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| Puerto Rico - A Culture of Coffee |
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The Coffee Craze
Back in the late 1800s, European coffee connoisseurs considered coffee from Puerto Rico to be in a class by itself, the standard by which other coffees were measured. They eagerly awaited shipments of beans labeled from Yauco, Jayuya, Maricao and other communities in the western Cordillera Central. In the cool climate of the higher elevations, the Arabica coffee shrub did extremely well. In winter months workers would fan out on the coffee estates, picking the ripe red beans by hand and taking them to the farms to be processed. The beans were rinsed and de-pulped, dried on concrete slabs in the sun, de-husked and shipped primarily from the port in Ponce to the major cities of Europe.
In the 20th century, markets changed with the transfer of Puerto Rico from Spain to the US, and several major hurricanes destroyed much of the remaining crop. Coffee production continued at a much smaller scale and pride in the rich taste of Puerto Rican coffee was confined mainly to local connoisseurs.
Many local restaurants and hotels serve their guests 100% Puerto Rico coffee, and stores and supermarkets offer buyers a multitude of Island brands. In addition, several coffee-tasting shops and cafes showcase Island-grown Arabica beans. Many of the retail shops in Old San Juan sell the bean and you can also purchase it online at our site.
Coffee
Puerto Rico's Treasured Brew
Nestled within Puerto Rico's lush mountains a special shrub with deep green leaves thrives, white flowers and small red beans. Upon harvesting, these red beans produce one of the Island's great treasures: coffee.
Puerto Rican coffee is cultivated under extraordinary conditions. The Island's high mountains –some with altitudes in excess of 3,000 feet—ensure the purest quality. Plentiful rainfall and mineral rich volcanic soil contribute to the local java's excellence. But the most notable factor is the bean; Puerto Rican coffee growers use the arabica bean, which is considered to be among the most flavorful and richest in coffee varieties.
Since the arrival of the first coffee beans to the Island in 1736, the homegrown brew has been enjoyed by the most discerning palates, including heads of state, European royals and the Vatican.
During the late 19th century Puerto Rico was one of the world's top coffee producers, but hurricanes practically wiped out the industry. Luckily, coffee cultivation ultimately recovered enabling the heavenly Puerto Rican brew to be savored once again.
Café Rico, Rioja, Adjuntas, Coquí and Yaucono are just a few of the many different brands of Puerto Rican coffees. Two of the most famous homegrown brands are Alto Grande, which boasts a superpremium grade (the highest available), and Yauco Selecto, hailed by Wine Spectator Magazine as one of the world's top coffees. These coffees can be purchased locally at any supermarket or via the Internet.
Coffee plantation tours may be arranged through some of the Nature/Adventure and Sightseeing operations. On these unique tours, the visitors get to sample the exquisite brews and see how the coffee is produced.
For a glimpse at what early coffee plantations were really like, visit Hacienda Buena Vista. Located just north of Ponce, the beautifully restored 19th century coffee plantation (part of the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico) has original furnishings and coffee processing equipment.
Coffee: Puerto Rico's Heavenly Brew
Puerto Rican-harvested coffee is not your ordinary cup of Joe. Throughout history, the Island's local brew has tantalized the palates of popes, kings and heads of states. The sweet full-bodied coffee is a result of the Island's distinct geographic location, climate, mineral-rich soil and quality of bean.
Discovered in Ethiopia thousands of years ago, coffee was introduced to Puerto Rico in 1736. Before long, it became an important cash crop for the Island and was exported to the European market, where its standard of excellence demanded a premium price. By the late 19th century, Puerto Rican coffee was the preferred blend of European royalty, and the Island was one of the world's leading coffee producers. While other localities now produce more coffee, none produce better coffee.
What is it that makes Puerto Rican coffee so great? It all starts with the bean. The Puerto Rican coffee that sprouts from the Island's volcanic-based soil is cultivated from the Arabica bean, considered the richest in flavor among the coffee varieties. Tropical regions—such as Puerto Rico's—provide the most favorable farming conditions. The Island's high mountains, some of which exceed 3,000 ft, supply a moist, cool temperature and abundant rainfall.
Coffee has various levels of classification, the highest being café superpremium. Throughout the world, just three coffees possess this ultimate grade, one of which is the locally produced Alto Grande. This superpremium Puerto Rican brew is grown in the high mountainous municipality of Lares at the Hacienda Alto Grande, where it has been processed uninterrupted for more than 150 years. Another homegrown brand that has received international recognition is Café Yauco Selecto, ranked among the world's top-ten coffees by Wine Spectator Magazine.
Before you leave our Island, be sure to stock up on some coffee ... it makes for a great gift. Some other brands to look for are Rioja, Coquí , Café Rico and Yaucono. If you later need more, don't worry, many Internet sites sell Puerto Rican coffee- like ours!
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