Food 101: Costa Rican cuisine, the essence of pura vida

June 4, 4:56 PMDaytona Food ExaminerConnie Rice

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You know you are in Costa Rica when:

Eating is a luscious experience in freshness, flavor, and culture.

Long days on spectacular beaches and in beautiful waterfalls are punctuated with energizing fresh coconut juice, served perfectly chilled in the coconut itself, poked with a straw. 

While driving around the country you pass acres of papaya fields, as well as palm tree farms where the palm oil is harvested from its ripe berries.  Many of the world's bananas come from Costa Rica.    

There is only one kind of bottled water: Cristal.  There are only a few kinds of beer - tourists can be spotted drinking Imperial while the locals distinguish themselves by imbibing in Pilsen.   

There is no McDonalds, your only option for "fast food" is a roadside stand selling delicious ceviche.  Ceviche is chopped seafood of almost any type cooked in the acid of citrus juice.  In Costa Rica it is traditionally blended with fresh cilantro, bell pepper, and onion, then served with Saltine-style crackers and tabasco.  A little cup of fish ceviche beats a Big Mac anyday for taste and nutrition.   

Walking through the rainforest you encounter odd trees with tiny white flowers and oblong pods growing directly from the bark.  This is where chocolate comes from; freshly ground cocoa powder, as well as whole beans, can be found at the local farmers market in Costa Rica. 

Almost any snack comes in "Limon and Salt" flavor.  The actual citrus fruits looks like a lime on the outside but the flesh is of an orange hue.  The taste is slightly less acidic than typical lemons and limes, and a little sweeter.   

 When feasting at a Costa Rican restaurant, the "locals' plate" is comprised of fish, beans, rice, plantain, and a tantalizing side dish of minced heart of palm with seasonings.  Note also the fried tico cheese that is served alongside. 

Coffee is delightful and plentiful - even the departing airline gates have gift shops offering free samples of some of the best java in the universe.  What a way to leave a country: totally caffeinated and full of wonderful memories.    

You know you are in Costa Rica when the fish is right out of the ocean, the lettuce in your salad was just picked this morning, and the beef you eat is organic and grass-fed.   

It's best to take a bit of pura vida with you, even if it's just in your heart.