What is blue mountain coffee?

Blue Mountain is “a range of eastern Jamaica rising to 2,256 m (7,402 ft.) at Blue Mountain Peak” where yields one of the most delicious Arabica coffee in the world. With the elevation 7,402 above sea level, Blue Mountain top is market as the highest spot in Jamaica and the fifth highest mountain in the Caribbean.

The altitude plays the most important factor to Blue Mountain Coffee.

Actually, there are numerous factors contributing to the great taste of Blue Mountain first and most important is the height. The suitable area to cultivate Blue Mountain coffee must be from 1,800 to 5,500 feet in height. The altitude plays a crucial role in differentiating the quality of Blue Mountain coffee to other coffees as a denser bean is generated to convert into a richer cup of coffee. The second factor affecting the quality of coffee is climate. Concretely, the temperature of the Jamaica Blue Mountains is lower than the other parts of Jamaica, therefore; the climate in the Jamaica Blue Mountains is cooler than that in the other areas of Jamaica. In addition, the Blue Mountains lie on the end of eastern Jamaica that enables them to absorb the overwhelming moisture brought by North East Trade Winds.

Sunlight – other’s most important factor – comes second.

Another factor having a large effect on the quality of coffee is sunlight. Particularly significant cloud cover and mist are created when the moisture strike the coast, rise up into the mountains and intersect the cold air of the high elevations. By this way, the intensity of sunlight is reduced considerably that generates a favorable condition for coffee trees to have a long period to mature. As a result, the aroma and flavor of the coffee yield from these trees are much perfect than other coffees due to the long maturation.

Soil condition is a basic one.

Last but not the least; soil condition is also the main determinant of Blue Mountain coffee’s quality. Jamaica is known as the mist fertile land in the Caribbean, excepting the Blue Mountains because “the soil there is derived” from both metamorphic and igneous rock and is quite porous and prone to leaching, it is lowly nutritious with the lack of phosphorus and nitrogen. Consequently, the coffee trees growth is slow and the manufacture is less productive than other coffee cultivating areas of Jamaica and the world. It is not certain that what components in the soil create the unique taste, which distinguishes Blue Mountain Coffee from another.

All of these factors are mutually dependent in order to trigger a very rich, smooth cup of coffee that is exceptionally well balanced and is generally low in acidity.

Strictest processing method to stand out of range.

Besides natural conditions, the processing methods are crucial. The making process is extremely complicated that requires a lot of time and labors. Initially, cherry pipe beans are hand collected and floated in water by farmers on condition that the beans are completely red. Next, the beans, which are immature or damaged by insects, are discarded. Then, the good coffee beans are brought to the collection stations and ensured that “only pre-floated coffee is received into the factory” by being floated again. After that, a range of sophisticated steps is implemented including grinding, roasting, resting period, hulling, sorting and delivering. Inevitably, the harsh natural condition combined with the complicated making process boosts Blue Mountain coffee in the top priciest coffee all over the world, even at $49 per pound. Japan is the biggest importer of Blue Mountain coffee accounting for nearly 80% percent of total amount of Blue Mountain coffee exported.

To sum up, Blue Mountain Coffee is grown in Blue Mountain Range from Jamaica. This is considered as the world’s most expensive coffee type thanks to its excellent quality and unique coffee aroma. Four main factors, which help this coffee to be best in range, are the perfect altitude of 1,800 to 5,500 feet above sea level, tropical featured sunlight, the soils and strictest processing method. Blue Mountain Coffee is used by world’s famous coffee roasters as one of their best single reserve coffees among their coffee portfolios. Japan is the main buyer of Blue mountain coffee.