Posts tagged Coffee
Costa Rica’s Coffee Culture
Nov 27th
Freshly roasted coffee beans
In Costa Rica, coffee is known as the “golden bean,” a moniker that touches on the plant’s contribution to the local economy and the place it holds in Costa Rican hearts. The rich beverage is to Costa Rica what tea is to the English: in the afternoon, especially on weekends, Costa Ricans gather around their living rooms and kitchens to enjoy a “cafecito,” which usually entails a cup of coffee (or two) accompanied by fresh snacks from the bakery.
Introduced in 1798, when plants and acreage were gifted to anyone willing to grow crops for export, coffee production soon became a major industry, surpassing cacao and tobacco. The resulting economic growth enabled Costa Rica to develop ports, roads and other infrastructure. Today, coffee is a sustainable economic and agricultural product and the country’s second largest commodity. Costa Rica only produces Arabica beans, which generally yield a sweeter, smoother cup o’ joe.
Chorreador coffee socks are a traditional way to brew Costa Rican java
Downing your daily java is always a pleasure, but did you know that moderate coffee consumption has been linked to numerous health benefits? Indeed, more than just energy boost, the golden bean is rich in antioxidants that help keep the blood clean. It has also been shown to lower the risk of cancer by 50%, reduce chances of developing cirrhosis of the liver, aid in soothing asthma symptoms, and many other positive effects. Keep in mind that one or two cups daily is key to obtaining maximum health benefits.
Whether you live in Costa Rica or are just visiting, you owe it to your taste buds to sample several local cups of coffee. A trip to any grocery store will introduce you to a wide range of brands and blends. Coffee is sold as whole beans (grano) and ground (molido). Here’s what to look for:
Made in Costa Rica: The product may be labeled in English, but if you only see Spanish, look for something along the lines of “Producto centroamericano cosechado en Costa Rica” (Central American product harvested in Costa Rica) or “Hecho en Costa Rica” (Made in Costa Rica).100% Pure Coffee: Some coffees are blended with sugarcane or other ingredients, but pure coffee is best. Look for a bag labeled “100% Arabica” or “100% Cafe Puro” (100% Pure Coffee).Export Quality: Costa Rica’s best quality coffee is labeled as export quality, but that doesn’t mean it leaves the country. Look for a blend that displays a seal or label that reads “Calidad de Exportacion” (Export Quality).Shade Grown: Shade grown coffee takes longer to ripen, and many believe this process produces a more complex and flavored cup. Try it out and see for yourself! Look for a label that states “Cosechado bajo sombra.”Organic: Costa Rica grows its fair share of certified organic coffee. I have found that my favorite organics have their own, unique tastes – somewhat earthy and definitely delicious. Organic coffee is labeled as “organico.”
Costa Rica’s most famous coffee growing regions are Dota and Tarrazu, both located high in the Talamanca Mountains, and along the volcanic slopes surrounding Poas, Irazu and Barva Volcanoes. Some brands, such as the upscale Cafe Britt, may even label different beans by their cultivation areas; so if you’re itching to taste coffee grown in mineral-rich soil, give a volcanic blend a go.
I have sampled many local varieties. Cafe Britt, Volio, Montana, or local coop coffees are a good bet, but my personal favorite is Doka Estate. (They also deliver!) You’ll want to try out different roasts – French, breakfast blend, house, etc. – to see what suits you best. Be sure to sample Doka’s peaberry. All Arabica coffee plants yield a small amount of concentrated coffee beans called peaberries, which produce one of the country’s strongest and silkiest flavored cups of java. Delicious!
All About Panama’s Economy
Sep 19th
Panama is a growing country and can be considered a first world country by many ways. Panama is predicted to be the fastest growing Latin American country. Due to its location and other such factors Panama’s primary location comes from banking private firms and real estate in Panama. Buying and selling of Panama property is relatively profitable and property development is a big business in Panama. Also Panama earns over a billion every year from tourism contributing in a big way towards the economy of Panama. After the canal and the military installation have been handed over to the United States of America there has been a lot of development in the recent times in the economy of Panama.
There has been a lot of development projects planned which would improve tourism as well as business in Panama. There has been many structural reforms undertaken that have resulted in a growing economy and this has resulted in the rapid development in the growth of value of Panama real estate. The various reforms have encouraged architecture, planning, investment and tourism which have greatly helped in increase the economy of the country. The canal is again undergoing huge reforms and expansion which is further set to improve the economy of the country. The national revenue is put to good use by development of land and property that would develop further revenue. A lot of planning and care is undertaken so that the money of the investors of Panama real estate is safe guarded. This encourages more and more investors to invest into Panama real estate. Also there are many tax benefits in Panama. This largely reduces the cost of living in Panama.
Panama has the largest free trade zone in the whole of the western hemisphere. This has greatly contributed to the development of the value of Panama real estate. Also the trade and exportation of coffee greatly supports the economy. The high levels of globalization have led to a multi cultured environment in Panama. This only results in the increased number of investors in Panama real estate. People who are looking to invest money on real estate business firms’ etc. invest in Panama property knowing that there will be good returns. With the growing and developing state of economy there is very little rate of inflation.
The citizens of Panama have undergone very little rates of inflation and the cost of living basically remains less. The highland climates are also known to promote Panama real estate and property development. This increases the investments in the country as well as investor potential in the country. Also the tourism industry benefits a big way from the natural beauty that is available in the country. The tourism industry is a steady source of economy and will continue to be so for years to come. This industry is also responsible for the development of real estate in the country. People who come here on vacations most often buy Panama property and settle down here. This adds to the economy of the country by promoting buying and selling of real estate.
