Coffee from Haiti

For Haitians, coffee production is a tradition that has been going on for a long time, or 250 years, to be more exact. In order to properly understand the power Haiti holds in this field, you should know that at one point, it was one of the largest suppliers of coffee, worldwide. Sadly, time has not been kind, and at the moment, few people know about it. This is also true in the case of their world-class cacao. Hopefully, after this article, this situation will change, even in the slightest bit. If you want to learn more about the amazing coffee from Haiti, make sure to follow through!

A brief introduction to Haitian history

Before the arrival of the Europeans, the island that was formerly known as Hispaniola was just as full of rain forests and fertile plains as it is today. Also, it was inhabited by Native Carribeans. Later on, it was discovered by the Spanish and the French, who both wanted to take advantage of the natural resources of the island. This dispute was solved like any other dispute back in the day- with a battle, which the French lost. As a result, Hispaniola was divided in 1697, and the western ⅓ became Haiti (ruled by the French), and the rest became the Dominican Republic (ruled by the Spanish). 

Fast forward to 1720, a well-intended French naval brought the cherished coffee seedlings to Martinique. As a result, 50 years later, there were no less than 18.000 coffee trees that flourished. Even though it seemed like an amazing opportunity, the result turned out to be a negative one. Because of the sensational taste of the coffee (as many people believe), a massive slave labour began in Haiti. Because of the dreadful conditions, the slaves revolted in 1804, and they succeeded. Coffee still remained Haiti’s major crop, and in 1949 it became the third largest coffee exporter in the world. 

As it happens in many cases, political instability, and many other factors, caused a steep decline in both production and export. These actions led to the situation we are facing today, a Haiti that lost its celebrity in terms of coffee quality, but an indisputable fact is that it still exists. 

Why Haiti?

As we all know, mountains are not exactly a place where crops can thrive- except for coffee! Haiti is a small country, with 65% of the land developed vertically. It is also known as the most mountainous nation in the Carribean. From here on, you do the math. The ideal conditions for coffee trees include moist, but well drained soil, and high altitudes. As the altitudes are higher, the coffee beans are bigger and harder, and therefore the coffee is better. 

Coffee production has two benefits for Haiti. It not only creates an income, but it also provides high environmental benefits. As coffee trees grow best in the shade of larger trees, they end up being protected and not cut, a very important aspect that needs to be respected if you need reforestation. 

About the beans

First of all, they are organically grown, as the local producers do not afford to spend the little money they make on chemicals or fertilizers. When it comes to processing, there are a couple of choices: dry (traditional) and wet. The first one is preferred because it is the easiest method and it also offers the opportunity to preserve the cherries for over a year. The latter simply produces better, Third Wave coffee, and therefore, more expensive. 

The profile of Haitian coffee

It is full and very refined, that simply boasts confidence. Generally, we could say that it is rich, low in acidity and with a medium body. Many people would also describe it as mellow, because of the many smooth overtones that come from the silky texture and soft, sweet taste. 

The most sought after Haitian coffee is called ”Haitian Bleu”. It comes from a group of farming cooperatives who collectively sell their product under the said name. It is inspired by the blue-green color of the beans that are shade grown, wet processed and Fair Trade. 

Of course, there are many other types of coffee, like Haitian Rebo Coffee, that can cast a spell on you just as easily. Drinking coffee from Haiti does not only mean an incredible taste journey, but also supporting an amazing, fair and ethical producer that no longer receives the recognition it deserves. You can help change that by acquisitioning the magical beans from professional sites, like Cafendo or Singing Rooster. We would absolutely love to hear your opinion on it!