Pacamara is the big-bean variety El Salvador's coffee research institute spent about 30 years developing, starting in 1958, by crossing Pacas with the giant Maragogipe.
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Lemon, strawberry, grapefruit
- Origin
- Costa Rica, Tarrazú
- Process
- Natural
- Roast
- Light
- Roaster
- Volcanica Coffee
Roast level
About this coffee
What the roaster tells us.
Pacamara is the big-bean variety El Salvador’s coffee research institute spent about 30 years developing, starting in 1958, by crossing Pacas with the giant Maragogipe. Mela Gamboa grows it in Mela’s Garden, the varietal program at her Finca Las Mercedes in San Marcos, Tarrazú, at 1,800 meters, and dries it slowly in the sun on raised beds. Volcanica lists lemon, strawberry and grapefruit and describes a layered, outspoken cup. If you like your coffee loud and fruity, this is the one in the collection to try first. It’s a light roast sold in 8 oz bags.
Product details checked 2026-11-04. Roaster descriptions can change between lots. Tasting notes describe sensory impressions, not a guarantee of how your brew will taste.
Where it’s from
Costa Rica, Tarrazú
RoasterVolcanica Coffee
OriginCosta Rica, Tarrazú
ProcessNatural
RoastLight
From farm to cup
Where it grew, how it was made, how it’s roasted.
Straight from the roaster’s listing — no guesswork added.
Step 01 · OriginGrown
Costa Rica, Tarrazú
Step 02 · ProcessProcessed
Natural
Step 03 · RoastRoasted
Light
Before you buy
Is it right for you?
You’ll like it if…
- You enjoy bright, fruity coffees.
- You brew pour-over or drip and like a lighter body.
Maybe skip it if…
- You want a dark, roasty, classic cup.
The details
- Variety
- Pacamara
- Altitude
- 1,800 m
- Producer or farm
- Mela Gamboa, Finca Las Mercedes
- Certifications
- Direct Trade
- Bag size
- 8 oz bag
- Price
- $22.99
- Price per ounce
- $2.87 per oz
From the roaster’s listing, checked November 4, 2026. Prices change.
About coffee from Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for its micro-mills, where small farms process their own coffee, and for helping popularize the honey process. Regions like Tarrazú and the West Valley produce clean, sweet, bright coffees.
What the process means
In a natural (dry) process, the whole coffee cherry dries in the sun with the fruit still on the bean. That usually gives a heavier body and riper, fruitier flavors like berry and tropical fruit.
How to brew it
Starting recipes for this roast level. Adjust grind and ratio to taste; the roaster’s own guidance always wins.
| Method | Coffee | Water | Grind | Water temp | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pour-over Our pick | 15 g | 250 g | Medium-fine | 96°C / 205°F | 2:30–3:30 |
| French press | 30 g | 500 g | Coarse | 96°C / 205°F | 4 minutes |
| Cold brew | 100 g | 800 g | Coarse | Cold water | 12–18 hours in the fridge |
The people behind this coffee
Meet Volcanica Coffee
Volcanica Coffee is a family-owned specialty roaster in Atlanta, started by a family with coffee-growing roots in Costa Rica. It focuses on single origins from volcanic growing regions around the world, roasts every week and usually ships within one business day. All of its coffees are kosher certified.
All Volcanica Coffee coffees
Espresso starting point
Dial it in
A 1:2 dose-to-yield ratio is a common place to start. Adjust grind and taste — the roaster’s own guidance always wins.
In18g
Out36g
Time25–30s
Compare
Similar coffees from other roasters
| Coffee | Roast | Origin | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volcanica Coffee Costa Rica Pacamara Natural, Finca Las Mercedes This coffee | Light | Costa Rica, Tarrazú | Lemon, strawberry, grapefruit |
| Lardera Coffee Costa Rica Natural Anaerobic | Light | Tarrazú, Costa Rica | Mango, passion fruit, tamarind |
| Fratello Coffee Roasters Costa Rica El Poeta | Light | San Rafael, Alajuela, Costa Rica | Citrus, mixed nuts, silky |
| Magnolia Coffee Costa Rica Las Lajas Double Diamond Anaerobic | Light | Sabanilla de Alajuela, Costa Rica | Blackberry, cocoa, wine-toned |
Questions
Volcanica Coffee Costa Rica Pacamara Natural, Finca Las Mercedes FAQ
What does Volcanica Coffee Costa Rica Pacamara Natural, Finca Las Mercedes taste like?
Volcanica Coffee lists tasting notes of lemon, strawberry and grapefruit. It's a light roast.
Where does Volcanica Coffee Costa Rica Pacamara Natural, Finca Las Mercedes come from?
It comes from Costa Rica, Tarrazú. The producer is Mela Gamboa, Finca Las Mercedes. It was grown at 1,800 m.
How is Volcanica Coffee Costa Rica Pacamara Natural, Finca Las Mercedes processed?
The roaster lists the process as natural. In a natural (dry) process, the whole coffee cherry dries in the sun with the fruit still on the bean.
Is Volcanica Coffee Costa Rica Pacamara Natural, Finca Las Mercedes good for espresso?
It can be pulled as espresso, but it's roasted light for filter brewing, so expect bright, tart shots. It shines most as pour-over or drip.
What's the best way to brew Volcanica Coffee Costa Rica Pacamara Natural, Finca Las Mercedes?
A good starting point is pour-over: 15 g of coffee to 250 g of water, medium-fine grind, water at 96°C / 205°F, about 2:30–3:30. Adjust to taste.
Where can I buy Volcanica Coffee Costa Rica Pacamara Natural, Finca Las Mercedes?
You can buy it from Volcanica Coffee. Prices and availability change, so check the current listing before you order.
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