Costa Rica Finca La Ladera del Aguacate Natural

About Costa Rica Finca La Ladera del Aguacate Natural

Arrived Mid-August, new crop in Grain-pro. This is our first time offering coffee from Finca La Ladera del Aguacate (literally "avocado hill"), which was processed by the D'Nincho Micromill in Tarrazu.

La Ladera is 100% Catuai, a varietal developed in the mid-twentieth century. Catuai is a cross between the Mondo Novo and Caturra varietals, both of which were created by selective cross-breeding programs. Mondo Novo was the result of combining Bourbon and Typica varietals, and Caturra is a combination of two Red Bourbon mutations.

This coffee is natural processed, also known as dry processed, which involves drying the entire coffee cherry. This process takes a much longer time than washed processing, as many coffees are, and varies depending on humidity, temperature and amount of sunlight. Airflow during drying is key, and the coffee must be frequently turned. When the desired moisture content is achieved, the dried cherries are milled down to the internal seed or bean. The sweet, fruity mucillage of the cherry penetrates the inner beans during this process, leaving a very noticeable fruitiness that can range from mild to extreme and often presents flavors of berries or cherry.

• Province: San Jose
• Canton: Leon Cortes
• District: San Pablo
• Altitude: 1500m above sea level
• Coffee variety: Catuai
• Processing: Natural
• Mill: D'Nincho

Cup Characteristics: A mouth coating cup with mild to medium fruit intensity. Flavors of strawberry, honey, brown sugar, guava and peanuts with an almond aroma.

Roasting Notes: Keep in mind that natural process coffees roast a bit quicker than washed. We like this coffee roasted a little lighter, as it has a heavy body on its own, but it's worth experimenting with the darkness of the roast. If roasted more lightly some cinnamon notes are detectable.