It’s cold and snowy in Chicago and naturally, my thoughts turn towards warmer climates. Think Jamaica….. ah, yes, sun and sand, Bob Marley and bobsleds. And, of course, coffee.

Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is one of the more popular coffee types in the world. But did you know that Blue Mountain coffee doesn’t necessarily have to come from Jamaica? Let me explain: 

Most people are familiar with the two major types of coffee in the world: arabica and robusta. Arabica coffee is grown at high altitudes and is prized for being great tasting coffee. FreshGround Roasting only roasts arabica coffee. Robusta is a highly disease and pest resistant strain of coffee that is grown at much lower altitudes. Its taste is, let’s say, less than stellar. 

These two major types of coffee break out into a huge family tree of different coffee types. Arabica coffee breaks out into “bourbon” and “typica” and some Ethiopian varietals. There’s yellow bourbon, orange bourbon, caturra, and scads more. Most farmers will grow one major type and possibly a couple of others on their farm.

Cafe Imports has a very nice coffee family tree on their site that’s worth a gander. Look way up at the top of the Typica branch you’ll find a little box that says “Blue Mountain”.

Now, keep in mind, there’s Jamaican Blue Mountain – which is a trade name for a coffee grown in a specific region in the eastern part of Jamaica. And then there’s Blue Mountain coffee – which is a varietal that is derived from the same coffee but not necessarily grown in Jamaica.

Just so happens that our Coffee of the Month this month – Our Papua New Guinea Madan Estate coffee – is this particular Blue Mountain varietal. The Madan Estate grows about 90% Blue Mountain coffee on their plantation.

So, if you’re looking for a Blue Mountain Coffee, you might want to check out our Papua New Guinea Madan Estate. We promise, you’ll love it.