| Possibly the world's most famous coffee-growing | | | | long to do on their Caribbean vacations, they can |
| location is Colombia, but many countries in and around | | | | anticipate a stimulating beverage to enjoy alongside |
| the Caribbean also produce this flavorful bean. Most | | | | the activity on every island. The most popular brews |
| coffee-growing islands in the Caribbean, however, do | | | | are found on these: |
| not produce quantities large enough to export on a | | | | The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico is also a great island |
| wide scale, like the plantations in Central and South | | | | to visit for coffee, but most Puerto Rican coffee is |
| America, which serve markets all over the world. | | | | consumed on the island, making it hard to find |
| Growing History | | | | elsewhere, so aficionados may want to visit in order |
| Coffee was discovered in Africa, but today this drink | | | | to try a cup. Some of the more popular Puerto Rican |
| is popular worldwide. It was passed from the | | | | coffees are known for their creamy taste. |
| Ethiopians to Constantinople's Ottoman Turks and | | | | Jamaica is perhaps one of the best-known producers |
| even to Pope Clement VIII in Italy, who is said to | | | | of Caribbean coffee. Its Blue Mountain area produces |
| have baptized the drink. There are many variations in | | | | full-bodied and highly aromatic beans. However, if |
| the story of how the crop was transplanted to the | | | | you're visiting Jamaica, be wary of roadside vendors |
| Caribbean, but, needless to say, the region's land | | | | selling impostor Blue Mountain coffee. Still, true-blue |
| turned out to be ideal for growing this popular bean. | | | | coffee makes a great souvenir for those who love |
| The type of coffee plant most often grown in the | | | | the drink. |
| Caribbean region is called "Arabica." It was developed | | | | The island of Hispaniola is home to two countries, the |
| from plants grown in Saudi Arabia, inspiring the name. | | | | Dominican Republic and Haiti, and each produces fine |
| Coffee can be grown in many different climates, but | | | | coffee. The Dominican Republic is one of the |
| each climate will create beans with subtle taste | | | | Caribbean's largest coffee producers, and Haiti is |
| variations. | | | | enjoying a chance to make a name for itself as well. |
| The higher the altitude, the more time the coffee | | | | Fans of the dark roast should try the sweet |
| plant will require to mature, but beans grown under | | | | Dominican coffee, while Haitian blends offer a more |
| these conditions are full and dense and yield the | | | | mellow taste, with plenty of flavors to suit many |
| richest flavor. High altitudes are particularly important | | | | palates. |
| when growing coffee, which means that mountainous | | | | For those outside the United States, you may be |
| islands are usually better-known for their coffee than | | | | able to find imported Cuban coffee, which is known |
| those with more level terrain. | | | | for a heavy body and particularly fine dark roasts. |
| Similarly, the geography of many Caribbean islands | | | | However, these coffee products are nearly always |
| has played an important part in creating delicious | | | | exported to Europe and Japan. A word to the wise - |
| coffee. Warm weather and volcanic soils combine to | | | | don't be confused by Cuban-style coffee, which is |
| create perfect growing conditions for these plants, | | | | not the same thing as coffee from Cuba. |
| but each island will process the results differently. | | | | Although these island producers will never have the |
| Top Island Producers | | | | space to grow as much coffee as you'll find in |
| While the Caribbean islands are known for sun and | | | | Central and South America, their island blends each |
| sand, so some visitors overlook their mountainous | | | | offer something unique. So try a cup of something |
| interiors while others enjoy hiking and climbing | | | | special - coffee from the Caribbean. |
| through these rougher regions. But whatever visitors | | | | |