Rise and Shine! This weeks blog will require being read with a big cup of coffee in hand seeing as that's the subject of the day! If you love coffee as much as I do (I being Carsyn) then you are going to enjoy learning all about its history and culture within Panama.
Coffee in Panama dates all the way back to the nineteenth century when European immigrants brought it with them and planted it in the Province of Chiriqui - the western part of Panama. This has remained the countries main area of coffee production, due to the prime conditions the area has to offer such as high altitude and cooler climate.
Coffee has been cultivated in Panama since the nineteenth century however, it wasn't until 1997 that Panamas reputation for coffee really began to grow. The main reason for this is due to the formation of the Speciality Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP). In 1998 the Best of Panama competition was officially launched. This competition is an annual event held in Boquete that highlights a variety of the best coffees in Panama.
While coffee is obviously delicious, that's not the only benefit it has had on Panama. The coffee industry has generated a whole new opportunity for income within the country. The production and selling of coffee has not only brought in money for Panama, but it has also increased tourism. Areas such as Boquete (A.K.A the Napa Valley of Coffee) have seen an increase in tourism simply for the coffee alone. I mean what sounds better than sipping coffee in the jungles of Panama?
Here at Morrillo Beach Eco Resort we are no stranger to good coffee. In fact some might say we use the best coffee seeing as our supplier Mount Totumas recently won the Best of Panama competition in the category of Geisha Natural. Unrelated to the Geishas of Japan, the name actually comes from where the bean originated in Gesha, Ethiopia. This coffee while notorious for its taste is also equally as famous for its high price. If you think a $6 Starbucks coffee is overkill, then it will shock you to hear that a cup of Gesha coffee can cost up to $110 (you can use that information the next time you need to justify a Starbucks run).
If the name didn't already give it away, Mount Totumas is a high altitude based coffee company that is organic and hand processes all their own coffee. We have the pleasure of working with Mount Totumas to supply our hotel with the highest quality coffee for our high quality guests.
So, If you don't already have a cup in your hand I bet all this talk about coffee has made you want one, so go grab a cup (or refill your current one) or better yet fly on over here and try some Morrillo coffee for yourself!
Your Friends in Morrillo, Cari, Ryan, and Carsyn Owners and Hosts Morrillo Beach Eco Resort
Sea Turtle Conservation Tip of the day: Have an upcoming celebration? Instead of balloons, which are deadly for turtles who mistake them for jellyfish - their main food source, try colorful paper flowers.
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