One of the world's most expensive coffee varieties is grown in the eastern part of the island of Jamaica on the slopes of the Blue Mountains. Jamaica Blue Mountain is a coffee with excellent taste, which ranks first among all single-origin coffees on the market.
Why is Blue Mountain the best? To understand the value of this variety, you need to know the history of its appearance. The first coffee plantation appeared in Jamaica in 1725 thanks to the efforts of Nicholas Laws. Gradually, the plantations expanded, and coffee production also developed. In 1932, Jamaica harvested a record harvest in the history of coffee production - 15 tons of beans. But at that time there was no talk of the existence of a separate Blue Mountain variety.
Jamaica is a great place for coffee
The birth of the coffee industry was accompanied by a very interesting historical event. In the 18th century, King Louis XV of France sent the inhabitants of the colonies a gift from the Dutch - three coffee trees. Only one of them was destined to reach their destination - the island of Martinique. From there, the seedlings migrated to Jamaica. And they took root very well, because in the next century there were more than 600 coffee plantations in this territory.
One of the most famous coffee brands on the planet is Jamaica Blue Mountain. It is great for cooking in a cezve. Fragrant, multifaceted, delicious - these are just some of the epithets that this coffee, produced in sunny Jamaica, is honored with.
Almost half of Jamaica's territory is mountainous. Among them, the highest is Blue Mountain, soaring into the sky at 2256 meters.
This mountain really appears blue due to the fog that shrouds it all year round. Here, on the territory of the Blue Mountains, there are plantations of a unique variety of Arabica.
This was facilitated by the terrain conditions. Jamaica has a favorable climate, fertile soil, and a large number of mountain peaks.
Interesting fact . The main buyer of Jamaican coffee is the Japanese, and they take 4/5 of all products produced.
Features of the region
The Blue Mountains range stretches from Kingston to Port Antonio and reaches 2,256 meters at its highest point.
The region has a warm, humid climate with frequent rain and fog. The soil is fertile and does not lack irrigation. All this creates ideal conditions for the cultivation of excellent coffee.
Blue Mountain Arabica grows in the regions of St. Andrew, St. Thomas, Portland and St. Mary at an altitude of 910 to 1700 meters above sea level.
Coffee from plantations located at an altitude of 460-910 meters is called Jamaica High Mountain, beans grown below 460 meters are classified as Jamaica Supreme or Jamaica Low Mountain.
The History of the Legendary Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee
The history of Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee, a true legend of the coffee industry, dates back more than one century. So, in 1728, Sir Nicholas Lawes, governor of Jamaica and owner of the famous Temple Hall, brought the first coffee tree to the island. Initially plantations were laid out in the rolling hills of the parish of St. Andrew, and then they gradually moved to the rich lands of the Blue Mountains - the longest and most amazing mountain range in Jamaica. From its inception to the present day, the state’s coffee industry has experienced both incredible ups and downs. From 1800 to 1840, Jamaica produced approximately 70,000 tons of excellent coffee annually, making it the largest supplier of premium coffee raw materials in the world. In 1838, a law was passed that abolished slavery on the island, which led to the destruction and death of many coffee plantations. Very soon, due to a lack of labor, the coffee industry declined, and by 1891 it was on the verge of complete collapse. Gourmets would never again be able to enjoy the impeccable Jamaica Blue Mountains coffee if the country's government had not taken action - a system of control over the cultivation and production of coffee was introduced. Most attempts to restore the coffee industry were unsuccessful, since by that time Jamaica had already lost important markets, including its main market, Canada. Finally, in 1944, the authorities formed the Central Coffee Clearing House, whose tasks included monitoring the supply of green coffee abroad and the quality of exported products.
After a devastating hurricane swept through Jamaica in 1951, only three tiny plantations in the Blue Mountains remained alive. Then the farmers suffered grief - they had to rebuild their crops again. Help came from the government in the form of a new government body, the Coffee Industry Board, formed to control the quality of Jamaican coffee. Slowly, Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee production began to recover, and in 1973, the famous coffee factories Mavis Bank, Silver Hill, Moy Hall and Wallenford finally officially registered the Blue Mountain Coffee brand. Several years ago, another family-owned company, Old Tavern Estate Coffee, received the exclusive right to produce a product under the Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee brand. Today, Jamaica is one of the leaders in creating the best varieties of coffee. What makes this small island a unique place for growing premium coffee varieties? Jamaica is “greatly lucky” with its climate and geography - the famous Blue Mountains proudly rise above the island, which give birth to amazing coffee. For optimal growth
Coffee trees need adequate moisture, perfect drainage and a cool climate. The Blue Mountains can give all this to culture! To be called Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee, the beans must be grown at an altitude of 2,000 to 5,000 meters above sea level, in an area whose boundaries are set by law. Everything else is fake. Real Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee is made from selected Arabica beans, grown “under the supervision” of real professionals in their field. Currently, the volume of blue coffee produced is only 1000-1500 tons per year. On a global scale, this amount is equivalent to 0.1% of all coffee produced in Colombia, making it almost impossible to buy Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee on the world market. About 90% of the legendary product is bought by Japan, and the remaining 10% is shared by England, the USA, and since 2009, thanks to the company Jamaica Blue Mountain Rus LLC, and Russia. Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee has now gained international recognition and is widely known as the best coffee in the Caribbean and possibly the best coffee in the world!
Other Jamaican Coffees
The plantations of this blessed country produce good Arabica crops. What other varieties of Jamaican coffee can be found on sale?
- Jamaica High Mountain . These are grains of high mountain origin, but outside the growing range of the famous Blue Mountain. Highland Jamaican coffee is not much inferior to its famous brother. Balanced taste and aroma, soft, devoid of bitterness, taste and a delicate fruity bouquet - these are the distinctive properties of this drink.
- Jamaica Prime . These grains are grown at significantly lower altitudes. But don't think of this coffee as low-grade. It has an expressive aroma and a good, bright taste. Like most Jamaican beans, this coffee is not overly strong, but rather delicate and refined. The brand under which Jamaican highlands beans are sold in the market is called Jamaica Mountain Choice Coffee. This is its official name, approved by the Jamaica Coffee Industry Council.
Jamaican coffee is an expensive variety. 1 kilogram of Blue Mountain will cost approximately 10 thousand rubles and more. When purchasing, pay attention to the quality of roasting, it is crucial.
Heat treatment of grains carried out over high heat can completely “kill” the taste. Due to the reduced density, Jamaican coffee starts out roasted at low heat, which is then increased.
Jamaican coffee enjoys increased attention among connoisseurs of the drink, so it is ideal as a gift for someone who likes to start the day with a cup of aromatic infusion.
Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee
Terms of sale and legal information
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Seller – IP Osipov Alexander Sergeevich
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Discounts
3% discount on purchases over RUB 3,000.
6% discount on purchases over RUB 8,000.
10% discount on purchases over RUB 20,000.
15% discount on purchases over RUB 50,000.
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Features of preparing Jamaican coffee
Blue Mountain coffee is considered one of the best in the world. It may have only been heard of once, but all coffee drink lovers have heard about it, and true gourmets leave exclusively laudatory reviews. This variety of coffee beans comes from Jamaica and is prepared in this country using special technology. Thanks to its use, it is possible to fully reveal the aromatic and taste properties of this drink.
Description of the variety
Coffee beans in Jamaica are harvested entirely by hand. They are processed using the wet method. In addition, they undergo special sorting. All beans are divided into categories. The highest among them is considered Grade-1. Such beans are only exported.
Jamaica Blue Mountain is considered the best among elite varieties. It is characterized by a balanced combination of sweetness and tartness, as well as a rich aroma. Gourmets appreciate it for its pleasant nutty hue, slightly perceptible sourness and long-lasting fruity aftertaste.
The variety is also considered unique due to the characteristics of growing beans. The plantations are small and located at great heights. Coffee fruits are exported in small quantities. They are placed in oak barrels, on which a stamp is placed confirming their belonging to the famous species. Due to this, it is possible to avoid counterfeits.
Price
The price of Blue Mountain coffee is very high.
There are a number of reasons for this:
Coffee plantations of this variety are located on high mountain peaks. This is very difficult both when harvesting crops and when working on plantations. Cultivation of this coffee is fraught with risk for the people working there, which contributes to its high cost.
Very little of it is produced. In total about 2 million kg. annually. Americans and Europeans are simply fighting among themselves for the remaining 20%. Because Japan takes the rest of the harvest. About 80% of the production is exported to Japanese regions where coffee liqueurs are made.
The quality of the variety is constantly checked. These are strict coffee quality checks that entail certain costs, both labor and financial.
Due to inspections, the volumes of grain products supplied to markets are reduced.
Jamaican coffee recipe
Jamaican coffee has a very extraordinary, multifaceted taste and aroma. It's not at all difficult to prepare. The main thing is to strictly follow the step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
You will need the following products:
- 3 teaspoons ground Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee;
- 600 ml water;
- 3 teaspoons granulated sugar;
- salt (on the tip of a knife);
- 1 orange;
- half a lemon;
- 40 ml rum;
- 50 g powdered sugar.
Step-by-step instruction
To prepare real Jamaican coffee, you need to follow these steps:
- Pour the crushed grains into the Turk.
- Add salt and sugar to the mixture.
- Mix the resulting mixture thoroughly and place on the stove.
- After warming up the container a little, pour in water.
- Wait until the foam appears and remove the Turk from the stove.
- Stir the rising grounds and put the dish back on the fire.
- After the first bubbles appear, set the cezve aside and cover with a saucer.
- Infuse the drink for five minutes.
- Wash the citrus fruits well and cut into thin slices.
- Place orange and lemon in a saucepan.
- Pour the prepared coffee on top.
- Place the dishes on the stove.
- Immediately after boiling, pour in the rum and add powdered sugar.
- Mix the resulting mass thoroughly.
- Once the powdered sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat.
- Pour the resulting drink into glasses using a strainer.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon.
It is allowed to use whipped cream and all kinds of fruits as decoration.
If desired, you can use coffee balsam or cognac instead of rum. With their help, it will also be possible to give the drink a characteristic alcoholic tint.
Blue Mountain is one of the most expensive beans. Finding it on sale turns out to be problematic. As a rule, blends are presented that contain about 5% of these famous grains.
Naturally, the taste of such a mixture will not be as harmonious as in the case of using a single variety. Therefore, when making a purchase, it is so important to carefully study the composition and make sure that there are no other types of beans in it.
Recommendations
- "The Jamaican Guide to Blue Mountain Coffee: Everything You Need to Know." January 9, 2022.
- "Embassy of Jamaica - Tokyo." Archived from the original on 2017-02-21. Retrieved 2010-02-27.
- "Background—Jamaica Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority." Retrieved 2020-08-14.
- "Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee: A History, 2020" Eighty Seven Plus Coffee
- "Rules and Regulations - Coffee Industry Council." Archived from the original on December 22, 2001.
- "Jamaican coffee" wwwchem.uwimona.edu.jm
. - "Jamaica Coffee Board Quality Certification Process." Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-04-13.
Features of Blaser Blue Mountain coffee production
On the island of Jamaica, exclusive varieties of coffee of the highest quality are grown. Coffee trees grow in soil rich in microelements such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and other minerals. Coffee berries ripen in the highlands for a very long time, up to 11 months.
Coffee fruits are collected using the picking method, after which they are sent for processing. In Jamaica, only the wet coffee processing method is used. Its advantages compared to the dry method can be found in our article “How coffee fruits are processed: methods and technologies.”
Taste and aroma of coffee
Grown in these conditions and gently processed, the coffee is nutty and has the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness and richness. This variety of Arabica is one of the softest due to the lower volume of caffeine in the beans. Jamaica Blue Mountain is delivered to different countries of the world not in bags, like other varieties, but in oak barrels.
There is a special Committee on the island that strictly ensures that only the best coffee beans have the right to be called Jamaica Blue Mountain.
Every person who loves coffee and understands all the shades of its taste should try this wonderful Arabica variety at least once in their life. It will be a real pleasure to buy a copper pot in Pyatigorsk, Jamaica Blue Mountain beans and brew aromatic and delicious Turkish coffee.
Everyone will appreciate the pleasant sweetness of coffee, seasoned with a slight sourness, its nutty aftertaste, and will admire its aroma of fruits and berries interspersed with woody notes.
How did the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee come about?
Increasing production volumes did not lead to an improvement in quality, and already in the early 50s, many foreign customers refused to cooperate with local suppliers. As a result, a number of large companies and many farmers were ruined. Having lost the sales market in North America, the country's government decided to create a Council dedicated to the development of the coffee industry, and also implemented a number of measures to support coffee producers.
In addition, foreign investment, mainly Japanese, played a significant role. As a result, over time it was possible to significantly improve the quality of the finished raw materials, and then improve the yield. Japanese investments turned out to be more than successful and led to the signing of long-term contracts for the supply of coffee between the countries. By the end of the 70s, Japan's efforts were rewarded - the country received the best, according to many experts, Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee. This variety has gained cult status in the country.
Fakes
Of course, such demand could not help but provoke a wave of counterfeits.
Some suppliers cheat and include Blue Mountain in blends, but in reality, such blends most often contain only a tiny percentage of the precious grains.
How to distinguish original from fake
- Certification mark. The Jamaica Coffee Board takes great care to ensure that only genuine Blue Mountain is labeled as such.
- Recommendations. There are several trusted suppliers: Blue Mountain Coffee, Coffees of Jamaica, J. Martinez and Company, Precious Provisions, Fresh Roasted Coffee.
How to drink Blue Mountain coffee
This expensive and rare variety is recommended to be ground in small portions immediately before cooking. Whole grains should be kept in a vacuum sealed container in a cool, dark place (not in the refrigerator).
The best way to get the most out of your beans is to brew them in a French press or “drip” filter. It is advisable to take filtered or bottled water.
Due to the weak acidity, espresso lovers should opt for another variety.
