Indian coffee: flavor from the land of the monsoons
Getting to know the magic and the full taste of (ignored) Indian coffee
India may not be the first country that comes to mind when looking at coffee producing countries, but that is a major mistake! The Asian country is not only a great power in the field of coffee with a huge history that goes far back in time, but produces excellent varieties of coffee, holds processing secrets unique in the world and in recent years comes out in the field of specialty coffee, with single variety options in both Arabica and Robusta coffees.
Let's get to know her better!
India, one of the "mothers" of coffee
India is the first part of the world, outside of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where coffee was grown. Until the 16th century, coffee was an Arab monopoly, with the Arabs banning the export of plants, seeds and green coffee beans with the death penalty. That would change when a Sufi monk from India, Baba Budan, visited Mecca. According to legend, he hid seven coffee beans in his thick beard (or, according to others, in his hollow stick) and when he returned to India, he planted seven coffee trees. From these seven coffee trees, come the original coffee roots of Indonesia during the years of colonialism, but also the first coffee trees that will be planted a few years later in the Caribbean islands and then in mainland Latin America!
The systematic cultivation of coffee in India dates back to 1670, spread rapidly and became even more systematized during the 19th century, despite the difficulties that occasionally arose, such as the spread of the coffee fungus. Today, India is consistently among the 10 largest coffee producing countries in the world, with the majority of production located in its southern regions (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu) and controlled by small producers. Almost 80% of this production, which concerns both Arabica and Robusta, is exported to third countries around the world.
What does Indian coffee taste like?
Indian coffee has a taste profile that is quite similar to the fine coffees of Indonesia. Arabica from India is characterized by moderate acidity, firm, enjoyable body and strong aftertaste. In the usual flavor notes we easily find aromas of wood and earth, while the overall character of the coffee is spicy. Flavors such as caramel and chocolate are also very common. Due to its nature, Indian Arabica is often used in blends, "taming" coffees with lively acidity and fruity character from Africa or Latin America, but in recent years several companies have launched specialty single-origin coffees from India.
The Indian Robusta used to have a bad name, as for years poor quality robusta from India flooded the market, but there are producers with passion and know-how, who release some of the highest quality Robusta coffees in the world, to such an extent that they do not have to envy anything from corresponding Arabica beans. The profile of these coffees is characterized by flavor notes similar to those of Indian Arabica.
The unique character of Monsooned Coffee
One of the most special "secrets" of Indian coffee is Monsooned coffee. This term implies a particular method of processing coffee, the beans of which are intentionally left exposed for months to the hot and humid winds of the region, the monsoons. The result is an aged coffee, with a firm body and incredible taste density. This treatment creates flavors that are close to the coffee enjoyed by Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, when coffee was exposed to the sailboats that carried it for months.
Four delicious suggestions that will bring India to your cup!
New York Monorigini India Monsooned 250g in beans: Single origin, 100% Arabica from the coastal areas of India. Thanks to the monsooned treatment, it stands out for its solid body and spicy character, while the cup has notes of chocolate and nuts.
Espresso Caffè Lab India Monsooned Karnataka 250g in beans: Single origin, 100% Robusta coffee from India, from the Karnataka region. The monsooned treatment makes it one of the highest quality Robusta coffees you will find on the market. The aromas of dark caramel and its firm body will excite those looking for a solid espresso in a delicatessen version.
Espresso Cosmai Caffè Raja 250g in beans: Single origin, 100% Robusta coffee from India. Its complex taste profile, reminiscent of caramel and chocolate, its solid body and its intense aroma can make even those who have a prejudice against Robusta ... change their minds. It is also available in capsules compatible with Nespresso machines!
Capsules Nespresso Compatible 101Caffè India 12 pieces: Single variety, 100% Arabica coffee from India, from the Karnataka region. Exotic character, spice notes, rich body and acidity unusual for Indian coffee create a gourmet delight for Nespresso machines.
The coffee world is endless ... and the magic of Indian coffee is the best confirmation of this claim.
