We’re not quite certain exactly when the first seedlings of coffee made it to the shores of our island. Some claim it was in the early 1700’s when a French immigrant brought an Arabic variety. While other coffee historians believe that its origin dates back to post Columbus’ arrival by Spaniards who found the perfect climate and soil conditions in the high altitudes of the Cordillera Central in the late 1500’s or early 1600’s. Regardless of when it came the Europeans deemed Puerto Rican coffee as the Best in the world.  Puertorican produced Arabic coffee, has been shipped around the world since 1736. This tiny Island of approximately 119 by 39 miles (160 by 56 kilometers) was once the fourth largest coffee exporter in the world. But things have not been easy for the coffee haciendas, they have had to overcome many obstacles such as invasion, world economic depression and hurricanes yet we are still able to produce world-class coffee that can satisfy the most demanding connoisseurs.

Café La Casona at Hacienda Palma Escrita is a small family owned farm run by Artemio and Maria Valentin, they opened their doors to us and took us through the whole process from branch to cup! Coffee has had a huge impact on the island; it is as rich in flavor as it is in history.  I highly recommend taking a trip through the lush mountains and stopping at one of these Haciendas de Café where you can get a guided tour or just sit and sip an excellent cup of coffee, it will seem as if time stands still in the warm afternoon sun.  Many of the Haciendas produce “gourmet” coffee, which can be bought at the plantation, in local grocery stores or online, so if you don’t make it to one of the Haciendas don’t forget to take some coffee home with you!

Harvest Begins/Comienza Cosecha:

August-Sept

Abundance/Abunda:

Sept-Oct

Harvest Ends/Termina Cosecha:

Nov-Jan

Haciendas:

La Casona Hacienda Palma Escrita, Las Marias 787.210.8252

El Jibarito, San Sebastián 787.896.5010

Cafe Real de Puerto Rico, Maricao 787.833.1698

Café Lareño, Lares 787.897.3643

Hacienda Patricia, Ponce 787.813.1878

Hacienda Buena Vista, Ponce 787.722.5882

Hacienda San Pedro, Jayuya 787.828.2083

Hacienda Gripiñas, Jayuya 787.828.1717

Ana Coffee Estate, Jayuya 787.378.7551

Sandra Farms Coffee Plantation, Adjuntas 787.409.8083

Hacienda Café Bello, Adjuntas 787.829.2610

La Safra, Adjuntas 787.829.5826

More/Más Info:

www.caficulturapr.org/history.html

www.adventourspr.com/larutadelcafe

www.travelmaps.com

www.museodelcafepr.com

www.gotopuertorico.com/puerto-rico-coffee-haciendas.php