What makes Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee so good?

Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is considered one of the finest and most sought-after coffees in the world due to its unique flavor profile, which is mild and sweet with hints of chocolate and nuts, as well as its smooth and velvety texture.

The following are some of the factors that contribute to the high quality of Blue Mountain coffee:

Growing Conditions

Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is grown in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, a region that is known for its ideal growing conditions. The coffee is grown at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 feet, in rich volcanic soil with a cool and misty climate that provides the perfect amount of moisture and shade for the coffee trees.

Variety

Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is made from the Arabica Typica variety of coffee bean, which is known for its low yield but exceptional flavor profile. This variety is carefully cultivated in the Blue Mountains, resulting in a limited supply of high-quality beans.

Handpicking

Blue Mountain coffee is handpicked to ensure that only the ripest and highest quality beans are selected. This meticulous process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it is essential for ensuring that the coffee meets the strict standards of the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA).

Processing

After the beans are harvested, they undergo a strict wet processing method, which involves removing the pulp and allowing the beans to ferment for up to 72 hours. This process enhances the natural flavors of the coffee and results in a cleaner, sweeter taste.

Drying

The beans are then washed and sun-dried on large patios, which can take up to two weeks. This slow drying process preserves the coffee's delicate flavors and prevents it from becoming over-dried or brittle.

Hand Sorting

After the beans are dried, they undergo a meticulous hand-sorting process, where trained professionals sort the beans by size, color, and shape. This ensures that only the highest quality beans make it to the final product, which is then packaged and sent for export.

In conclusion, the unique combination of ideal growing conditions, careful cultivation, handpicking, wet processing, slow drying, and hand sorting all contribute to the exceptional quality of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. These factors make it a rare and highly sought-after coffee that is considered among the best in the world.

Coffee beans growing in the Jamaican Blue Mountains.