From Bean to Cup: Paradise found in a cup of Haitian coffee
Early mornings have an undeniable charm, and I embrace every bit of it! As I write this article from the comfort of my bed, enjoying a delicious cup of coffee, I am resolutely grateful for this peaceful, productive moment. This is my attempt at a love letter to Haitian coffee.
Lately, I’ve been thoroughly impressed by Café 509, an innovative blue mountain coffee initiative that is truly making waves in Haiti. Their direct partnership with the Cooperative Cacgava in Dondon, located in the north of the country, delivers a delicious brew in every cup. What stands out about local collectives like these is their genuine commitment to restoring coffee-growing lands, guaranteeing fair wages for our hardworking farmers, and safeguarding the beautiful biodiversity of our land.
If you're curious and want to dive into this exceptional coffee experience, you can grab some at my shop, La Boutique Haiti Bites, where we offer both ground and whole beans. Seriously, you won’t want to miss out on this!
I have a deep passion for exploring various coffee varieties, and I am fortunate to have a neighbor like Patrick Dessources. He consistently surprises us with organic arabica gems from his travels across our stunning country. He passionately describes Thiotte in Belle-Anse, where coffee growing, harvesting, and processing are treated with the utmost devotion. His enthusiasm is infectious! Patrick goes beyond enthusiasm; he actively promotes fair farming practices and provides essential financial support to our remarkable Haitian growers through initiatives like Caseli and Root Capital.
I truly believe that a bright new Haiti is on the horizon, and it all begins with your morning coffee and a sprinkle of determination! ! Haitian coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a lively representation of our community and our identity.
And let’s not overlook the cultural soul of coffee! Dany Laferrière's book, L’Odeur du café, offers a profound insight into our heritage. He writes, “…At 88 rue Lamarre, it's likely you'll see a serene old lady with a smile on her face sitting next to a little boy of ten.” That grandmother, affectionately known as Da, demonstrates the timeless bond we have with coffee: “Da drinks her coffee… Time does not exist.” This image perfectly encapsulates a cherished moment in Haiti, showcasing how deeply ingrained coffee is in our culture. Sharing coffee in Haitian homes is an offering of love.
Laferrière’s storytelling takes us back to his childhood in vibrant Petit-Goâve during the 1960s, showcasing the beautiful bond he had with his beloved grandmother, Da. Through his words, the sunny magic of those days springs to life, highlighting the splendid beauty of rural Haiti, not too far from Port-au-Prince.
Coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a bridge to connection and sharing precious moments with our loved ones. One heartwarming moment in the book has the little boy asking Da to describe heaven, and she simply points to her coffee maker, perfectly illustrating how coffee represents a little slice of paradise, bringing joy and togetherness from the tranquil countryside porches to the bustling streets of Port-au-Prince.
“Un jour, j’ai demandé à Da de m’expliquer le paradis. Elle m’a montré sa cafetière.”
When you brew a cup of Haitian coffee, you’re not just enjoying a delicious drink; you’re diving into a world of history! Each sip you take is bursting with the vibrant essence of our land, reflecting all the dedication and love that goes into every single bean. Whether you go for a robust Haitian café mocha or a delicately brewed cup, the experience is always infused with the resilience and creativity that define the Haitian spirit. Locals absolutely rave about the "coffee sock" method—a charming cotton filter that delivers a smooth, flavorful brew, especially loved in the lovely provincial areas of our island.
The tale of Haitian coffee is truly captivating and is a powerful reminder of our unwavering determination. It all kicked off back in the 18th century, when French colonists discovered that our island's perfect climate and rich volcanic soil were just right for growing coffee. By the late 1700s, Haiti was making waves in the coffee world, renowned for beans that were bursting with rich, fruity flavors.
The 18th century was a golden age for Haitian coffee! This thriving industry became a lifeline for our economy, fostering vital exports that sustained our nation. But we also have to remember the heavy toll that this prosperity took—our history carries the weight of slavery and exploitation, leaving behind deep scars that we still acknowledge today.
In 1791, our brave ancestors stood up against slavery and oppression, shaking things up by dismantling many coffee plantations and changing the landscape of global coffee production. Before this transformative revolution, Haiti was supplying nearly half of the world's coffee! This uprising was a monumental step towards our independence, achieved in 1804, but the ripples of those events continue to be felt in our coffee industry today.
Despite facing significant hurdles throughout the 19th and 20th centuries—thanks to political unrest, natural disasters, and economic challenges—the spirit of our farmers and their passion for coffee remain as strong as ever.
This love letter to Haitian coffee is all about celebrating its rich history and cultural importance, as well as the incredible spirit of the Haitian people. Let’s raise our cups high to the farmers, artisans, and passionate souls who continue to nurture and protect this special crop. By embracing Haitian coffee, you’re not just savoring a delightful drink; you’re honoring our past and investing in a brighter future for our land and its people. Cheers to the love, the history, and the unforgettable taste of Haitian coffee—a true cup of paradise!