The Unique Terroir of Calé de Guayabo
View from our plantation. 2024
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Turrialba, Costa Rica, our boutique coffee plantation sits at an altitude of 1,350 meters above sea level (masl), making it the perfect environment for growing altitude coffee. In the coffee world, this altitude is prized for producing beans that develop rich flavors and complex aromas. Thanks to the cooler temperatures and slower maturation process at this height, the cherries ripen with more depth and character—key factors that elevate the quality of the coffee.
The farm’s location is not just a geographical advantage; it’s a blend of natural elements that come together to create an exceptional terroir. To the northwest, the towering Turrialba Volcano adds its influence to the soil. The volcanic ash and minerals that flow from the volcano over time have enriched the soil, providing vital nutrients that nurture the coffee plants. The result is a fertile, well-balanced foundation for the coffee crops to flourish.
But the story doesn’t end there. The property also lies in the line of sight from the Caribbean coast, where the rainfall patterns are quite varied and help ensure a steady supply of moisture throughout the year. This combination of volcanic soil, nutrient-rich rain, and moderate temperatures all play a crucial role in shaping the quality of the coffee grown here. The median temperature of 22°C is just right—warm enough for the plants to thrive but cool enough to avoid the extremes that can stress coffee plants.
The plantation is also home to a variety of fruit trees, including plantains and bananas, which provide natural shade for the coffee plants. These shade trees help maintain a more stable environment, protecting the coffee from intense midday heat while promoting the growth of the surrounding ecosystem. The fruits, plantains, and bananas not only enhance the biodiversity of the farm but also contribute to its sustainable farming practices. This careful balance of nature and agriculture helps to foster a healthy environment where coffee plants can grow strong and produce high-quality beans.
In addition to the physical environment, the careful management of the land plays a key role in preserving the plantation’s unique terroir. The farm’s commitment to sustainable practices ensures that the delicate ecosystem is protected, allowing the coffee plants to thrive while minimizing environmental impact. By working with nature, rather than against it, the farm produces beans that reflect the essence of their surroundings—a perfect balance of rich volcanic soil, steady rainfall, and moderate temperatures.
The unique combination of location, altitude, and climate at this Turrialba coffee plantation makes it a special place to grow coffee. From the volcanic soil to the consistent rainfall, every element contributes to the creation of a coffee that is rich in flavor and complexity. As we continue to explore this plantation in future blog posts, we’ll dive deeper into the cultivation process and the flavors that make this coffee so special. For now, it’s clear that this land, nurtured by nature, is perfect for producing excellent Costa Rican coffee.