How Saint Helena Coffee Got Famous Through Napoleon’s Praise

When you hear a historic figure declare something the 'only good thing' in a desolate place, you sit up and listen — especially when that figure is Napoleon Bonaparte and the place is Saint Helena. While exiled on this remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic, far from the cafes of Paris, coffee wasn’t just a routine drink for Napoleon. It became a critical part of his daily ritual and, eventually, the reason one particular coffee gained legendary status.

Saint Helena coffee became internationally known after Napoleon called it "the only good thing" on the island. His praise helped it win awards and recognition across Europe, turning it into a notable single-origin coffee.

Napoleon, Coffee, and the Rocky Soil of Saint Helena

Historical accounts reveal that Napoleon had an unusual fondness for coffee plants. At his residence, Longwood House, he once planted several coffee seedlings near the villa, even hoping to harvest the cherries himself one day. But the steep terrain and fierce winds and rain proved too harsh — within months, the young plants died. For Napoleon, this may have felt like an ill omen.

His obsession with coffee went beyond cultivation. He was famously selective about water, personally inspecting island springs and insisting on using water from the scenic Valley of the Wise to brew his coffee. He believed it helped keep his mind sharp. This detail became part of the lore surrounding his time on the island.

Coffee as Comfort in Exile

Napoleon had been a coffee drinker since his youth. When he courted Josephine in 1795, she often served him coffee grown by her family on Martinique. By the time he arrived on Saint Helena in exile, the circumstances were grim — but his cherished coffee cups and the aroma of brewing coffee remained a vital comfort.

Luckily, the island had its own coffee trees, making self-sufficiency possible. Otherwise, given its isolation, it’s unlikely the British authorities would have gone to the trouble of importing coffee just to satisfy his cravings.

The Governor, the Gift, and the Infamous Line

The Governor of Saint Helena, Hudson Lowe (referred to in the original as ), knew of Napoleon’s love for coffee. On one occasion, he visited Napoleon and brought him freshly roasted Saint Helena coffee. Rather than express gratitude, Napoleon used the meeting to demand more personal freedom, complaining about constant surveillance. Lowe refused, and the visit ended badly — it was their first and last.

After Lowe left, an angry Napoleon reportedly said, "The governor is repulsive... talking to such a man is disgusting, ruins my appetite, and kills my desire for coffee." His valet suspected the coffee might be poisoned and wanted to throw it away — but Napoleon stopped him. "Don’t waste good coffee. In this godforsaken place, good coffee is priceless."

This statement was later misquoted and turned into the more concise and enduring line: "Coffee is the only good thing on Saint Helena." Though altered, it carried the same sentiment and became key to the coffee’s fame.

From Exile to European Acclaim

That revised quote, whether accurately remembered or not, helped build the mystique around Saint Helena coffee. After Napoleon’s death, the story — and the coffee — reached Paris, generating interest across Europe. The island’s coffee began entering competitions and earning awards, solidifying its reputation as a distinctive and high-quality single origin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Napoleon Bonaparte and why is he connected to Saint Helena coffee?

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military leader and emperor who was exiled to Saint Helena in 1815 after his defeat at Waterloo. He lived there until his death in 1821. During his exile, he developed a habit of drinking coffee made from beans grown on the island, and his praise for it — especially the phrase "the only good thing on Saint Helena" — contributed to the coffee’s later fame.

What did Napoleon say about Saint Helena coffee?

The original quote was: "Don’t waste good coffee. In this godforsaken place, good coffee is priceless." This was later adapted into the more well-known phrase: "Coffee is the only good thing on Saint Helena," which helped popularize the coffee after his death.

Did Napoleon ever grow his own coffee on Saint Helena?

Yes, Napoleon planted several coffee seedlings near his residence, Longwood House, and hoped to harvest the cherries himself. However, due to the steep, windy, and rainy conditions, the seedlings died within months.

Why did Saint Helena coffee become famous?

Saint Helena coffee became famous partly because of Napoleon’s association and praise. His quotes about the coffee, even if altered, generated interest. The coffee also won awards in Europe and was recognized as a rare, high-quality single origin with a unique story.

Where is Saint Helena, and why is it significant for coffee?

Saint Helena is a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Its isolation made coffee production self-sufficient and rare. The island’s coffee developed a distinct reputation, partly due to its limited availability and historical connection to Napoleon.

Is Saint Helena coffee still available today?

Yes, Saint Helena coffee is still grown and exported today. It remains a sought-after single-origin coffee, valued for its history and distinctive profile, though production is small due to the island’s size.

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