Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee facts for kids
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is a special type of coffee grown in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. Coffee plants were first brought to Jamaica in 1728.
This coffee comes from a type of bean called Arabica Typica. It is known for its smooth taste and not being bitter. Over the years, this coffee has become one of the most famous and expensive coffees in the world. More than 80% of all Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is sent to Japan. Besides being a popular drink, these beans are also used to make the coffee liqueur called Tia Maria.
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee has a special label that protects it worldwide. This means only coffee approved by the Jamaica Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) can use this name. The coffee must come from a specific growing area in the Blue Mountains. JACRA also watches over how the coffee is grown.
The Blue Mountains are located between Kingston in the south and Port Antonio in the north. They are some of the tallest mountains in the Caribbean, reaching about 2,256 metres (7,402 ft) high. The weather there is cool and misty with lots of rain. The soil is rich and drains well, which is perfect for growing coffee.
Contents
Rules for Blue Mountain Coffee
The Coffee Industry Regulation Act sets rules for what coffee can be called "Blue Mountain." It also says that only groups approved by the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) can use the Blue Mountain name. Generally, coffee grown in the areas of Saint Andrew, Saint Thomas, Portland, and Saint Mary can be called Blue Mountain coffee.
In the past, only coffee grown between 910 metres (3,000 ft) and 1,700 metres (5,500 ft) high could be called Jamaica Blue Mountain. Coffee grown between 460 metres (1,500 ft) and 910 metres (3,000 ft) is called Jamaica High Mountain. Coffee grown below 460 metres (1,500 ft) is known as Jamaica Supreme or Jamaica Low Mountain. No coffee is grown above 1,700 metres (5,500 ft) because that land is a protected forest.
The name "Blue Mountain Coffee" is officially protected in many places. This includes the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the European Union, and the United Kingdom. It is also protected in Jamaica as a Geographical Indication. This means its special origin is recognized.
Types of Blue Mountain Coffee Beans
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee beans are sorted into different types. This is based on their size and how many small flaws they have.
- Number 1 beans are the largest and most wanted, with very few flaws.
- Number 2 and Number 3 beans follow, with more flaws.
- There are also peaberry beans. These are smaller and shaped like a rugby ball, unlike the usual flat coffee beans.
Just like with most other types of coffee, different grades are given to the beans. This depends on things like their size, how they look, and how many small defects are allowed.
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee Day
In December 2018, the Japanese government agreed to a plan from the Association of Japanese Importers of Jamaican Coffee. They decided to make January 9, 2019, the first Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee Day. This day celebrates January 9, 1967. On that day, 60% of the coffee harvested that year was shipped from the Port of Kingston, Jamaica to Japan. This large shipment started a new friendship between Jamaica and Japan after World War II. Today, Japan still buys the most Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee Day includes special events leading up to it. It is celebrated in Jamaica and Japan. It is also celebrated in big cities around the world like New York and London, and at several Jamaican embassies.
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee Festival
The first Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee Festival happened for three days in March 2018. It took place in Newcastle in St. Andrew, Jamaica. The next year, it happened again in March 2019 in the same area. The event was cancelled in 2020 because of the Covid-19 Pandemic. In 2021, organizers held a virtual event online for people around the world. The festival returned in person in 2022, starting on March 4 and lasting a whole month until April 2.
The festival showed off Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee products. It also featured vendors, performers, tours, barista competitions, and cooking shows. People from Jamaica and other countries attended, including coffee growers, processors, and buyers.
The festival helped promote coffee products to tourists. It also taught current coffee farmers through a special "Trade Day." It created chances for buyers, processors, and exporters to meet and work together.
During the festival, workshops and meetings were held. These were organized by the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA), the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), and the Tourism Linkages Network (TLN).
See also
