Helsar de Zarcero

In Costa Rica’s West Valley, Finca Santa Lucía and Helsar de Zarcero carry four generations of coffee-growing knowledge. Today Ricardo Pérez and his daughter Marianna Pérez continue that work, with a growing emphasis on soil health and regenerative agriculture.

Compost, natural inputs made on the farm, and a diverse agroecological system are part of the family’s approach. The Helsar micromill, founded in 2004, also supports neighboring producers and explores how to make better use of coffee by-products.

Behind this origin is a sequence of practical decisions about growing, harvesting and processing coffee. The people, the landscape and their knowledge give the coffee context beyond a tasting note. Explore the photographs and available coffees to continue the story.