After a warm cup of coffee, you realise that this is what “love-at-first-sip” feels like. But did you know that just like different types of coffee, there are also different types of coffee beans? That’s right! Love really does come in all shapes and sizes. So before you step into a coffee shop and start panicking at the thought of multiple bean options, take a look at our ultimate guide to coffee India!
But before we begin, let’s flip through the pages of history which, just like your warm cuppa joe, it’s rich too. The saga began when an Indian hermit named Baba Budan smuggled ‘Seven beans’ tucked around his belly to Chikmaglur. He planted these foreign beans by the hills of and these plants remained as a garden curiosity and spread slowly as back yard plantings. It was only in the 18th century when the British colonizers tackled that hostile forest terrains of South India when the cultivation of coffee picked up the pace.
The Indian Coffee varieties have created a niche for themselves and are known to have a full-bodied taste. spicy flavours and moderate yet distinct acidity. As of today, India is the 6th largest producer of Coffee and the only country in the world to grow these magical beans under the canopy of thick natural shade in ecologically sensitive regions. Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu are the major coffee growing states in India that produce the two commercially important species of coffee, Arabica and Robusta. While Arabica is a mild coffee, with aromatic beans. On the other hand, Robusta has more strength and is, therefore, used in making various blends.
Let’s dive into the exotic coffee beans of mainland India!
The Classic Kent Beans:
Named after L. P. Kent, a British planter who selected the coffee plant, the Kents are the earliest variety of Arabica coffee that was grown in India. They are known for their delicate acidity, and notes of nuts and dark chocolate. Though today, it is grown in a few areas it is still known for its exceptional cup quality.
The Glorious Jember
Selection 795 or as the Indonesians call it ‘Jembar’ is hands down the most famous variety of Arabica in India. This dark roasted variety has bold beans and superior quality. In the cup, it tends to exhibit flavours of maple syrup, caramel & brown sugar.
The Curious Catimor
Cauvery or Catimor is a natural mutant of the famous Bourbon variety. This coffee produces a sharp flavour profile for perceptive coffee enthusiasts who prefer a fine aroma, crisp acidic flavour, medium body and a distinct citrus aftertaste in the cup.
The Extraordinary Selection 9
This award-winning variety is an Ethiopian derivative with all the exceptional cup qualities of Tafarikela. One can taste hints of nuts orange, lemon, caramel, chocolate, mandarin.
Now that you have your Coffee guide hand, we hope you finally find the bean you’ve been looking for!
