Harvesting cocoa beans and making chocolate is an integral part of the Costa Rican history, culture, and economy. The cultivation and use of cocoa-beans in making chocolate can be traced to the ancient tradition of the inhabitants of Mesoamerica. The cocoa-beans harvested had immense value for them, as they were used as an ingredient in a beverage, played a vital role in rituals, and served the purpose of currency in contrast with their worth. Over the years, this practice developed rapidly across the region, and eventually secured itself in the framework of the Costa Rican agriculture and chocolate-making history. Today, the history of cocoa bean harvesting and chocolate making is still prevalent in the form of the famous Costa Rican cacao, which has its unique characteristics, quality, and taste and is slowly establishing itself in the global market. Such historical overview preconditions further elaboration on the cultivation practices of cocoa beans in Costa Rica and their role in the country's life and economy.

Origins of Cacao Bean Harvesting

Cacao bean harvesting in Costa Rica can be traced back into its indigenous people, specifically the Bribri and Cabécar tribes. These tribes are among the first to farm cacao and used them into many aspects of their life including using it for trade and in rituals (Rodríguez Valencia, 2020). The techniques used for cacao cultivation by these indigenous tribes were sustainable and in harmony with nature. Their knowledge about harvesting and farming cacao has affected future cacao/adoption of cacao by later settlers (Díaz-Valderrama et al., 2020). The cacao farms in Costa Rica today still have strong influence from the indigenous people making them an important part of chocolate-making in the country.

Cocoa beans had diverse importance in the Costa Rican society, and used for more than just growing. These beans were a part of a trade, normal food, and contributed to certain rituals in Costa Rica. The importance of the beans and the taste they provided made them a part of the currency as well. In ancient times, the currency mostly traded in Costa Rica was cocoa beans (Vogt, 2019). The beans were also a part of the traditional food in Costa Rica. They were made in the paste form and mixed with many spices to provide a drink that was famous in every settlement. It was used for ceremonial events as well. The beans’ cultural importance is also visible from the fact that they were used in rituals to praise gods include the life-changing moments of people (Rodríguez Valencia, 2020).

Uniqueness of Costa Rican Cacao

Costa Rican cacao also stands out in terms of its genetic uniqueness and flavors. According to genetic research, its cacao is rare because it has an interesting combination of many great traits, so it is highly valued by chocolate lovers (Hernandez & Granados, 2021). It has such genetic diversity due to the native practices and artificial selection, as well as a great variety of environmental conditions that help grow cacao with lively flavor notes. Costa Rican cacao is also characterized by a very peculiar combination of fruity and floral fragrances, which makes it unique among similar regions (Rottiers, 2019). It robs Costa Rican chocolate all its uniqueness, and it should be remembered and preserved for the next generations.

Current State of Cocoa Bean Harvesting

Cacao harvesting today in Costa Rica is a combination of modern methods and traditional ways. The modern farmer often uses agroforestry methods, whereby the cacao is planted amongst other crops to create a more biodiversity friendly environment (Pérez-Neira et al., 2020). Climate change and insects continue to threaten the cacao industry, and adapting to this new environment is essential to keeping the crop growing and producing quality beans (Díaz-Valderrama et al., 2020). Cacao farmers are encouraged to switch to organic farming and to develop a cacao that is resistant to diseases as a way of keeping the production of cacao in Costa Rican farms alive (Sampeck, 2019). Not only is this way of farming responsible to the environment, but it engages the local families whose bread and butter depends on the successful growth of cacao.

The history and academic findings surrounding these topics would be interesting in adding extra context to the story of cacao in Costa Rica. According to a particular historical source, it has been note that cacao production and use in the country has been significant over history, which included the time when the country was colonized and after as well until it became independent. However, cacao production in Costa Rica has reportedly seen a decrease as causes such as socio-economic realities took place (Díaz-Valderrama et al., 2020). On the other hand, one point raised in a video produced for academics is that cacao is not only being used for making food by the Bribri tribe people of the country, but it has become part of their economy as well. This cultural integration, along with economic use signified the importance of cacao in the modern country and this particular tribe (Rodríguez Valencia, 2020). Finally, the historical and colonial legacies of the country have been known to impact the methods of processing cocoa evolution, along with the processing methods used in the country (Vogt, 2019). These additional details surrounding the historical and academic findings of cacao give a wider and a more comprehensive fundamental of the background of the country’s cacao heritage which would mean that additive narrative concerning its cultural and economic significance can be provided as well.

A Chocolate That Tells a Story

At MYZO Craft Chocolate, we bring these traditions straight to you. Our single-origin, direct-trade cacao comes from Costa Rica’s Matina region, where one family of farmers continues this heritage with care. No middlemen, no compromises—just beans full of history, sunshine, and soul.

Every MYZO bar is a fiesta of flavors: fruity notes, floral whispers, and a soft aftertaste that reminds you of its tropical birthplace. When you savor it, you’re not just enjoying chocolate—you’re sharing in centuries of culture, respect for nature, and the hard work of families who make it possible.

Costa Rican cacao isn’t just an ingredient. It’s a story of resilience, celebration, and connection between people and the earth. With every bite of MYZO Chocolate, you’re part of that story.

👉 Order your MYZO single-origin chocolate today and taste the pura vida spirit of Costa Rica for yourself.