There is rarely a day that I go without an espresso. Preferably after my morning tea and just past midday. I don’t get too involved in the type of roast, I have a trusted cafe ritual and style of coffee — oat milk latte with light foam. My love for coffee surprisingly came late. For decades, many have shared their admiration and love for Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee and while its popularity is well known in Jamaica, its consumption tells another story. Much of Jamaica’s coffee production is for export. In fact, eighty percent of the production is exported to Japan alone. Many Jamaicans cannot claim to have tried Blue Mountain coffee. They’ll be sure to tell you that it’s the best, but wouldn’t be able to tell the difference from other regions’. Although, I can definitely tell a good espresso from a bad one, I too would have difficulty differentiating regional varieties. I’m not sure I could spot Blue Mountain coffee out of a line up either. Is that bad?
Jamaica was once known as the world’s largest coffee producer in the late 1700’s — today, tea takes precedence. Something about British colonialism influence is the reason for this preference. Imagine that, we live amongst some of the world’s best, yet the very culture that deprived us of its access is responsible for our discerning taste buds and has created a lasting impression centuries later. As a result, many of us did not grow up with coffee in the household. At most, there is an instant packet in the pantry for company, but I can’t name one family member or relative with a coffee maker in the kitchen. Much the same can be said of my friends and neighbors.
It was a trip to Spain after college where my love of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee began. Over the years I have come to enjoy the smoothness and comfort of having an espresso drink, but coffee was always labeled as “bitter” in my house and amongst most Jamaicans. This was one of the main reasons why I hadn’t been inclined to try the popular drink until I was in uncharted terrority. Also, there is a great lack of information, education and not much interest beyond “we’re the best” amongst Jamaicans with regard to Blue Mountain coffee.
With much of the labor intensive production focused on exports, it will be unfruitful to campaign for every Jamaican to try a cup of Blue Mountain coffee, but wouldn’t that be nice?
January 9th is World Blue Mountain Coffee Day, for all intents and purposes, to celebrate its worldly presence, its long growing history and increase in market visibility. And I should add, giving back to Jamaica what has been stolen from Jamaicans, the pleasures of our land, should be commemorated on this day. I too intend to be more mindful about my coffee bean sources and more knowledgeable about its roasting methods. I’d love to get lost on a bike ride along the Blue Mountain trails and fields, while meeting coffee experts along the way. If you have yet to be bestowed with the love of coffee, know that there is so much to explore along the Blue Mountains. If anything, remember to cast a glance at the mountains on your drive through the hills. Please don’t allow this magic to slip further away.