Crystal Mountain, Cuba

Description

In the heart of Cuba lies the Escambray mountain range, known for its vast hillsides and elevated plateaus. Local legend refers to it as the “Crystal Mountain,” a name inspired by its mica-rich soils and glimmering quartz crystals. Nestled within these hills are some of the nation’s most stunning coffee plantations.

The farms located on the highest plateaus have been carefully chosen for revitalisation. These areas enjoy mild temperatures throughout the year and frequent rainfall, ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality coffee beans that meet the rigorous standards of global markets.

Cuba’s coffee crops thrive under the natural shade of native leguminous trees such as Ingas, Erythrinas, and Leucaenas. Through seminars and workshops, local farmers gain the knowledge needed to maintain plant health while preserving the surrounding environment.

 

 

Interesting Facts

Coffee first arrived in Cuba in 1748, brought over from the island of Hispaniola. By 1827, nearly 2,000 plantations were already in operation, and Cuba had quickly risen to become one of the world’s leading coffee producers. For a time, coffee even surpassed sugar. However, political upheaval following the revolution, along with economic sanctions, led to a decline in production. As a result, South American countries eventually overtook Cuba in global coffee exports.