Belize's Coffee Scene: A Tropical Treat?

Belize is a small producer of coffee beans, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have good coffee. In fact, the country's local farmers are quite knowledgeable about the production of cacao, and the process of farming coffee beans is not too different. The Gallon Jug Estate in western Belize is the country's leading coffee brand, producing exquisite 100% Arabica coffee beans that are cultivated and hand-picked by local villagers under the shade of the Mayan rainforest. The beans are grown in fertile soil and a subtropical, moderate climate, allowing the trees to mature slowly and resulting in a stronger taste. While it may be challenging to acquire and purchase roasted coffee beans from coffee roasters outside of Belize, the country's coffee is known for its full body, balanced acidity and bitterness, and refined cup of brewed gourmet coffee.

Coffee shops in Belize City

Belize City has a wide range of coffee shops and cafes, many of which have received positive reviews on Tripadvisor and Google Reviews. Here is a list of some of the top-rated coffee shops in Belize City:

• Spoonaz Photo Cafe: Located in Belize City, this cafe offers a convenient location, great food, and a wonderful deck to enjoy your coffee.
• Moon Clusters Coffee House: This coffee shop offers a beautiful setting, a nice family atmosphere, and a wide range of options, including coffee, froyo, and pastries.
• The Last Drop Cafe & Bar: Situated near the water taxi embarkation point, this cafe offers a selection of well-prepared dishes and a clean, casual setting.
• Ice and Beans Cafe: While not in Belize City, this beachfront cafe in Caye Caulker has received rave reviews for its bustling atmosphere, friendly staff, and constant stream of customers. It is known for offering a quintessential island experience.
• Marbucks Coffee House: This coffee shop in San Pedro has been praised for its delicious coffee and breakfast options, as well as its beautiful setting and ample seating, making it perfect for socialising.
• Lavish Habit Cafe: Also located in San Pedro, this cafe offers indoor and outdoor seating, delicious coffee, and a great pesto chicken panini.

Gallon Jug Estate

The estate is also known for its production of hot sauces and jams, which are sold in Belize and elsewhere. In addition to the farm, the estate includes orchards, wild game, and a tourist resort. Tours of the coffee plantings, production facility, and other farm and jungle areas can be arranged through the Chan Chich Lodge, which is located on the estate and has been serving tourists since 1988. The lodge is accessible by a 6-kilometre airport that also serves the wider Gallon Jug community.

The coffee produced at Gallon Jug Estate is described as having a full-bodied mouthfeel with chocolaty notes and medium acidity. It can be purchased at most supermarkets in Belize. However, due to the relative immaturity of the coffee industry in Belize, it may be somewhat difficult to find outside of the country.

Belize is not a large producer of coffee beans, and its efforts tend to be focused on other industries, such as cacao production, for which the country is known as the "Cradle of Chocolate". However, the process of farming coffee is not too different from that of cacao, and the country's dense rainforests provide optimal conditions for growing coffee plants.

Caye Coffee Roasting Company

The Caye Coffee Roasting Company is located in the San Pablo area of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, a small island in the Caribbean just off the coast of Belize. It was established in 2004 and is the only commercial roasting facility on Ambergris Caye. The company roasts and supplies what is considered to be some of the best-tasting coffee in Belize.

Caye Coffee uses the Diedrich IR-12 roaster, which is known as one of the best roasters in the world due to its design and consistent roasting capability. The company roasts high-elevation Arabica beans sourced from Guatemala, packaging them as either whole beans or ground coffee with different blends and roast levels available. The coffee is sold in grocery stores across Belize and in the United States, as well as in their coffee shop in San Pedro Town.

The company is run by Canadian ex-pats Paul DuVille and Marci Price, who moved to Belize from Toronto. They roast all their coffee on-site and sell it by the pound, supplying businesses, resorts, and individuals. Their coffee shop is located next door to the Sausage Factory, and visitors can watch the roasting process as they enjoy a cup of coffee.

Belize coffee taste and quality

Belize is a small producer of coffee beans, with a nascent agricultural wholesale export industry. The coffee is cultivated under the cool shade of the Mayan rainforest at the Gallon Jug Estate in the country's northwestern region. The beans are predominantly Arabica, grown and handpicked by local farmers and villagers. The rainforest provides the perfect environment for growing coffee, with its fertile soils and subtropical, moderate climate. The trees mature slowly, allowing the beans to absorb more nutrients, which results in a stronger taste.

Belize coffee is described as having a full body with balanced acidity and bitterness. It is considered "organically farmed", as no pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides are used in the growing process. However, it is not certified as organic. The taste profile includes notes of cacao and chocolate, with a mild to medium acidity and a pleasant flavour.

The quality of Belizean coffee is high, and it is gaining recognition in the specialty coffee market. The beans are carefully selected and processed to preserve their excellent flavour. They are hand-picked at their ripest, wet-processed, sun-dried, and then roasted. This process ensures that the full-bodied taste is retained in the bean.

Belize coffee is somewhat hard to come by due to the relative immaturity of the industry in the country. However, it is worth seeking out for coffee enthusiasts who want to experience a unique and high-quality brew.

Belize's speciality coffee market

Belize is a small producer of coffee beans, with a nascent agricultural wholesale export industry. The country's coffee is cultivated under the shade of the Mayan rainforest at the Gallon Jug Estate in the country's northwestern region. The beans are predominantly Arabica, grown and handpicked by local villagers. The slow maturation afforded by the shaded conditions allows the beans to absorb more nutrients from the soil, resulting in a higher quality product.

Belizean coffee is known for its full body, balanced acidity and bitterness, and refined flavour. The absence of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides in the cultivation process means the beans can be considered "organically farmed", although they are not certified as organic. The country's coffee has earned a reputation in the specialty coffee market, with reviews indicating that it offers a robust body and a sophisticated cup of brewed gourmet coffee.

The small-scale production in Belize means that finding high-quality coffee beans can be challenging. The Caye Coffee Roasting Company, established in 2004, is another notable name in the Belizean coffee industry. Located in the San Pablo area of Ambergris Caye, the company roasts Arabica beans sourced from Guatemala and offers whole bean or ground coffee with various blends and roast levels.

Belize's coffee culture is laid-back, with a European-style vibe where individuals relax and socialise over a cup of coffee. The country's official language, English, coupled with the widely spoken Spanish and Creole, makes it easy for tourists, especially those from the United States, to navigate and explore the local café scene.

Frequently asked questions