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COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

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The journey of cacao, from bean to bar, in photos

A photo story exploring how cacao is grown and prepared on the Caribbean.

Costa Rica’s chocolate comeback

Before the Europeans arrived in the Americas on the hunt for gold, the region's indigenous people used money that literally grew on trees. The tiny brown seeds that came to be known as cacao beans held real value, and the Incas, the Aztecs and Costa Rica’s Chorotega people all used cacao as currency. For them, it was worth as much as gold.

Chocolate has new Latin America king as Ecuador edges past Brazil

Ecuador, where the fatty beans used to make chocolate have been grown since pre-Columbian times, is surpassing Brazil as Latin America's top cocoa producer after boosting planting and offering education programs for farmers.
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The History and Meaning Behind Costa Rica’s Lantern Parade

Every September 14th, on the eve of Independence Day, most towns and cities of Costa Rica celebrate the traditional lantern parade. Driven by educational...

Costa Rica Wildlife: Meet the Common House Gecko

They’re behind your clock. They’re in your curtains. They’re laying eggs in your knickknacks. They’re your constant housemates, so we might as well learn...

Empanadas in Costa Rica are as Easy as 1,2,3,4

All over Latin America, empanadas (turnovers) are eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a snack. They vary in taste according to the ingredients used...

Costa Rica Independence Day meal with a side of history

TASTE OF THE TROPICS: How to make Chorreadas with Palmito Cheese and Guacamango