What Are the Grades of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Beans? An Introduction to Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Bean Grade Standards

FrontStreet Coffee · Introduction to Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 Coffee Grade Standards

Jamaica's Blue Mountain coffee beans are renowned throughout the coffee world. With its long history, even those who don't regularly drink coffee have likely heard of Blue Mountain coffee. Today, FrontStreet Coffee will introduce the various grades of Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee beans and their standards.

Jamaica: The Birthplace of Premium Coffee

Jamaica is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea, with Black and Mulatto populations accounting for over 90% of its inhabitants. The majority of residents practice Christianity. Jamaica's coffee history dates back to the 18th century when, in 1717, King Louis XV of France ordered coffee cultivation in Jamaica. In the mid-1720s, Jamaica's Governor Sir Nicholas Lawes imported Arabica seeds from Martinique and began promoting cultivation in the St. Andrew region. Coffee trees were introduced to Jamaica and planted in the Blue Mountains, creating different categories: high-altitude Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee, High Mountain coffee, and Jamaica coffee—each with different grades determining their respective prices.

The Blue Mountains: Perfect Terroir

The Blue Mountain range is located in eastern Jamaica. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, the mountains reflect the brilliant blue光芒 of seawater on clear days when direct sunlight hits the azure waters—hence the name. The highest peak reaches 2,256 meters above sea level (with coffee cultivation only permitted below 1,700m, as areas above are protected forest land), making it the highest peak in the Caribbean region and a famous tourist destination.

This region lies within the coffee belt, featuring fertile volcanic soil, fresh air free from pollution, and a humid climate with year-round fog and rainfall. With average precipitation of 1,980 millimeters and temperatures around 27°C, these conditions have created the world-renowned Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee—also one of the world's most expensive coffees.

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Grades

Only Blue Mountain coffee grown at altitudes above 800 meters can be considered authentic Blue Mountain coffee. The FrontStreet Coffee Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 coffee featured on FrontStreet Coffee's menu is grown at an altitude of 1,310 meters and comes from Clifton Mountain Estate.

According to CIB regulations, only coffee produced above 666 meters in the Jamaica Blue Mountain region can be called Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee. Coffee produced in the Jamaica Blue Mountain region below 666 meters is called Jamaica High Mountain coffee. These grades are classified by bean size into NO.1, NO.2, NO.3, and hand-selected PB. The basic standards for NO.1 Blue Mountain green beans include beans above 17 screen size, defect rate below 3%, moisture content around 13%, and other criteria.

Detailed Grade Requirements

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee

Altitude requirement: 910-1,700 meters above sea level

• NO.1 grade: 17+ screen size, defect rate below 3%
• NO.2 grade: 16+ screen size, defect rate below 3%
• NO.3 grade: 15+ screen size, defect rate below 3%
• PB grade: 14+ screen size, defect rate below 3%

Jamaica High Mountain Coffee

Altitude requirement: 460-910 meters above sea level

• NO.1 grade: 17+ screen size, defect rate below 3%
• NO.2 grade: 16+ screen size, defect rate below 3%
• NO.3 grade: 15+ screen size, defect rate below 3%
• PB grade: 14+ screen size, defect rate below 3%

Jamaica Prime Coffee

Altitude requirement: Below 460 meters

• Screen size: 15-17 screen
• Defect rate: Below 3%

As evident from these standards, Jamaica coffee selection is extremely strict, ensuring exceptional quality.

Important Notice :

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