Coffee is more than just a beverage; it's a way of life for many people and forms an essential part of their morning routine, providing that much-needed caffeine boost to kick-start their day. But have you ever stopped to consider where your coffee comes from, especially in India? The country has its fair share of local coffee beans that are grown across various regions, where the climate is cooler. Each of these places boasts its own distinct flavour profile.
India may not be topping the charts when it comes to coffee production, but it has carved out its own niche in the industry over time. Indian coffees are characterised by their aromatic qualities, from earthy spice notes reminiscent of cardamom and cloves to subtle hints of cocoa or nuts, depending on the region they originate from. Here are the major coffee-growing areas in India:
Exploring the Distinctive Flavour Profiles
India, known for its diverse culture and culinary delights, also boasts a rich coffee heritage. From the rolling hills of Coorg to the picturesque landscapes of Chikmagalur, each coffee-growing region in India offers a unique flavour profile that is sure to tantalise your taste buds. Join us on this indulgent journey as we delve into the exquisite flavours that make Indian coffee truly exceptional.
1. Coorg: The Land of Rich Aromas
Nestled amidst the lush Western Ghats in Karnataka state, Coorg (also known as Kodagu) is renowned for producing some of the finest Arabica and Robusta coffees in India. The hills of Coorg provide an ideal climate for coffee cultivation - cool temperatures, rich soil, and abundant rainfall. Coorg coffee has a distinctive flavour profile thanks to these ideal growing conditions. The beans develop intense notes of chocolate and spice, with subtle undertones of citrus and floral aromas. When brewed, Coorg coffee offers a smooth yet bold cup with a sweet, wine-like body. The beans provide a well-balanced taste that is never overly acidic or bitter. This makes Coorg coffee a favourite among connoisseurs looking for complex flavours in every sip.
2. Chikmagalur: Birthplace of Indian Coffee
Chikmagalur holds a special place in Indian coffee history, as it was here that coffee was first cultivated on Indian soil during the 17th century. Located in Karnataka state, like Coorg, Chikmagalur boasts picturesque hillsides covered with sprawling coffee estates. Chikmagalur is a region in Karnataka, famous for growing high-quality Arabica coffee. Situated at an altitude of 3,000–6,000 feet in the lush Western Ghats, Chikmagalur's cool climate and rich soil make it ideal for coffee cultivation. The coffee from here has distinctive flavour notes depending on the varietal. Arabica varieties like S.795 and S.1359 have notes of chocolate, nuts and caramel. Typica coffee has herbal and floral tones with a bright acidity. The coffee is hand-picked, sun-dried, and processed using the wet method, which brings out complex flavours like brown sugar, molasses, and dried fruits in the cup. Chikmagalur coffee is renowned for its balanced taste and aroma.
3. Araku Valley: An Emerging Delight
The Araku Valley coffee grown in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh is known for its unique flavour. Grown in the Eastern Ghats at an elevation of over 1000 metres above sea level, the climate is cool and ideal for coffee cultivation. The Arabica coffee beans have low acidity and a sweet, nutty flavour with subtle notes of chocolate. Upon brewing, the coffee releases aromas of brown sugar and caramel. The first sip is smooth with a creamy mouthfeel. Undertones of honey and toasted nuts linger on the palate. Due to the high-grown conditions and traditional methods, each cup of Araku Valley coffee has distinctive flavour notes that coffee lovers enjoy.
4. Wayanad: A Tropical Paradise
Moving further south into the state of Kerala, we arrive at Wayanad - a picturesque district nestled amidst the Western Ghats. This coffee is a high-grown Arabica variety known for its rich, complex flavours. Grown in the mountainous regions surrounding the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, the coffee beans develop intense notes influenced by the region's tropical climate and mineral-rich soil. Upon brewing, the coffee releases flavours of dark chocolate and toasted nuts with subtle undertones of caramel and brown sugar. The beans have medium-to-high acidity that provides a bright, crisp finish. Due to the high-altitude growing conditions, Wayanad coffee has low bitterness and a smooth, balanced body. Its distinctive flavour profile makes it a favourite among coffee connoisseurs seeking unique speciality varietals.
The Big Brands in These Regions:
Some of the major brands that source coffee from Indian plantations include:
- Tata Coffee - One of the largest integrated coffee companies in the world. They have their own coffee plantations in the Chikmagalur, Kodagu, and Araku Valley regions of India.
- Cavallini Coffee - An Indian coffee brand owned by the Cavallini Group. They source premium Arabica coffee from their estates in Coorg and Chikmagalur.
- Plantation Coffee - A brand owned by the Karnataka Planters Association. They have coffee plantations across Karnataka and source from small farmers as well.
- Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters - A leading speciality coffee roaster and retailer. They work directly with coffee growers in Chikmagalur and Coorg.
- Aroma Arabica - An Indian coffee brand owned by the Amalgamated Bean Company. They have their own coffee estates in Kodagu and source from other plantations as well.
- Seven Hills Coffee - A brand focused on speciality coffee. They work with farmers across South India, especially in the Coorg and Chikmagalur regions.
Some other notable brands include Coffee Day, CCD, Barista, Indian Terrain, Keventers etc. that procure high-quality Arabica and Robusta coffee beans from major Indian coffee-growing regions.
The International Fare
As for the international growers, here are some places that grow the best coffees in the world:
- Ethiopian Coffees: Ethiopia, known as the birthplace of Arabica coffee, offers a unique taste experience with its vibrant acidity and complex flavour profiles. Ethiopian coffees are renowned for their fruity sweetness and floral undertones, that transport your senses to distant lands.
- Colombian Coffees: Colombian coffees have gained global recognition for their consistently high quality and well-balanced flavours. With an ideal climate and fertile soil, Colombia produces beans known for their medium body, bright acidity, and subtle caramel sweetness.
- Brazilian Coffees: As one of the largest coffee producers globally, Brazil stands out with its smoothness and nutty flavour profiles in coffee. These beans often have low acidity levels, making them a popular choice for those seeking a milder cup of joe.
- Costa Rican Coffees: Celebrated for its high-quality Arabica coffee cultivated amidst lush volcanic landscapes, Costa Rica creates brews with bright acidity and delightful fruity undertones. The unique microclimates found within this Central American country contribute to the vibrant flavours of citrus, berries, and tropical fruits present in Costa Rican coffees.
- Kenyan Coffees: Kenyan coffees offer bold flavours with intense brightness and complexity. Described as wine-like or tea-like, these beans provide an exquisite taste experience with hints of blackcurrant, grapefruit, and sometimes even jasmine or bergamot.
When you sip on a cup brewed from beans sourced from these regions, you are not just indulging in a beverage; you are immersing yourself in centuries-old traditions and experiencing the vibrant tapestry of India's coffee heritage. So go ahead, embrace the aromatic excellence of Indian coffees, or an international blend, and discover your own favourite among these remarkable regional treasures and beyond.