Puerto Rico is not a newcomer to the coffee scene. The center of the island, with its’ many mountain ranges had the altitude, temperature, and rain which provided ideal growing conditions. By the early 19th century Puerto Rico was renowned throughout Europe for producing excellent coffee. Back then Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony and with that came strong ties to Europe and the Vatican.
This is in part the reason that during the second half of the 19th Century, coffee from Puerto Rico was the favorite of the Vatican and the Royal Courts of Europe.
In the early 20th Century President Theodore Roosevelt, reputed to be a coffee lover, had Puerto Rican Coffee served at official state dinners in the White House. President Roosevelt was fond of Puerto Rican coffee and described it as “Grand”.
What few people know is that before that during the latter part of the 19th century it appeared that Puerto Rico’s coffee production days were numbered. It was during that time hardship hit the Puerto Rican coffee market. Puerto Rico experienced many hurricanes which hit the island and devastated many of the coffee plantations or Fincas. This resulted in Puerto Rico’s coffee production capacity being almost wiped out. Coupled with the Spanish-American War and heavy taxes imposed on the coffee trade, the future of the Puerto Rican coffee industry seemed grim.
Fortunately through persistence and dedication to quality Puerto Rico came back and the coffee industry of Puerto Rico is stronger than ever.
