Spotlight on Haiti

Haiti is one of the most renowned coffee producing nations in the world. In fact, ever since Haiti gained its independence in 1804, coffee has been one of Haiti’s major export crops. Today, we’re exploring what gives Haitian coffee its superior quality, and how it plays a deeper role in the nation’s culture and economy. Geography Haiti, officially known as the Republic of Haiti, is a small nation in the Caribbean Sea, which includes part of the island of Hispaniola as well as some smaller islands. To the east of Haiti is the Dominican Republic, and to the south and west is the Caribbean Sea. Haiti is actually the most mountainous nation in the Caribbean, and coffee is grown on the humid mountain slopes. The fertile soil and tropical climate make this region an ideal location for growing coffee and other crops. Economy Agriculture is essentially the heart of the Haitian economy, and it is a key source of jobs and development there. Coffee farming has changed considerably over the years, due to political instability, low market prices, natural disasters, and government unrest. This has caused both peaks and declines in coffee production and export. The Haitian economy is slowly recovering from these setbacks, and coffee is making its resurgence as an economic driver. Now, more than ever before, coffee trees are essential in Haiti to providing jobs for farmers and even for protecting the environment, as coffee trees thrive in the shade of taller trees. This means that trees providing shade to coffee trees will not be cut down, and coffee trees can also mutually support tree roots and soils. Coffee History Around 1720, French naval commander, Gabriel de Clieu brought coffee seedlings to the nearby island of Martinique. These sprouts flourished, and 50 years later, there were thousands of coffee trees, enabling the spread of coffee cultivation to Haiti and other Caribbean islands. The first species of coffee cultivated in Haiti was the Arabica typical variety. At this time, Haiti was still a French colony, and both France and Italy quickly favored the distinctive Haitian coffee. Our Haitian Coffee At CoffeeAM, we are proud to offer Organic Haitian Blue Mountain Direct Trade coffee. Not only is it one of our best-selling coffees, but your purchase of this coffee also improves the lives of the Haitian farmers responsible for growing it, as well as their families. Our Haitian Blue Mountain is a medium-light roast, with low acidity, a characteristically smooth, creamy, mellow body, a pronounced nuttiness, and a buttery feel. If you’re looking for a rich and balanced brew with absolutely no unsettling, bitter aftertaste, then the search is over. In regards to growth and cultivation, this coffee is of the Arabica Blue Mountain variety, is grown in the Nord region of Haiti, at an elevation of 1200 meters above sea level, and it is washed and patio dried. We hope that you have a better understanding and appreciation of Haitian coffee, and you’re tempted to try some for yourself. Please visit us today at CoffeeAM, and come back for another cup of coffee and culture! If you have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to share them in the comments section below. We look forward to hearing from you!