Caribbean Coffee Offers a Taste of the Tropics
Colombian coffee's popularity is no secret, but many countries
in and around the Caribbean also produce this popular bean. Most
coffee-growing islands in the Caribbean, however, do not produce
quantities large enough to export on a wide scale, like the
growing operations in Central and South America, which serve
markets all over the world. This means you may have to make a
visit to try these flavorful brews.
Growing History
This widely popular drink was discovered in Africa and passed
from the Ethiopians to the Ottoman Turks of Constantinople and
even to Pope Clement VIII in Italy, who is said to have baptized
the drink. There are many versions in the story of how the crop
was transplanted to the Caribbean, but the region's lands turned
out to be ideal for growing this unique plant.
"Arabica" coffee is the type of plant most often grown in the
Caribbean region, and was developed from plants grown in Saudi
Arabia, which gave this bean its name. Coffee can be grown in
many different climates, but each climate will create beans with
subtle taste variations.
Mountainous islands are usually better-known for their coffee
than those with more level terrain because high altitudes are
particularly important when growing coffee. The higher the
altitude, the more time the coffee plant will require to mature,
but beans grown under these conditions are full and dense and
yield the richest flavor.
Warm weather and volcanic soils combine to create perfect
growing conditions for these plants, and every island processes
the results differently. The geography of many Caribbean islands
has played an important part in creating delicious coffee.
Top Island Producers
Caribbean islands are known for sun and sand, so some visitors
overlook their mountainous interiors, though others enjoy hiking
and climbing through these rougher regions. Whatever visitors
long to do on Caribbean vacations, they can anticipate a
stimulating beverage to enjoy alongside the activity on many of
the islands, but these top the list of most popular blends.
Jamaica's Blue Mountain area produces full-bodied and highly
aromatic beans and is perhaps one of the best-known producers of
Caribbean coffee. However, if you're visiting Jamaica, be wary
of roadside vendors selling faux Blue Mountain coffee. Still,
true-blue coffee makes a great
souvenir for those who love this drink.
The island of Hispaniola is home to two countries, and each
produces fine coffee. One of the Caribbean's largest coffee
producers, the Dominican Republic offers a popular blend, and
Haiti is enjoying a chance to make a name for itself as well.
Fans of the dark roast should try the sweet Dominican coffee,
while Haitian blends offer a more mellow taste, with plenty of
flavors to suit many palates.
The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico is also a great island to
visit for coffee, but most Puerto Rican coffee is consumed on
the island. Aficionados in particular may want to taste these
island brews while visiting, since the drink can be difficult to
come by outside this island. Some of the more popular Puerto
Rican coffees are known for their creamy taste.
For those outside the United States, you may be able to find
imported Cuban coffee, which is known for a heavy body and
particularly fine dark roasts. However, these coffee products
are nearly always exported to Europe and Japan. A word to the
wise - don't be confused by Cuban-style coffee, which is not the
same as coffee from Cuba.
Although these island producers will never have the space to
grow as much coffee as you'll find in Central and South America,
individual island blends each offer something unique. So try a
cup of something special - coffee from the Caribbean.
About the author:
Jennifer Smith writes for StLucia-Guide.info, VirginIslands-Guide.info, and other Segisys travel Web sites.
© 2005, Interactive Internet Websites, Inc. Article may only be
reprinted if it is not modified in any way, and if all links
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Written by: Jennifer Smith
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