The majestic Blue Mountains are located on the eastern portion of the island of Jamaica. They are sprawled almost 28 miles in length and approximately 12 miles in height. It is here the word tourist is seldom spoken. The awe inspiring bluish peaks are the effects of the perpetual mist that blankets this sacred vegetation thus providing the perfect conditions for the growth of the internationally known "Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee" ?.

In 1494 Christopher Columbus discovered Jamaica. When Columbus spoke of this paradise he said, it is the fairest land eyes have beheld; mountains and land seem to touch the sky" ?. At the time, the mountains were being heavily forested. The early Spanish settlers established many cattle ranches also known as haltos at the foot of the Blue Mountains on the southern coast of Liguanea, the Morant Bay area, and the Yallahs Valley. These numbers quickly dissipated after the island was captures by the English and the lower slopes cleared for farming. England's increasing demand for hardwoods caused the harvest of the forests.

In 1728 the Governor of Jamaica Sir Nicolas Lawes brought the first coffee plants to Jamaica from Hispaniola. The first cultivation began at the foothills of St. Andrew and quickly crept its way deep into the fertile Blue Mountains.

Jamaica produces an estimated 70,000 tons of coffee per year from the year 1800-1840 making her the largest producer in the world. In 1891 the industry had become increasing less lucrative for the farmers since the signing of the Emancipation. Jamaica could no longer compete with the slave owning countries like Brazil and Cuba. Over the next few decades the quality became increasingly unsuccessful. The Canadians however continued to be the largest buyers despite the disparaging status of the coffee. Finally in 1944 the Jamaican government established a coffee clearing house for which all exported beans must be cleaned and graded. This leap ended the spell of the lesser quality and unitarily raised the exported standards of all exported coffee.

Immediately following the devastating hurricane in 1951 only three coffee processing pulperies survived in the region. In an attempt to refurbish the ailing industry the government established a "Coffee Industry Board" ? promoting the guidelines for quality, cultivation and processing. This board still plays an active role regulating the existing exporting business.

The five remaining processing plantations registered the name "Blue Mountain Coffee" ? in 1973. Today there are only five official "Blue Mountain Coffee" ? plantations Mavis Bank, Silver Hills, Moy Hall, Wallenford, and The Old Tavern Estate Coffee.

This coffee has been labeled by many as the "finest coffee in the world" ?. What makes Jamaica such a prized spot for coffee? Like it is said in the world of real estate its "Location, Location, Location" ? and this location is the Blue Mountains. The ideal growing requirements for the coffee bean are simple. The plants must be heartily watered, well drained, and during some stages of development even require drops in temperature. The altitude must be between 2000 and 5000 feet and grown in the Parishes of Portland, St. Andrew, or St. Thomas to be considered a registered Blue Mountain Coffee. All of the remaining five are official locations. No other coffee grown elsewhere on the island maybe labeled or sold as "Blue Mountain Coffee" ?. Today Jamaica produces an estimated 75,000 bushels of coffee per year. The majority of this precious product is exported to Japan.

This exquisite libation is created exclusively for the Arabica bean. The Arabica bean is considered to be the most flavorful yet contains less caffeine than the Robusta beans grown in other part of the world.

Year after year the tender beauties bud on the vine awaiting their perfect season. Once the crimson berries are harvested they are placed on bamboo racks to dry naturally in the sun. Finally they are slow roasted over a smoky fire before being packaged and distributed.

This enchanting area is quenching to the soul of the adventuress. While not a place of many earthly pleasures it is balanced greatly with its aphrodisiac quality for the lovers of nature. You will find your self engulfed with bluish mountains, languid falls, rugged mountain trails, and being surrounded by an electric blue transparent fluid. Naturally the unequivocal solace will rejuvenate the mind and instill a greater sense of soulful peace.