What Is Blue Mountain Coffee?

The Blue Mountains are part of the long mountain range in Jamaica where a large coffee-growing region is tucked in. This misty region is famous for coffee growing. Jamaican Blue Mountain is a known name in the coffee world. If you’re a savvy coffee connoisseur, then you probably know that it is considered a top-of-the-line bean of the highest quality.

Be cautious about buying Blue Mountain coffee since labels might sometimes be misleading. Buyers often end up purchasing low-quality coffee that seems genuine at first sight. Many blends contain just small fractions of real Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee. There are also a lot of fakes on the market, so in order to avoid scams, it is best to buy from a reputable source.

It is important to recognize the original beans that are certified by the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica as Grade 1. This well-respected industry board is very strict regarding the quality and size of coffee beans.

Let’s assume you want high-quality coffee with impeccable taste as well as a signature rich and smooth flavor that is wonderfully balanced. This takes some knowledge of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee. Let’s dig a bit deeper and learn more about it.

Blue Mountain Coffee In a Nutshell

Blue Mountain is a sought-after coffee that has a floral, sweet taste. Lack of bitterness and bright acidity give it an authentic and easy-on-the-tastebuds flavor. Exceptionally smooth and mild, please note that it is also one of the priciest and rarest coffees on the market.

The notes of chocolate and nuts are excellently complemented by milk. Even so, you should purchase the roast that best suits your taste. Some people enjoy drinking a dark roast, while others prefer light roasts. It is a matter of personal taste.

Being a specialty coffee, its cultivation is not only thoroughly monitored but also globally protected. Beans that are not cultivated in the Blue Mountain region cannot be labeled and certified authentic as such.

Related: Everything you need to know about light roast coffee

Where Does It Grow?

This exceptional bean is grown at elevations between 910 metres (3,000 ft) and 1,700 metres. Its unique location plus added mild microclimates account for the pristine flavor.

The coffee that grows in these mountains has a pretty long growing period and it’s subject to strict quality controls. This huge region consists of diverse microclimates and four parishes, each of which is home to the coffee farm of Jamaican Blue Mountain.

While Blue Mountain usually comes from Jamaica, the varietal of this coffee is grown in other countries like Kona (a district in Hawaii) and Kenya. It can be grown in hills and mountains around the world thanks to its ability to also thrive at higher altitudes (up to 5,500 ft above sea level) in volcanic soil.

Blue Mountain coffee is very popular with Japanese coffee drinkers. Approximately 80 percent of it is exported to Japan, while the remaining 20 percent is left for other countries around the globe.

What Makes Blue Mountain Coffee So Special and Pricey

Are you eager to taste a cup of coffee that is brewed from world-class beans? Maybe you’re wondering why it is so good and prized. Well, once you take a sip of perfectly brewed Blue Mountain, you can probably realize why it is so expensive. Here are a couple of things that set it apart from the rest.

• The Blue Mountain area yields a low total output in comparison with other coffee growing regions and countries
• Unique growing conditions feature cold weather and mountain climate, which results in a long production period; it takes roughly ten months from blooming to harvesting.
• Coffee cherry-picking is a strenuous time-consuming process because of the steep terrain. To make matters worse, coffee trees are typically planted in smaller groups on the slippery ground.
• Quality control is rigorous. After getting processed, green beans are thoroughly inspected for defects and graded by size. The sorting and processing of the beans take lots of effort and hands-on care. Both the processors and growers are well educated.
• Last but not least, there are clear rules for the harvesting, growing, roasting, and processing of the Blue Mountain coffee. These rules are established by the Industry Coffee Board of Jamaica to ensure the best quality.

 

Step-By-Step Instructions on How to Brew Blue Mountain Coffee

You are advised to buy whole beans rather than pre-ground beans for the best results. It is also advisable to store it in a dry and cool place away from sunlight. Remember that you’ll need certain items and kitchen appliances for brewing Blue Mountain coffee. Here are some examples of items you need to have at hand:

• Kitchen scale
• French Press
• Conical burr grinder
• Vacuum-seal container
• Timer

Now it is time to brew! You can do it in a few different ways. Still, immersion and pour-over brewing techniques are most popular. Which technique you choose is a matter of personal preference and experimentation might be helpful.

The pour-over technique is great for specialty coffee beans as it highlights their subtle aromas and flavor notes. This method of brewing will allow you to enjoy a clean tasting cup. It is recommended to people who prefer light roasts with bright acidity.

The immersion brewing method, on the other hand, is more suitable for people who prefer more intense flavors and a heavy mouthfeel. It allows them to enjoy the complex flavors to the maximum. Use a French press for this method to get a full-bodied, bold coffee. We will go this route and explain the basic steps here.

• Step 1: Grind the beans using a burr grinder (set it to a coarse setting). Once you have ground the amount (measure it with the kitchen scale) you need, place the rest in an appropriate container.
• Step 2: Add filtered or tap water. The former is a better option because it doesn’t influence the coffee flavor either.
• Step 3: Brew the water. It should take a bit longer than usual. Make sure the water temperature is about 200°F. Put the coffee grounds into your French Press while brewing the water.
• Step 4: Seal the French Press (with the presser) after pouring the water over the grounds. Set the timer for four or five minutes.
• Step 5: Once the buzzer has gone off, you will be ready to pour a delicious morning mug and plunge away. Enjoy drinking!

 

Wrapping Up

If you’ve tried Blue Mountain coffee, then you know why it is special. If it is new to you and you are just tasting it for the first time, the taste (and price) will certainly stand out. You are likely to appreciate the clean flavor and smoothness when taking the first sip. We recommend taking a moment to enjoy the notes and florals to the fullest.

The high price of this awesome coffee can be frustrating, but don't let it scare you away.. If you search for a “cheap” Blue Mountain for sale, it is highly likely you are not actually getting it. Fraud within the marketplace from unknown sources will be a waste and disappointment. Do absolutely know your source and when in doubt, go directly to a specialty coffee shop. Many coffee lovers find Blue Mountain worth extra money. We are confident you’ll like it too.

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