Diet

The diet in Costa Rica is characterized by fresh, wholesome ingredients and a balance of flavors and nutrients. Costa Rican cuisine, known as "comida típica," emphasizes simplicity, freshness, and local produce. Here are some key components and popular dishes that define the Costa Rican diet:

Key Components

Rice and Beans: These staples are integral to almost every meal. Gallo pinto, a traditional breakfast dish, combines rice and black beans cooked with onions, bell peppers, and cilantro.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Costa Rica's tropical climate allows for a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. Common fruits include mangoes, pineapples, bananas, papayas, and avocados. Vegetables such as plantains, yuca (cassava), and sweet potatoes are also widely consumed.

Proteins: While rice and beans are central, the diet also includes various sources of protein. Chicken, beef, pork, and fish are commonly eaten. Seafood is especially popular in coastal regions, with dishes featuring shrimp, red snapper, and other local fish.

Dairy: Dairy products like cheese and milk are commonly used, with Costa Rican cheese, known as queso fresco, being a staple in many dishes.

Herbs and Spices: Costa Rican cuisine is not typically spicy but uses a variety of herbs and spices to enhance flavors. Cilantro, oregano, garlic, and achiote (annatto) are commonly used.

Popular Dishes

Gallo Pinto: A national dish typically eaten for breakfast, made with rice and black beans cooked with onions, bell peppers, and cilantro. It's often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (a type of sour cream).

Casado: A traditional lunch or dinner plate that includes rice, beans, a choice of meat (chicken, beef, pork, or fish), a salad, fried plantains, and sometimes a slice of cheese or a piece of avocado.

Olla de Carne: A hearty beef and vegetable soup that includes chunks of beef and a variety of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, corn, plantains, and yuca.

Sopa Negra: A black bean soup flavored with onions, garlic, and cilantro, often served with a hard-boiled egg and white rice.

Tamales: Especially popular during Christmas, these are made from corn dough filled with pork, rice, and vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

Chifrijo: A popular bar food consisting of layers of rice, beans, chicharrones (fried pork), and pico de gallo, often served with tortilla chips.

Ceviche: Fresh fish marinated in lime juice and mixed with onions, cilantro, and bell peppers. This refreshing dish is a favorite in coastal areas.

Beverages

Coffee: Costa Rica is famous for its high-quality coffee. It's typically enjoyed black or with milk and sugar.

Agua Dulce: A traditional drink made from dissolving tapa de dulce (unrefined cane sugar) in hot water.

Frescos: Fresh fruit drinks made by blending tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, watermelon, or tamarind with water or milk.

Imperial and Pilsen: The two most popular local beers in Costa Rica.

Sweets and Desserts

Tres Leches Cake: A rich sponge cake soaked in three types of milk (evaporated, condensed, and heavy cream).

Arroz con Leche: A rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and cinnamon.

Churros: Fried dough pastries rolled in sugar, sometimes filled with chocolate or dulce de leche.

Mealtime

Breakfast and "morning coffee" vary depending on the person with the latest eating time about 10.30 a.m. Lunch is had between 11:30 a.m.-1:30 PM. "Afternoon coffee" is at about 3:30 PM-5:30 PM and dinner at around 7:30 PM.

At mealtimes the "coffees" and lunch are generally eaten out of the house. Children will eat them at school, workers normally eat lunch from home in the cafeteria, and bureaucrats will generally eat at restaurants. Dinner is mostly eaten at home.