Costa Rica -Las Lajas - Black Diamond Gesha
Oscar and Fransica Chacon are third generation coffee producers that are not only committed to producing some of the best coffees in the world, but are recognized as some of the very first farmers in Costa Rica to produce Honey and Natural Processed specialty coffee.
In 2005, they decided to step away from the previous system of buying and selling coffee and joined what became known as the “Micromill Revolution”. They bought their own depulper to have more control over the coffee processing and price it was sold for. Oscar claims that they were simply experimenting at first, but these experiments led to some of the most explosive flavor profiles to come out of Costa Rica. The couple has continued on their track of experimentation and innovation to produce a wide range of Honey and Natural Processes by modulating the fermentation and drying processes to create various flavor profiles.
In 2008, Costa Rica experienced a massive earthquake that cut the mills power supply and running water used to run the depulpers. Fransica saw this problem as an opportunity to perfect Natural Processing. She employed her knowledge of raised bed drying in Africa to produce stellar coffee despite the natural disaster and lack of electricity and water. This experience in drying naturals is what allows microlots like this Black Diamond Gesha from Las Lajas to shine to their fullest potential.
The Black Diamond process from Las Lajas utilizes an extended drying period of 15-22 days to cure the coffee slowly and dehydrate the coffee while developing flavor. Since the process is so slow, it requires tremendous attention to ensure the coffee does not get overheated. Oscar got the idea for this drying technique from the drying process used to dry coffee seeds for propagation in the nursery. These coffees are dried gently and slowly to not compromise the embryo in the seed. With this technique, the sugars of the mucilage cold crystallize, giving the coffee its namesake “black diamond” appearance and a sweet, clean, and bright flavor.
