What Are Costa Ricans Eating This Holiday Season?

Costa Rica News – The Christmas menu may look different this year in many Tico households.

The meat to be consumed is becoming diversified. It’s always been pork leg, traditionally. Now turkey, chicken, lamb and grilled meats are entering the competition as family tables crave innovation.

Another change is that those in charge of preparing the meals increasingly look for prepared products. The purchase of prepared meats is gaining popularity.

Turkey is sold in Costa Rica almost exclusively in the holiday season for Christmas and New Year’s dinners. The sale of pork increases about 40% at the end of the year. The pork goes into tamales as well as holiday meals. Beef is tied with pork for favorite taste among consumers. During this season, meats make up 15% of the profit at PriceSmart.

Many family tables include national lamb meat. This national meat is grass raised, leaner than other options, and has a high nutritional value. Trays of national lamb start at ¢10,000 and imported lines at ¢25,000 per kilo. It can be found at Más x Menos, Automercado and gourmet butchers.