Fourteen coffees selected as Costa Rica ’s best will be for sale during Cosecha de Oro, an online auction to market Costa Rica ’s coffee to the world scheduled for May 17, according to a statement from the National Coffee Institute (ICAFE).

Cosecha de Oro, sponsored by ICAFE and the Fine Coffees of Costa Rica Association (SCACR) is in its fifth year.

The coffees were selected from 65 small farms around the country that produce beans classified as “boutique,” the highest-priced coffees on the market, the statement said. A group of expert tasters from the United States, Great Britain, Switzerland, Japan and Costa Rica selected these 14 coffees at a tasting held at ICAFE April 13-15.

“We’re very happy with the response from different farms that participated by sending samples, and after a rigorous selection process, these 14 have been chosen,” said SCACR director Noelia Villalobos.

After selecting these coffees, ICAFE sent 300-gram samples of each to potential bidders around the world. The auction is open to anyone who wishes to bid.

Those interested in bidding should register at coffeeaucti…; the auction will begin at 9 a.m.

-Tico Times