October 28, 2024 4 min read

Haiti has had a long and strained history with coffee. Between colonization, revolution, and numerous other misfortunes, Haiti’s coffee industry has risen and fallen. Despite that, many specialty coffee enthusiasts consider Haitian coffee varieties to be excellent in flavor and texture, and efforts are growing to support a continued production for the world to enjoy. 

In this profile by Mystic Monk Coffee, we’re going to go into everything about Haitian coffee — its history, its cultivation and processing, flavor profile, and much more. Discover the sumptuous taste of Haiti’s finest coffee today!

History of Coffee in Haiti

Coffee cultivation in Haiti began in the early 18th century as a crop introduced and cultivated by Haitian slaves under French colonialism. During this time, it became among the country's largest coffee producers in the world. However, the working conditions of these coffee plantations contributed to the Haitian Revolution in 1791, which resulted in most of them burning down. 

Soon after, revolutionary leader Toussaint Louverture made attempts to rekindle the coffee industry but failed. Further attempts at production had even more problems due to natural disasters and US embargos against Haiti’s later dictatorships. 

Through the rest of the 19th and 20th centuries, Haiti’s coffee production went through constant boom and bust cycles, and by the 21st century continues to struggle under difficult climatic conditions. 

Despite all of that, efforts are being made to help sustain its growth. One way is by implementing fair trade policies, as well as encouraging small-scale farmers to produce specialty coffees. Haitian coffee is considered high-quality and is seen as particularly favorable as a gourmet, specialty coffee received in small amounts. 

Coffee Growing Regions

Haiti’s best-growing regions include the high-altitude regions of Massif du Nord, Montagnes Noires, Chaîne des Matheux, Montagnes du Trou d’Eau, Massif de la Hotte, and Massif de la Selle. Because of their high altitude, these regions are ideal for coffee cultivation. 

They are grown in low amounts, mostly among smallholders in what are called “creole gardens,” alongside bananas, cassava, papaya, and other vegetables and fruits. This can affect their flavor profile and give them a unique taste. 

Varieties of Coffee Beans

Haitian coffee farmers will largely produce the Typica variety of Arabica coffee beans, which are said to be old and almost wild. Other farms may produce other varieties, such as Caturra and Catimor. 

Typica coffee is enjoyed for its sweet, clean body with hints of fruity acidity, nuts, and honey. Catimor has the lively taste of ripe berries with notes of earth herb. Caturra is also sweet but offers the taste of maple, honey, and sweet citrus with a hint of chocolate. 

Cultivation and Harvesting Practices

In Haiti, coffee farmers largely hand-pick their cherries. While this process ensures they can meticulously pick the ripest and best coffee cherries, it’s important to note that very little is produced. Harvesting usually starts in September and may sometimes continue until June of the next year. The beans are then sent to wet mills for processing. 

Processing Methods

Haitian coffee farmers use either natural or washed processing methods. The key difference is that cherries that will be sold on the market are washed, while naturally processed coffee beans are dried in the sun. 

Washed processing involves removing the fruit from the coffee bean and fermenting it in water for a day or more. The coffee is then washed again to remove any impurities and dried in the sun. Natural processing simply involves cherries left to dry in the sun and removed from the beans, which are then packed and sent for export. 

Washed coffees have a cleaner body and high acidity, while natural coffees are heavier and fruitier in flavor.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

Haitian coffee is known to have a rich flavor profile. If you ever get the chance to brew some, you’ll likely experience a relatively low acidity since most Haitian coffees are washed. It is also largely known to have a mild, smooth body. 

Its flavor contains notes of chocolate or pure cocoa, with a quiet sweetness that lasts through every sip. In its aftertaste, you may notice hints of citrus or dried raisin that round out the sweetness of this coffee's overall flavor. 

Famous Coffee Brands and Cooperatives

Most authentic Haitian coffee brands will label themselves as “Haitian Bleu,” which is an attempt to mirror Jamaican Blue Mountain and other similar productions in South America. Specific brands to look out for are Rebo and Singing Rooster, which are strongly involved in helping coffee farmers in Haiti improve their farming and processing techniques. 

These brands, as well as the National Institute of Haitian Coffee (INCAH), are all involved in efforts to ensure better trade and resources for local farmers. The farmers themselves are formed into numerous cooperatives that work with brands like Singing Rooster to ensure their production involves fair trade practices. 

Together, these organizations will maintain the quality standards necessary for great Haitian coffee production in the future.

Challenges and Sustainability Efforts

The Haitian coffee industry has and continues to face numerous challenges. Issues such as deforestation and soil erosion have made it difficult to restore coffee farms to their original production levels. The country also undergoes varying cycles of floods and droughts, along with other natural disasters that leave the country and the coffee sector in disarray. 

Still, efforts are being made by coffee farmers to deal with these issues. Together, they work with the government to implement fair trade policies and work on utilizing farming practices that ensure better and better harvests despite any potential setbacks. Most significantly, 

Haitian coffee farms are taking advantage of their limited supply by labeling them as single-origin specialty coffees, ensuring they receive favorable compensation for their high-quality coffee. 

Conclusion

Haitian coffee, like coffee from other countries, has a long and messy history. Haiti itself has also undergone many long decades of struggle and difficulty. Despite all of this, its farmers are determined to bring their coffee back to the spotlight. 

Next time you need to restock your coffee, consider looking up authentic, single-source brands like Singing Rooster and others. In addition, look into other choices closer to home, like Mystic Monk Coffee. 

We are an order of Carmelite monks in Wyoming that produces freshly roasted coffee. We have dozens of delicious blends and roasts for you to enjoy, as well as flavored coffees to match your favorite flavor profiles. Browse our selection today and discover your new favorite coffee.