(Image source from: Canva.com)
Have you ever thought about the origin of India's coffee tale? It's not found in a stylish coffee shop or a popular roasting place, but in the foggy mountains where coffee beans flourish under pepper plants and rainy skies. In India, coffee represents more than just a drink; it's a custom, a way of making a living, and a rich experience that begins well before you take your first sip. From creamy filter coffee served in metal cups to artisan blends in Bengaluru's lively coffee shops, the story of Indian coffee is deep and intriguing. Bengaluru is often referred to as the main coffee center, as it houses the Coffee Board of India, significant exporters, and a vibrant cafe scene. However, the essence of Indian coffee is found in Coorg (Kodagu), a verdant region in Karnataka where coffee farms extend endlessly and the scent of roasting beans is part of the atmosphere.
Coorg is renowned for a straightforward reason - it produces some of the best coffee beans in India. The cultivation of coffee here began in the 1800s when British farmers brought it to these rich hills. Nowadays, Coorg plays a significant role in India's overall coffee production, making it vital to the country's coffee landscape. The area's height, rainfall, and fertile ground create ideal conditions for growth, allowing coffee to flourish in natural shade next to spices like pepper and cardamom. In contrast to Bengaluru, which drives commerce and new ideas, Coorg symbolizes the root, the source of India's coffee heritage, with each bean reflecting a history of tradition and the local environment.
The coffee farms in Coorg are recognized for their variety and high quality, yielding beans that serve both national and international customers:
Robusta: Strong and full-flavored, this bean is a staple in South Indian filter coffee and is cherished for its powerful taste.
Arabica: Grown at higher altitudes, this bean is smooth and fragrant with gentle acidity, ideal for specialty coffee.
Specialty Estate Coffees: Featuring single-origin beans that grow in the shade, crafted for premium markets, often with distinct flavor profiles that benefit from local spices.
The mixing of coffee with pepper, cardamom, and vanilla introduces subtle layers to the beans, making Coorg's coffee unique and highly desired globally.
Coffee in Coorg is enjoyed slowly. It is natural, grounded, and very personal. Owners of estates prepare fresh filter coffee several times daily, and beans are generally roasted locally in small quantities. For guests, Coorg provides rich experiences that expand beyond just enjoying a cup:
Plantation Tours: Guided strolls that illustrate the entire process from bean to cup, covering everything from picking to roasting.
Home-Made Coffee: Traditional filter coffee paired with local Kodava dishes, giving a taste of genuine hospitality.
Plantation Cafes: Delightful cafes located within the farms, offering freshly roasted single-origin coffee in peaceful surroundings.
Coffee tourism is rapidly increasing, making Coorg a favorite destination for travelers eager to drink coffee where it is cultivated.
Karnataka is the main coffee region in India, generating almost 70 percent of the nation's coffee beans, with Coorg playing a big role in that figure. A large portion of these beans travels through Bengaluru, where the Coffee Board of India is located and where much of India's coffee business operates on an international level. Therefore, the next time you enjoy a cup of filter coffee or a unique blend, it is likely that its journey started in the foggy farms of Coorg and went through the busy coffee areas of Bengaluru.
