Jamaican coffee - What makes it the best in the world?

Jamaican coffee has developed a reputation making it one of the world's most valuable and sought-after coffees. But is it true?

Coffee and Jamaica are a classic couple. Since the 18th century, Jamaican coffee has been known worldwide for its top quality. But is the hype true? Does Jamaica really have the best coffee? What makes it so great? Why should it be on your list of hot beverages? 

Here’s our rundown of all the facts you need to know about Jamaican coffee.

Jamaican coffee: A brief history

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, as the name suggests, grows in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, with its genesis dating back to the 1720s. 

The lush, serene, and cool mountain area isn’t just the best atmosphere for growing coffee but is also the longest mountain range in Jamaica, spanning four of the fourteen parishes: Portland, St. Thomas, St. Mary, and St. Andrew. Unlike the rest of the island, Blue Mountain experiences a unique micro-climate of significantly cooler temperatures and trustworthy afternoon rain, the ideal ingredients for ruby red coffee blossoms to grow. The tropical climate and natural drainage system within the soil make this the best location for growing Jamaican coffee.

And more and more coffee connoisseurs are joining the field. 

In valleys and on peaks across the Blue Mountains, coffee creators grow and harvest beans for roasting daily. Some say the best Jamaican coffee blends have a mild flavor and are less bitter than those produced elsewhere. It’s no wonder Jamaican coffee has developed a reputation over the past few decades, making it one of the most valuable and sought-after coffees.

From berry to bean and beyond.

This smooth Arabica coffee is sweet-toned with a distinct blue-green color, perfect acidity, an intense aroma, and a good body, making it the most balanced blend for roasting. It’s easily had without additives, is naturally alkaline, and contains vitamins and nutrients, making it beneficial for daily consumption. 

But how does it get to that point?

In most cases, the coffee berries are hand-picked and processed by Jamaican farmers who put passion into their livelihood, allowing you to pour back into the Jamaican economy with every cup.

Behind harvesting, the berries are floated in water, inspected, and washed to remove the mucilage, a sugary substance on the outer section of the bean. You’re left with a creamy, brown bean known as the wet parchment, which is then dried and left to rest for a period. 

After the final rest day is hulling. The ‘husk’ or outer shell is removed to reveal the world-famous green bean, which gets polished to remove the silver skin on the outer layer and heads to the sorting area. The beans are sent to the Jamaica Coffee Industry Board for a final inspection following the last taste, body, and color tests. 

And then voila! The finest Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee that’s ready for percolators, mugs, cups, cakes, soaps, candles…anything really! 

If you’re a Jamaican coffee fan, you probably already have your go-to brands, but here’s our list of the top ways Jamaicans make coffee the star of the show.

Coffee Beans and Blends

Surprise your senses with the Authentic Jamaica Dark Roast Coffee Blend from Coffee Roaster of Jamaica, Country Traders. 

Make quick cups of coffee with Cafe Blue’s 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Pods.

Are you looking for instant coffee with intense flavor? Fill your mug with Mountain Bliss 876 Classic Instant Coffee from Salada Foods Jamaica.

Indulge your tastebuds in a symphony of flavor with just one sip of Marley Coffee’s Talkin' Blues 100% Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.

Keep it simple and traditional with the Ridgelyne 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain from Coffee Solutions Limited. 

Experience the coffee of your future when you pour a cup of King's Jamaican Mushroom Coffee sweetened to perfection with stevia.

Add hot water to enjoy the elegant taste of a latte in seconds with the Jamaicano Latte Instant Coffee Mix from Glace Kafe Enterprise Limited.

Try the all-natural and organic Blue Mountain Coffee Beans straight from the farms of Jamaica prepared by Jamaican Fair Trade.

Coffee-infused Desserts and Sweets

Bite into a succulent Blue Mountain Rum Cake made with the world’s finest Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee from Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cake Jamaica - a gourmet delight.

Introduce your senses to the dynamic duo of coffee and chocolate with the 70% Dark Jamaican Chocolate Bar with Blue Mountain Coffee, hand-crafted by Mount Pleasant Farm Chocolatiers. 

It’s not enough to take one bite of this 68% Dark Blue Mountain Coffee Bar, as every nibble will have you returning for a Likklemore Chocolate. 

Try simple ingredients with bold flavors when you taste Pure Chocolate Company’s 70% Dark Chocolate with Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee.

Coffee Selfcare Products

Add coffee to your spa day with Bumble Beauty’s Wake Body Scrub, where the uplifting fragrance of coffee provides a shower experience that's as refreshing as it is pampering. 

Soothe your skin with this Spa Collection Coffee & Brown Sugar Body Scrub from Starfish Oils. 

Bask in the aroma of coffee with Gro&Glo’s handcrafted Coffee Soap Bar, perfect daily showers. 

Cleanse your whole body with Bare Natural Products’ Coffee Cinnamon Soap with a blend of antioxidants and antiseptic, fungicidal, and antibacterial properties. 

Renew your skin with the Coffee Firming Scrub from Fervour Amour ideal for fading stretch marks, tightening sagging skin, and reducing fine lines. 

Get the scents and vibes of the 876 in a jar of Smile Reggae’s Coffee Cinnamon Body Scrub - a premium exfoliating body scrub for men and women.

Envelope yourself with the refreshing aroma of caramelized mochaccino when you use Ayrtons Distributors’ Coffee Scrub Ja’Mocha.

Enjoy a ‘soft life’ with the rejuvenating Coffee Body Scrub from Rheborn Holistic. 

Refresh your skin each day when you try Real Botanics’ Dark Chocolate Coffee Moisturizing Body Lotion. 

Put a little pep in your step with the Energize Aromatherapy Perfume from Patchouli Who? that has roasted coffee and vanilla notes for a satisfying magical mist. 

Get perfectly sun-kissed and toned skin with Island Skin Line Jamaica’s Coffee Tanning Oil.

Coffee Candles

Fill your home with the iconic scent of the islands when you light a Coffee with Cream Scented Soy Candle from The Cute Home with notes of rich coffee, vanilla cream, and rum. 

Light up one of the Klean Air Essentials Coffee Candles to bring the scent of your favorite barista to your home in seconds.

Bring home the aroma of traditional rich and creamy Jamaican coffee with the soothing and relaxing scent of Ewicks’ Coffee Lova Candle.

Awaken your senses with Wicks by Grey’s Hazelnut & Coffee Awareness Candle that brings a refreshing, rich, nutty blend of roasted coffee, toasted hazelnut, and a dash of coconut with hints of maple, cream, and vanilla. 

Step out freshly brewed and renewed with the earth and soul-friendly Coffee + Sugar Coconut & Soy Wax Candle handcrafted by Beryl and Blossom.

While this list isn’t exhausted, it’s obvious Jamaican coffee is claiming fame worldwide and in various industries, making it a coveted commodity. Which of these Jamaican coffee products have you tried? Which ones do you hope to use soon? 

Get all these, plus coffee mugs and coasters, at caribshopper.com and have them delivered anywhere in the USA or Canada in 6-10 business days.