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Thread: Buying coffee to bring home?

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  1. #1
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    Re: Buying coffee to bring home?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ras Walleye View Post
    The Coffee Industry Regulation Act specifies what coffee may use the Blue Mountain label. Additionally, it restricts the use of the Blue Mountain trademark to those authorized by the Coffee Industry Board. Broadly speaking, coffee harvested from the parishes of Saint Andrew, Saint Thomas, Portland and Saint Mary may be considered Blue Mountain coffee.
    Traditionally, only coffee grown at elevations between 3,000 and 5,500 feet (1,700 m) could be called Jamaica Blue Mountain. Coffee grown at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 feet (910 m) is called Jamaica High Mountain, and coffee grown below 1,500-foot (460 m) elevation is called Jamaica Supreme or Jamaica Low Mountain.

    The reason that the coffee sold by Big Roy or Thunder is superior to the commercially available pre-packaged for tourist coffee, besides being fresh roasted, is that it is single estate, whole crop coffee. The commercial stuff is blended from numerous estates and is sorted by bean size. The largest beans, the ones with the least amount of flavor, are the ones that get packaged for commercial sale. The smaller the bean the greater the flavor.
    ras hit the nail on the head- where the difference really comes in is that the small purchaser/farmer is dealing with a single source for the bean. there aren't a lot of 'estate' coffees available because of how the CIB structures their deals- so most small farmers will exchange or contract for fertilizer and supplies...meaning that the generally available commercial stuff is a mix of different farms and they all send their boxes. this isn't necessarily a bad thing, and for most people you wouldn't notice it.

    I've spent quite a bit of time on coffee farms up in the blue mountains, and if you want a really good coffee experience, it's just like wines or cigars. You have to hunt out the prime spots, like the one Ras mentioned, Hagley's Gap is another great spot. Also, cocoa from the blue mountains is awesome.

    There are some excellent JBM coffees available from larger estates, like Old Tavern. I will try and dig up some of my pics if anyone is interested. Lots of people mentioned some great coffee available in Negril.

    You want it roasted within about 4 to 5 days of when you plan to drink it- right after roasting the coffee will do what is called degass, I've found that with many of the JBMs mentioned here it's about that time- I like to roast my own, you can get an awesome home roaster called an I-Roast that let's you program roasting curves. If anyone wants those I have a few that are great for JBM and also for African coffees.

    that's why a lot of the vacuum bags have the one way valves. You want to have the coffee roasted into what is called second crack, JBM dark roasted like a starbucks roast is a waste, you might like it, but you will be killing all the things that make it distinguishable as JBM so have a care. If you can, you might want to ask to help roast it yourself, it's a great experience.

    In Negril, about the best coffee I have had so far hands down is available at Sunrise Club. They have a rare Faema espresso machine that is seriously dialed in.

    At home, I wouldn't put it into anything less than a French Press. 2.5 minutes, coarse ground, stir, then another 2.5 min, and plunge. See too if you can find what's called 'wet' sugar.
    "I beseech thee, my lord , let this venture be mine..."

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  2. #2
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    Re: Buying coffee to bring home?

    Ras,

    You know your stuff and thanks for sharing the info with the board. Coffee is my business and I can backup everything you say. I will add that it would be smart to get your roasted coffee packaged in bags with the one way valve within 48 hours of roasting. The coffee can degass in the bags, so that is not a problem. Degassing in those bags will remove the oxygen which is what robs the flavor / quality of the coffee. Within 48 hours after roasting, coffee begins to go stale, losing flavor and taste. Just my two cents worth.

    Thanks,

    Two

  3. #3
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    Re: Buying coffee to bring home?

    O.K. you have convinced me. I ordered some 1/2 lb bags with the degassing valve. I plan to order some fresh roast from either Big Roy or Thunder next trip. I will wait till my last full day there so I get the fresh roast and I will repack into the degassing bags immediatley.
    [http://daisypath.com]

  4. #4
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    Re: Buying coffee to bring home?

    Quote Originally Posted by LLAP View Post
    O.K. you have convinced me. I ordered some 1/2 lb bags with the degassing valve. I plan to order some fresh roast from either Big Roy or Thunder next trip. I will wait till my last full day there so I get the fresh roast and I will repack into the degassing bags immediatley.
    Where did you order the bags from LLAP?

  5. #5
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    Re: Buying coffee to bring home?

    Quote Originally Posted by 2nutz4travel View Post
    Where did you order the bags from LLAP?
    EBay under this description. - Home Roaster Coffee Valve Bags 8oz. Size (1/2 Lb) - 10 ct
    [http://daisypath.com]

  6. #6
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    Re: Buying coffee to bring home?

    fresh roasted coffee is indeed the key. is it possible to buy some nice green beans of the blue mtn variety to take back to the states for later roasting? id probally also get some fire roasted but me would like to extend the fresh roasted enjoyment factor.

  7. #7
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    Re: Buying coffee to bring home?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sparky View Post
    is it possible to buy some nice green beans of the blue mtn variety to take back to the states for later roasting? id probally also get some fire roasted but me would like to extend the fresh roasted enjoyment factor.
    Thunder will be happy to sell Blu Mtn green beans
    FYI- it takes about 1.25lbs of green beans for 1lb of roasted beans
    Last edited by dave; 08-22-2012 at 01:05 PM.

  8. #8
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    Re: Buying coffee to bring home?

    A wee bit off topic - but here is an article in today's paper about Marley Coffee: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/2...business4.html

    I bought some Marley Coffee in Vancouver recently at London Drugs (about $15.00. for 340 grams or 12 oz) ... according to package marked "One Love, gourmet medium roast", contains 100% Ethopian Virgacheffe which was roasted in Canada, certified fairtrade organic Arabica coffee. It's good coffee, but would taste better if I was drinking it in Jamaica!

  9. #9
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    Re: Buying coffee to bring home?

    I have purchased green coffee beans from Big Roy in the past. Fresh roast is best!
    Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. KJV Psalm 68:4

  10. #10
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    Re: Buying coffee to bring home?

    OK, I am now converted!!! No more burlap bags of coffee for me...going to check it out pon next reach. Truly excited...love mi some good coffee...as one of the ole Jamaican songs states, "mi bowl of bwoling coffee in da morning" by Diana West!!! Album, Think like a girl"...title, mi coffee. Check it out if you are so inclined. It is a short song on this cd which stole mi heart years ago.

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