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October 24, 2024 4 min read
The islands of the Caribbean are known for growing some of the best coffees in the world. Each one offers unique and diverse flavor profiles and textures, made in some of the best-growing conditions for high-quality coffee beans.
The Caribbean contains several coffee-growing countries like Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Each one presents immensely satisfying coffees you should brew and enjoy at least once in your life.
Ready to learn more? Let’s go over everything about Caribbean coffee in this profile from Mystic Monk Coffee. We talk about the history, cultivation, flavor, and future of coffee in the Caribbean.
Coffee cultivation in the Caribbean began in the early 18th century when European colonists introduced it to the region’s lush islands. They soon found that the fertile volcanic soil and favorable climate made it ideal for coffee farming.
Over time, each variety of Caribbean coffee gained international acclaim for exceptional quality and flavor. Today, many of these islands continue to produce some of the world's finest coffee and maintain their own unique coffee traditions. From the strict standards of 100% Pure Blue Mountain coffee to the brewing and mingling with friends over a sweet and delicious Cafe Cubano, Caribbean coffee has strong roots in the history and culture of each island nation.
The most notable coffee-growing regions around the Caribbeans include the Blue Mountain district of Jamaica, the Sierra Maestra mountains in Cuba, and multiple regions in the Dominican Republic. Each region boasts unique climatic conditions and soil types that influence the flavor profiles of its beans.
Jamaica's Blue Mountains produce coffee with a mild flavor and vibrant acidity, while the Dominican Republic offers smooth, rich flavors. Cuba is known for its robust, full-bodied coffee with a hint of sweetness. While not as well known, coffee from Puerto Rico and Haiti is also growing in recognition as being of excellent quality.
The Caribbean primarily grows Arabica coffee beans, with islands like Jamaica producing their own varieties, particularly the Blue Mountain species. Of course, there are cases like Cuba, which has grown Robusta beans for years. They take advantage of the species’ hardiness but also prefer its bitter yet bold flavor.
Caribbean coffee farmers work on islands rather than larger areas of land, so they must grow using smaller parcels of land. This forces them to use traditional and sustainable farming methods to ensure high-quality beans.
Coffee plants are often grown under shade trees, protecting them from direct sunlight and preserving biodiversity. Harvesting is also often done by hand, allowing for the selective picking of ripe cherries. This meticulous process ensures that only the best beans are collected.
Many farms also maintain high yields of quality beans by replanting the best beans after harvest and processing. This ensures that the following generations of the plant continue to grow to their full potential.
For the most part, Caribbean coffee farmers use washed coffee processing methods due to the plentifulness of rainfall and clean water. This process involves fermentation and washing, ensuring their coffees enjoy a clean and bright acidity.
Certain countries, like Cuba, will continue to use natural processing methods. For example, they leave beans to dry inside the cherry, which gives the beer a natural fruity taste and wine-like texture.
These different methods maintain the many unique qualities of Caribbean coffee, enhancing the rich and diverse profiles each country has to offer.
Caribbean coffee is celebrated for its rich, diverse flavor profiles. As an “island coffee,” much like Hawaiian Kona, varieties from the Caribbean offer a pleasant, soft, and mild body and acidity, with different flavors according to their growing region.
For example, Blue Mountain Coffee from Jamaica will have a naturally sweet and creamy profile, while Cuban coffee will be bold and bitter, with a hint of sweetness. Cups made with beans from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Puerto Rico are said to have great potential but require further development.
But no matter what, Caribbean coffee consistently offers a high-quality and enjoyable drinking experience.
Notable Caribbean coffee brands include Blue Mountain Coffee, Café Santo Domingo, and Cubita. There are many different brands out there that try to appear authentic, but these are some of the best choices if you’re looking for a true Caribbean coffee experience.
Additionally, cooperatives like the Jamaica Coffee Growers Association and the Federación Dominicana de Caficultores ensure the excellent quality of their nations’ coffee supply. They all help local farmers with education, training, and support for sustainable and fair trade practices. They also seek to maintain high standards of production in the Caribbean coffee industry, ensuring its future and success for the hundreds of thousands of workers within.
The Caribbean coffee industry faces many challenges, whether it's within a season or throughout the year. Issues like hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes can potentially crush the entire industry in an instant without proper planning. On top of that, there are consistent issues with low market prices and infrastructural issues within each island nation.
Despite these issues, significant efforts are being made towards sustainability and innovation. Initiatives include improving the quality of farming and coffee production rather than quantity. They are also seeking potentially lucrative areas to export coffee, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, all of which have grown far more interested in global specialty coffees than ever.
Though it is rooted in a less-than-favorable history, Caribbean coffee proves itself to be among the most delicious and enjoyable available. With innovation and further development, coffees from Haiti and Puerto Rico will undoubtedly be up to par with those of Jamaica and Cuba.
In any case, you should look to try coffee from each country and also consider trying coffees from new sources, like our own at Mystic Monk Coffee. Our artisan monks produce expertly roasted beans sourced from Costa Rica and single-origin farms in Ethiopia and Mexico. We also offer delicious flavored coffees, providing you with an immense selection to choose from and enjoy. Browse and order a bag from Mystic Monk Coffee today!
The French vanilla coffee is very taste, has a good vanilla flavor so bold and the aroma is just overwhelming!!! I for sure recommend it.
The coffee did smell great, but I tried with and without cream, but it just didn’t fit our taste… I still love Mystic Monk coffee and am a grateful customer!
Absolutely delicious coffee!
It’s our first cup in the early morning!
Just love it. Thank you!!
