"Coffee" is the premier program in the Discoveries Costa Rica series. Coffee has played a large role in the development of Costa Rica and has contributed to social, cultural and political institutions. It is still one of country's major agricultural exports. The legacy of the *grano de oro* (golden bean) began in the 18th century and continues to this day. Costa Rican coffee beans are considered among the highest quality coffees in the world. While this country is small, the demand for high altitude, high quality coffees is large. 95 percent of the coffee is exported globally yet is still considered an artisanal business. Small farmers play an important role in this hand-harvested crop. Before you can savor a flavorful cup of coffee, it needs to be grown, picked, processed, and roasted. This show takes an in depth look at the coffee industry in Costa Rica. Filmed during the peak of the coffee harvest and explores the complicated journey from seed to cup that is involved in that morning coffee so many enjoy. Learn about beneficios (processing plants) where local farmers bring their freshly picked coffee berries to be processed and ultimately sold. Understand what it takes to grow, harvest, process and how they evaluate quality. Experience the passion of coffee from a family who, transitioned from traditionally growing coffee berries to take to beneficios… to a micro-mill business model where they are responsible for all phases of coffee production, from seed to cup. This transition saved the family farm! Starbucks' created a coffee research facility in Costa Rica to help small scale farms become more profitable; develop the next generation of disease-resistant, high-quality coffee; and share information and resources freely with farmers around the world. Featured coffee companies include Café de Altura, Café Haug & Starbucks. Dual language DVD, English & Spanish.
