Growing Coffee Beans in India

Ever wondered what makes Indian coffee so special? At Guilty Coffee, we’re passionate about bringing you the finest beans from around the globe, and our Indian coffee is no exception. Let’s take a journey to the lush highlands of Southern India, where our exceptional Indian coffee is grown and nurtured.

Where Does Our Indian Coffee Come From?

Our Indian coffee hails from the verdant regions of Southern India, primarily Karnataka and the Western Ghats. These areas are renowned for their ideal coffee-growing conditions, boasting high altitudes, rich soil, and a unique climate that imparts distinct characteristics to the beans.

What Makes Karnataka Special?

Karnataka, often called the “Coffee Land of India,” is responsible for producing about 70% of India’s coffee. The region’s coffee plantations are nestled in the misty hills of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here’s why Karnataka is perfect for coffee cultivation:

1. Altitude: The coffee grows at elevations between 1,000 to 1,500 meters above sea level.
2. Climate: The region enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, ideal for coffee plants.
3. Biodiversity: The Western Ghats are home to diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the coffee’s unique flavour profile.

How Do the Western Ghats Influence the Coffee?

The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Mountains, play a crucial role in shaping the character of our Indian coffee:

• Rainfall: The mountains trap the monsoon clouds, ensuring ample rainfall for the coffee plants.
• Shade-grown: Many coffee plantations in this region practice shade-growing, which enhances the coffee’s complexity.
• Soil composition: The mineral-rich soil of the Western Ghats imparts unique flavours to the coffee beans.

What Variety of Coffee Do We Source from India?

Our Indian coffee is 100% Arabica, known for its smooth, nuanced flavour profile. Arabica beans are prized for their superior quality and complex taste notes, making them a favourite among coffee connoisseurs.

Why Arabica?

Arabica beans are the crème de la crème of the coffee world, and here’s why:

• Flavour complexity: Arabica beans offer a wide range of flavour notes, from fruity and floral to nutty and chocolatey.
• Lower caffeine content: Compared to Robusta, Arabica beans have less caffeine, resulting in a smoother, less bitter taste.
• Higher quality: Arabica plants are more delicate and require specific growing conditions, leading to a higher-quality product.

What Grade is Our Indian Coffee?

We source only Grade A coffee beans from India. But what does this mean?

What’s Special About Grade A Coffee?

Grade A coffee is the highest quality classification for Indian coffee beans. Here’s what sets it apart:

1. Size: The beans are larger and more uniform in size.
2. Defects: There are fewer defects per sample, ensuring a more consistent flavour.
3. Density: Grade A beans are denser, which often translates to a more complex flavour profile.

By choosing Grade A beans, we ensure that every cup of our Indian coffee delivers a premium experience.

How is Our Indian Coffee Processed?

Our Indian coffee undergoes a unique processing method known as “Monsoon” processing. This centuries-old technique is what gives Indian Monsoon Malabar coffee its distinctive character.

What is Monsoon Processing?

Monsoon processing is a method that mimics the conditions that coffee beans were exposed to during long sea voyages in the past. Here’s how it works:

1. Harvesting: The coffee cherries are picked at peak ripeness.
2. Initial processing: The beans are washed and sun-dried to reduce moisture content.
3. Exposure: The beans are then exposed to monsoon winds for 3-4 months in well-ventilated warehouses.
4. Swelling: During this time, the beans absorb moisture, swell, and change colour.
5. Monitoring: The process is carefully monitored to ensure the beans reach the desired flavour profile.

How Does Monsoon Processing Affect the Flavour?

This unique processing method results in a coffee with:

• Reduced acidity
• Increased body
• A smooth, mellow flavour
• Unique earthy and woody notes

What Does Our Indian Coffee Taste Like?

Our Indian coffee, which we’ve named “Indictment,” offers a captivating flavour profile that’s sure to intrigue your taste buds. Here’s what you can expect:

• Aroma: Cedar, tobacco, and spice notes waft from the cup, promising a complex flavour experience.
• Taste: The medium to dark roast brings out deep, rich flavours that dance on your palate.
• Body: Expect a full-bodied coffee with a smooth, almost syrupy mouthfeel.
• Finish: The flavour lingers pleasantly, with the spice and woody notes creating a long, memorable finish.

How Should You Brew Our Indian Coffee?

To fully appreciate the unique character of our Indian coffee, we recommend the following brewing methods:

1. French Press: This method will accentuate the full body and rich flavours. Use coarsely ground beans and let them steep for 4 minutes before plunging.
2. Pour-Over: For a cleaner cup that still showcases the coffee’s complexity, try a pour-over method. This will highlight the subtle spice notes.
3. Cold Brew: The low acidity of our Indian coffee makes it perfect for cold brewing. The result is a smooth, refreshing drink with pronounced cedar and tobacco notes.

Whichever method you choose, we recommend using water just off the boil (around 95°C) to avoid scorching the beans and bringing out any unwanted bitterness.

Ready to Experience the Taste of India?

Our Indian coffee, “Indictment,” offers a unique taste experience that tells the story of its origin. From the misty hills of Karnataka to the ancient Monsoon processing technique, every sip is a journey through India’s rich coffee heritage.

By choosing our Indian coffee, you’re not just treating yourself to a exceptional cup – you’re supporting sustainable farming practices and the preservation of traditional coffee-growing methods.

Ready to embark on a flavour adventure? Order a bag of our medium roast coffee today and experience the bold, spicy, woody goodness of Indian coffee for yourself. Trust us, it’s an offer your taste buds can’t refuse!