By Nikita Toppo
Located in Karnataka, Chikmagalur is the dream destination of all coffee lovers in India. Known for its lush coffee plantations, this place is the largest producer of coffee in the country.
Chikmagalur is the birthplace of Indian coffee, and the first crop was planted in 1600s.
The credit goes to Sufi saint Baba Budan, who brought the seeds from Arabia and planted them in his garden.
The coffee grown in Chikmagalur is of two types – Arabica and Robusta. The Arabica is famous for their delicate flavour which grows at high altitudes while Robusta coffee has a strong taste that grows at low heights.
Chikmagalur coffee is known for its delightful flavours and aromas. The beans often exhibit a balanced profile with notes of chocolate, caramel, nuts, and sometimes fruity or floral undertones.
The combination of the region's environmental factors and careful processing methods contributes to its quality and distinct flavours. The coffee industry in Chikmagalur also has Geographical Indication (GI) tag.