Costa Rica Tarrazu Dota Santa Maria

Last week there was no newsletter, because we left the store in the hands of our capable staff (thank you all!), and hit the road. 2800 miles and seven national parks later, we pulled up in our own driveway again. It was a spontaneous trip, inspired by Chuck and Caroline’s offer to borrow their camper. We had no reservations and no plan beyond heading towards the Grand Canyon.

A family picture by the Tuolumne Grove giant sequoias in Yosemite

We did spend a day and a half at the Grand Canyon, and even camped there, but before that we visited Yosemite, Death Valley, Lake Mead, and the Hoover Dam. The scenery was so varied: from mountains to deserts, and the fall colors were gorgeous everywhere. After the Grand Canyon we went through Navajo Nation to Four Corners, Mesa Verde, Arches, and Canyonlands. Whew!

It was certainly a trip that the kids will remember. I know that I still remember the national parks that I visited as a child. On this trip, Mesa Verde, Death Valley, and Arches were all new to me. I especially loved our tour of the Balcony House in Mesa Verde, which included climbing a 32 foot ladder and crawling through an 18″ tunnel. That the ancient Pueblan people could create these cliff dwellings is truly remarkable.

We saw so many unique rock formations and geographical features that it is almost overwhelming to retell it. But it is the small details that I will cherish: yellow aspen leaves falling like a rainstorm while I sipped my coffee in Utah, and steaks over the coals of a campfire. Waking up before sunrise to hear Jack telling his sister that she must see how beautiful it was outside right now, with the morning glow silhouetting the mountains around us.

Each day brought new exciting sights (and sites), and each day began with a French press of our own coffee. This week we have our Costa Rican Tarrazu to share with you. I certainly recommend brewing it outside, near a campfire, but your kitchen counter will work too.

This coffee has a long name, because it is a single origin coffee from the Dota-Tarrazu region. Santa Maria in particular is well known as being at higher elevation and producing higher quality coffees. This coffee is grown by the Coopedota. Their website is here, and you can translate it to English on the top left. This is a cooperative that received attention in 2011 as “the world’s first carbon neutral coffee producer” (see here). They are committed to education and sustainability among their partners.

In addition to being environmentally sound, Coopedota produces excellent coffee. This is a light roasted Costa Rican, with sweet notes of chocolate and nectarine, and a medium acidity that creates a lingering citrus taste as you swallow. The aroma floats in your face, and it reminds me that Costa Rican coffees are known for a great nose. It invites you to drink.

You can try a cup of this Costa Rican on us this week with the code road trip*. We had a wonderful time, but it’s always good to be back home. The autumnal weather this week has been lovely, and reminds me why we live and work here in Nevada County. Enjoy your week, and drink good coffee!
–Holly Fike

*Code good for one free 12 ounce cup of Costa Rican Tarrazu. Code expires on 10.29.15. Limit one free cup per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, 128 S. Auburn Street, Grass Valley, CA. Code/Offer has no cash value.