Coffee 101
Origins
Martinican

Martinican Coffee: Discovering the Caribbean's Hidden Gem

Martinique's coffee industry owes its existence to a single coffee plant that survived a treacherous sea voyage in 1720, nurtured by Gabriel de Clieu who shared his water ration with the plant during the journey.

Martinican

Martinican coffee, grown on the lush Caribbean island of Martinique, is a rare and exotic treat for coffee enthusiasts. Known for its smooth, well-balanced flavor profile, this coffee reflects the island's unique terroir, combining volcanic soil richness with the perfect tropical climate. Despite its limited production, Martinican coffee has gained recognition for its quality and distinctive character, offering a taste of the Caribbean's coffee heritage.

History

Coffee cultivation in Martinique dates back to the early 18th century when Gabriel de Clieu, a French naval officer, introduced coffee plants to the island in 1720. Legend has it that he shared his water ration with the coffee plant during the long voyage from France. Despite facing challenges like hurricanes and competition from other crops, coffee production persisted on a small scale. Today, Martinican coffee is experiencing a revival, with efforts to preserve and promote this unique Caribbean coffee heritage.

Martinican

Martinican

Accidity:
Medium
Body:
Medium to Full
Country:
France (Martinique)
Nutrition :
100kcal
Climate:
Tropical maritime climate with high humidity and consistent temperatures
Cupping Score:
84.5
Region:
Caribbean
Soil Type:
Volcanic, rich in minerals and organic matter
Typical Altitude:
300 - 800m
Annual Production:
30 metric tons
Export Volume:
10 metric tons
Market Share:
Martinican coffee represents a niche market, with limited production primarily consumed locally or exported as a specialty coffee.

Local Coffee Customs

In Martinique, coffee is often enjoyed as 'Café Chaulet,' a strong brew prepared using a traditional cloth filter called a 'chaulet.' It's typically served with a side of hot milk and sometimes flavored with local spices or a dash of rum.

Economic Impact

While small in scale, coffee production contributes to Martinique's agricultural diversity and tourism appeal. It provides income for local farmers and supports the island's reputation for high-quality, artisanal products, complementing its rum and cocoa industries.

Awards

  • Martinique Agricultural Fair Gold Medal (2019)

Brewing Methods

  • French Press
  • Pour Over
  • Espresso

Certifications

  • Agriculture Biologique (AB)
  • Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) - pending

Common Varieties

  • Typica
  • Bourbon
  • Blue Mountain

Flavor Profile

  • Chocolate
  • Nutty
  • Citrus

Popular Brands & Roasters

  • La Caféière de la Martinique
  • Domaine de la Vallée
  • Café Chaulet

Tourism & Culture

Visitors to Martinique can explore small coffee plantations, particularly in the northern regions of the island. Some estates offer guided tours, showcasing the coffee growing process and allowing tourists to taste freshly brewed Martinican coffee amidst stunning tropical scenery.

Future Outlook

Martinican coffee is poised for growth as interest in unique, small-batch coffees increases. Efforts to revitalize the industry, coupled with the island's focus on sustainable and high-quality production, suggest a promising future for this distinctive Caribbean coffee.

Roast Recommendations

  • Medium
  • Medium-Dark

Sustainability Practices

  • Shade-grown cultivation
  • Organic farming practices

Traditional Preparation Methods

  • Café Chaulet (traditional Martinican coffee preparation)
  • Cold brew with local rum

Typical Harvest Season

September - December

Typical Processing Methods

  • Washed
  • Natural
  • Honey
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