As we’ve visited a number of Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems, we’ve also experienced the very diverse climates as well. Whether this be the cloudy, cool mountains of Monteverde, or the hot, sticky heart of palm plantation in northern Heredia, Costa Rica varies greatly from spot to spot. Heart of palm differs a fair bit from coffee, as it doesn’t require a very high altitude to grow, nor does it need rich volcanic soil. Instead, heart of palm thrives in the humid temperatures and rainy weather common in northern Heredia.

Issues a palmito may run into would include long periods of no rain, as well as not having enough people to harvest the heart of palm properly. Heart of palm must be cut through a number of times to reach the vegetable underneath. These issues, among other general issues farmers face in the modern age (a few of which I mentioned in yesterday’s blog), could make life as a palmito difficult.

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As a total aside climate and heart of palm, the group went to the semifinal match for Liga FPD between LD Alajuelense and C.S. Cartaginés. The energy in the stadium was truly insane. Alajuelense, despite a slow start in the first half, won the match 3-0, with the first two goals being scored only a minute or so apart. This was a very fun experience, and, considering how cheap tickets were, was well worth the cost.