Costa Rica, Las Lajas Alma Negra - Single Origin Filter

Oscar and Francisca Chacón are third-generation coffee farmers in Sabanilla de Alajuela. In 2005, they stopped delivering their cherry to a cooperative and installed their own depulper, taking greater control over processing and the identity of their coffee. Experimentation became central to their work, helping establish Las Lajas as a respected name in honey and natural processing.

A turning point came when an earthquake interrupted power and water supplies during harvest, leaving the couple unable to process coffee as usual. Drawing on her knowledge of African coffee production, Francisca built raised drying beds so the cherries could dry whole. That unexpected challenge helped shape the natural processing approach they’ve continued to refine at Las Lajas.

We’ve featured coffees from Las Lajas many times at Padre, and the Alma Negra process is a particular staff favourite. This lot comes from Finca La Julia, where San Isidro trees grow at 1600 MASL on the slopes of the Poás volcanic complex. Volcanic soils and cool nights support slow cherry maturation, while a defined dry season allows the fruit to dry gradually after picking.

San Isidro is a Sarchimor variety, developed from a cross of Villa Sarchi and the Timor Hybrid. Here, it meets one of Las Lajas’ signature natural processes, an approach that begins with careful cherry selection and relies on patience at every stage.

For Alma Negra, cherries are selected for full ripeness and high sugar content before drying whole on raised beds for at least a week. They’re turned several times each day to encourage even drying, then moved to a greenhouse patio. There, they’re spread thinly during the day and gathered into mounds at night until they reach the desired moisture level. Drying takes 20 to 30 days, followed by at least 60 days of rest before milling.

The cup opens with strawberry and raspberry, combining generous sweetness with a lively berry lift. Rhubarb adds a tart edge through the middle, before plum brings a deeper sweetness to the finish. Juicy and vibrant, with a syrupy body and a clean finish, it’s a lovely expression of the care Oscar and Francisca bring to their coffee.