A Tribute to The Lady Of The Mountain: a single origin coffee from Costa Rica
Last month we explored one of the most essential elements of how our coffee comes to be: the intricate art of fermentation and its vital role in crafting the perfect cup of coffee–if you missed it, you can learn about fermentation here. Today, we continue our journey through the world of specialty coffee by exploring the fascinating story behind one of our most cherished single origin coffees: Lady Of The Mountain.
Imagine a blend of beautifully fermented beans—light, crisp, and refreshing—with a buzz of wild honey infused with the scent of cypress. This coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a testament to resilience, determination, and the enduring spirit of those who cultivate it.
Meet Luz Marina, a third-generation Colombian coffee grower whose family’s farm, the Santa Elena Estate, nestled in the lush mountainside of Terrazu, Costa Rica faced a daunting challenge during recent years. An unusually heavy rainy season wreaked havoc, washing out roads, damming up rivers, and destroying buildings.
Undeterred by the devastation, she embarked on a journey of renewal. With unwavering determination, she rebuilt roads, cleared boulders from rivers, and resurrected her farm from the brink of ruin. As the rains subsided and the weather cleared, the hillside revealed a remarkable sight—a silhouette of Our Lady of Guadalupe etched against the horizon.
In the wake of destruction, a symbol of hope emerged. The area below the hillside became a place of pilgrimage for the local community, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And amidst this backdrop of hope and renewal, Luz Marina’s coffee flourished.
Today, the single varietal coffee that comes from her farm, The Santa Elena Estate, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its cultivator and the land from which it springs. Each sip tells a story of resilience, perseverance, and the indomitable human will. And as the forest slowly reclaims the hillside, the memory of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the spirit of renewal will live on for generations to come.
At The Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie, we are honored to share the story of the resilience of Luz Marina and the Santa Elena Estate through our single origin coffee named in their honor, Lady Of The Mountain. Join us in celebrating the countless stories that enrich the world of specialty coffee. With every sip, you’ll taste the legacy of generations past and the promise of a brighter future, rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and the enduring spirit of resilience.
