Jamaica is known for many things, sandy beaches, reggae music, Bob Marley in addition to coffee. The high regard for Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee among keen coffee consumers has sent its price up to between $46 and $60 per pound. What is it about this particular brew that warrants such a price tag?
True to its name, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is grown in the Blue Mountain area of Jamaica, located between Kingston to the south and Port Maria to the north. Rising to 7,500 feet, the Blue Mountains are the highest part of the Caribbean. The area is characterized by wet, cool weather and rich, dark earth with good drainage, ideal conditions for producing coffee. Though coffee is not native to Jamaica, it is the main export of the island.
Not just any old type of coffee can be called Jamaican Blue Mountain. Jamaica’s Coffee Industry Board certifies each and every bag of beans to make sure only beans of the highest quality bear the prestigious trademark. The Board only recognizes beans grown in particular Jamaican parishes: St Thomas, St Andrew St Mary and Portland.
The geographical area that produces Jamaican blue mountain coffee is quite small and can only grow so much coffee. The limited availability, the peerless quality resulting from pains taking cultivation, the seductive aroma and the renowned name of Jamaican Blue Mountain have no doubt contributed to its reputation as one of the most sought-after coffees in the world - more so than sumatra coffee, or French roast coffee, for instance. So long as hardcore coffee lovers continue to covet it, it will be also one of the more costly.