jamaica
Whilst annual coffee production is insignificant when compared
to its close neighbours on the American continent, the quality of
the fine Arabica coffees from these (and other Caribbean Islands)
is superb.
That said, the so called ‘worlds’ best’ Blue Mountain coffee from
Jamaica is probably not now as popular nor as good a quality as it
once was. These days various Blue Mountain Style coffee blends are
available throughout the world – some of them having nothing much
to do with Jamaica at all. Nevertheless a true Blue Mountain coffee
is wonderfully full bodied with mild acidity.
puerto rico
French farmers who immigrated to Puerto Rico in the 19th century
were mainly responsible for setting up the production of coffee in
the hills.
Yauco Selecto and Grand Lares varieties are now grown under
strictly controlled conditions and considered to be amongst the
best in the world. They are full bodied, rich and fruity with an
intense aroma and unique after-taste.
CUBA, THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, and HAITI
These are all arabica coffee producing islands with coffee bean
market names such as Cubita, Turquino, Serrano and Sierra Maestra
(Cuba), Bani, Barahona, Cibao and Ocoa (the Dominican Republic) and
Haitian Bleu (Haiti).