A visit to Mario Aruba at Beneficio Los Cuarteles,Leon Cortez, Tarrazu, Costa Rica
On a mid-February morning, we visited Beneficio Los Cuarteles where we met Mario Araya and his son David. The timing gave us a clear view of how this year’s unusual weather has impacted their harvest operations.
The Farm
Located in Leon Cortez, Tarrazu, Los Cuarteles maintains a solid annual production of 200 fanegas (9,200 kg). The farm primarily grows Catuai, with some specialty plots dedicated to Geisha. What makes their operation particularly interesting is their active experimentation with new varieties and hybrids, specifically selected to address climate change challenges.
Coffee Production
The farm’s approach to processing shows careful attention to detail, particularly in their honey processing method. This concentration on quality and Catuai has become part of their signature processing style resulting in microlots with a grading above 85.
Challenges and Adaptation
This year’s heavy December and January rains have significantly impacted their production, resulting in a 20% loss from planned volumes. These weather conditions have also forced adaptations in their drying methods.
Market and Future
A return visit is planned for April to collect samples. This will provide an opportunity to evaluate how their processing adaptations have influenced this year’s challenging harvest.
This is part of an ongoing series exploring coffee fincas and their approaches to production, innovation, and sustainability in the face of changing times