Kerala, the land of spices and backwaters, also takes its coffee seriously! They’ve got beans that are so high, they might as well be on cloud nine in the Western Ghats. Kerala started producing coffee in the mid-19th century when the British colonial government encouraged the cultivation of coffee as an alternative to tea. Prior to that, Kerala was primarily a tea-producing state, and coffee cultivation was limited to a few small areas. However, the government’s efforts to promote coffee cultivation were successful, and today, coffee is grown in several parts of the state, including Wayanad, Idukki, and Malappuram. Kerala’s coffee is known for its unique flavor and aroma, and it is highly valued by coffee lovers around the world. Here are the types of coffee beans you’ll find in Kerala.
Robusta
You’ve got your bold and strong Robusta, which is like the caffeine-fueled drink of the coffee world. Robusta coffee beans are the most widely grown coffee variety in Kerala. They are known for their strong and bold flavor, high caffeine content, and thick crema. Robusta beans are often used in espresso blends and are favored for their affordability and resistance to diseases and pests.
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Arabica
And then there’s the delicate and nuanced Arabica, the fancy-schmancy coffee for those who like to sip with their pinkies up. Arabica coffee beans are also grown in Kerala, although they are less common compared to Robusta. Arabica coffee is known for its delicate and nuanced flavors, with notes of sweetness, acidity, and floral undertones. These coffee beans are often used in specialty coffee and are considered to be of higher quality compared to Robusta.
Peaberries
But wait, there’s more! Ever heard of peaberries? These are like the coffee equivalent of a unicorn, with a single, round bean instead of the usual boring flat ones. They’re like the rockstars of the coffee world, with their intense flavor and swagger. Peaberry coffee is a unique type of coffee where the coffee cherry produces a single, round-shaped coffee bean instead of the usual two flat-sided beans. Peaberry coffee beans are known for their concentrated flavor and are often considered to be more aromatic and intense compared to regular coffee beans.
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Monsooned Malabar
And let’s not forget Monsooned Malabar coffee! It’s like the coffee beans took a tropical vacation during the monsoon season and came back all mellow and relaxed, with hints of spices and earthiness. Monsooned Malabar coffee is a specialty coffee that is unique to the Malabar coast of India, including Kerala. This coffee is exposed to the monsoon winds and rains during the monsoon season, which causes the beans to swell and change in their flavor profile. Monsooned Malabar coffee is known for its mellow and low-acidic taste, with hints of spices and earthy notes. Talk about a laid-back coffee vibe!
Chicory coffee
Oh, and if you want to go all traditional, there’s chicory coffee that’s like the wild child of the coffee family, with its bitter-sweet personality. It’s the black sheep that adds a kick to your cuppa! Chicory coffee is a popular type of coffee in Kerala and other parts of India, where coffee beans are blended with roasted chicory root to create a unique flavor profile. Chicory coffee is known for its deep and rich taste, with notes of bitterness and sweetness. It is often used to make a strong and dark cup of coffee and is also used in traditional South Indian filter coffee.
These are some of the types of coffee beans commonly found in Kerala. Each type has its own distinct flavor profile and is used in various ways to create different coffee beverages. Kerala’s coffee culture is known for its unique flavors and brewing techniques, making it a destination for coffee lovers and enthusiasts. So, if you ever visit Kerala, don’t miss the opportunity to savor its diverse and delicious coffee offerings! Happy sipping!
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