Cuban Coffee

As with countries throughout South America and the Caribbean, coffee has a long history within Cuba. So much so that it has become a lasting staple in the daily lives of its people, who’ve also given the drink their own unique twist.

While Cuban coffee has been recognized as an excellent brew, the country’s economy has hankered its ability to flourish as it once did prior to the 1959 Cuban revolution. Regardless, the relatively small amounts of coffee its hard-working farmers produce are known for being immensely rich and robust, especially in the form of the famous Café Cubano.

In this coffee profile by Mystic Monk Coffee, we explore Cuban coffee in depth. Below, we cover everything from its history and origins to efforts to further develop coffee production in the country. 

History of Coffee in Cuba

It’s commonly said that Jose Antonio Gelabert first brought the Coffee plant to Cuba in 1748, but coffee production properly began in the late 1790s. It started when French immigrants fleeing Haiti established its viability as a crop. By the 19th century, coffee had become a major export, matched only by sugar. By then, Café Cubano became a staple of Cuban culture as domestic consumption grew along with the country’s significance in the coffee industry. 

The Cuban coffee industry faced challenges during the 20th century due to political and economic shifts. The Cuban Revolution of 1959 led to the industry's nationalization, soon reducing the number of large farms and impacting the expansion of smaller ones too. The coffee industry suffered further damage when the US placed an embargo on all Cuban goods, the Soviet Union dissolved, and, in the 21st century, global economic conditions reduced Cuban coffee’s market value. 

Despite these challenges, efforts are still underway to revitalize coffee production, focusing on quality and tradition. France and Japan are among the country’s biggest importers of coffee, with Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand importing in smaller amounts. 

Coffee Growing Regions

Cuba's primary coffee-growing region is the Sierra Maestra mountains. To a lesser degree, farms are also located in the Escambray Mountains and Pinar del Río. Each region offers unique climatic and geographic conditions that influence the coffee's flavor.

Varieties of Coffee Beans

Cuba grows both Arabica and Robusta varieties of coffee beans, most of which are known to be certified organic. However, this is more due to the country’s poor agricultural infrastructure, as farmers don’t have the resources to purchase fertilizers or pesticides. Though this has its disadvantages, the result is a cleaner coffee bean overall.

Cultivation and Harvesting Practices

Cuban coffee farmers use traditional and sustainable farming methods to ensure high-quality beans. Shade-grown coffee is prevalent, protecting plants from direct sunlight and enhancing biodiversity. Harvesting is done by hand, allowing for selective picking of the ripest cherries. This meticulous process ensures that only the best beans are collected.

Processing Methods

Cuba employs either drying or washing coffee processing methods. The drying method involves farmers drying cherries on exposed patios and then de-pulping them with wooden mortars. The washed process, involving fermentation and washing, highlights the coffee’s clean and bright acidity while also providing a fruity taste and aroma. Cubans also tend to prefer a dark roast, ensuring its rich and robust profile.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

Cuban coffee is unique in its strong, bold taste, particularly when it is mixed with demerara sugar, which is traditionally used to make Café Cubano. The specific method of mixing a small portion of the coffee with the sugar causes the drink to form a viscous, syrupy body and its famously sweet flavor. Typical tasting notes include dark chocolate, caramel, and hints of spice. 

The country’s diverse growing regions may create a wide range of flavor profiles, but as they largely produce Robusta, it tends to remain largely dark and bold in flavor. While Café Cubano is a mainstay in Cuban culture, the drink, as it's made in culturally Cuban areas like Miami, is not exactly the same. The beans often don’t come from Cuba but are Arabica beans from mostly South American producers. Additionally, because of the strict rationing of certain products, coffee is mixed with roasted chickpeas to help expand and round out the flavor. 

Famous Coffee Brands and Cooperatives

Notable Cuban coffee brands include Serrano, Turquino, and Cubita. These brands are celebrated for their commitment to quality, traditional practices, and authentic flavor. The country’s numerous cooperatives support local farmers by providing resources and promoting fair trade practices. These organizations help maintain high standards and ethical production in the Cuban coffee industry.

Challenges and Sustainability Efforts

The Cuban coffee industry faces challenges such as economic restrictions, climate change, and outdated infrastructure. To address these issues, significant efforts are being made towards sustainability and innovation. Initiatives include maintaining organic farming and growing resilient varieties such as Robusta. 

Not only do they intend to continue implementing eco-friendly practices, but modernizing their methods and helping farmers obtain equipment and resources to become more efficient. These efforts aim to preserve Cuba’s coffee heritage while helping farmers innovate and expand their efforts to produce higher-quality coffees. 

Conclusion

Cuba’s coffee industry is a blend of rich tradition, innovation, and hard work. The country's dedication to quality and sustainability brings hope for its return to prominence in the global coffee market. Cuban coffee remains among our favorites for its robust and distinctive flavors, much like our own Midnight Vigils and Super Monk coffee blends at Mystic Monk Coffee. 

While it is difficult to source single-origin Cuban coffee, we believe every coffee is worth looking into and trying at least once. Consider browsing Mystic Monk Coffee’s selection of artisanally roasted coffee beans and grounds today. We offer a fine assortment of delicious blends and roasts, as well as our own specially flavored coffee, made to lift your spirits and bring a second wind to your day.