coffee. Denser beans from higher altitudes typically yield brighter acidity, better balance, and more complexity.