Blackberry Production Up Sharply

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In a country once known only for its fine coffee and banana production, the diversification of crops has increased tremendously in the past 50 years. But nowhere is it more marked than in the rise in blackberry (mora in Spanish) production.

The business publication El Financiero reported last summer that the berry's increased popularity may be due to discoveries about its high anti-oxidant content. (Anti-oxidants are known for cancer prevention characteristics.)

Between 2005 and 2009, blackberry production increased 42.32%. The fruit in its natural state contains enough sugar to not need artificial sweeteners and it actually reduces cholesterol.

Although not a traditional tropical native, the plants produce extremely well in a number of the country's micro-climates. It has become a standard for local jelly and ham producers here--which in turn have become an growing export crop.

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture, farmers have increased yields and, of course, this country enjoys a longer growing season than do most of its temperate zone customer countries.

In the zones of Oreamuno, Terrazu and Dota, farmers have planted more than 800 hectares of blackberries as of 2009 alone. Although jams and concentrates make a fine export crop, the taste of Costa Ricans for the berries keeps much of the crop in the local market.

In 2008, says the paper, local consumption caught up with exports.