Indian Coffee Varieties

India is one of the world’s leading coffee producers and exporters, renowned for its distinctive shade-grown coffee cultivated under natural forest canopies. Indian coffee is celebrated for its mild flavour, fine aroma, and balanced acidity, shaped by the country’s unique geography, monsoon climate, and traditional cultivation practices. The major varieties of Indian coffee include both Arabica and Robusta, grown primarily in the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, as well as in parts of the North Eastern region and Andhra Pradesh.

Historical Background

Coffee was introduced to India in the 17th century by the Sufi saint Baba Budan, who is said to have brought seven coffee seeds from Yemen and planted them on the Chikmagalur hills in Karnataka (then Mysore). This region later became the heart of India’s coffee industry.
During British rule, commercial coffee plantations expanded across South India. Today, India accounts for about 2–3% of global coffee production and is among the top ten coffee-exporting countries.

Major Coffee Species in India

India primarily grows two species of coffee:

1. Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica):
   • Considered superior in flavour and aroma.
   • Contains lower caffeine (0.8–1.5%) and exhibits mild acidity with a smooth taste.
   • Grown at higher elevations (900–1,500 metres above sea level).
   • Sensitive to pests and climatic fluctuations, requiring careful cultivation.
2. Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora):
   • Hardier plant variety with higher yields.
   • Contains more caffeine (1.7–2.5%) and a stronger, more bitter flavour.
   • Grown at lower altitudes (500–1,000 metres).
   • Often used in instant coffee and espresso blends due to its body and crema.

Arabica accounts for about 30–35% of India’s total production, while Robusta contributes around 65–70%.

Important Indian Coffee Varieties

1. Monsooned Malabar Coffee

• Region: Malabar Coast (Karnataka and Kerala).
• Type: Mainly Arabica, sometimes Robusta.
• Process: Exposed to moist monsoon winds for 12–16 weeks during storage, causing the beans to swell, lose acidity, and acquire a mellow flavour.
• Characteristics:
  • Golden-yellow beans.
  • Low acidity, rich, full-bodied cup.
  • Distinct earthy and spicy notes.
• Specialty: Unique to India; globally recognised as a speciality coffee.

2. Mysore Nuggets Extra Bold (MNEB)

• Region: Karnataka (primarily Chikmagalur, Hassan, Coorg).
• Type: Arabica.
• Characteristics:
  • Large, bold, green beans.
  • Clean cup with delicate acidity and full body.
  • Notes of chocolate and floral undertones.
• Significance: Considered one of India’s premium washed Arabica coffees.

3. Bababudangiri Coffee

• Region: Baba Budan Hills, Chikmagalur, Karnataka.
• Type: Arabica.
• Characteristics:
  • Balanced acidity and medium body.
  • Fruity and nutty flavour with mild spiciness.
• Specialty: Grown in the region where coffee was first introduced to India; holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

4. Coorg Coffee

• Region: Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka.
• Type: Both Arabica and Robusta.
• Characteristics:
  • Full-bodied cup with mild acidity.
  • Slightly spicy, woody aroma with hints of nuts and chocolate.
• Unique Feature: Cultivated under dense shade along with cardamom, pepper, and orange trees.

5. Chikmagalur Coffee

• Region: Chikmagalur district, Karnataka.
• Type: Primarily Arabica.
• Characteristics:
  • Sweet, balanced flavour profile with medium acidity.
  • Clean finish and pleasing aroma.
• Special Note: Often considered the cradle of Indian coffee cultivation.

6. Wayanad Coffee

• Region: Wayanad district, Kerala.
• Type: Predominantly Robusta.
• Characteristics:
  • Strong, bold taste with high caffeine content.
  • Heavy body and low acidity.
• Specialty: Grown in rich, lateritic soils under high rainfall conditions.

7. Chikmagalur–Bababudangiri Arabica (GI Coffee)

• Region: Karnataka.
• Type: Arabica.
• GI Tag Year: 2015.
• Flavour Profile: Sweet, clean cup with floral notes and mild spice.

8. Araku Valley Coffee

• Region: Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh.
• Type: Arabica (organic).
• Characteristics:
  • Naturally grown under shade by tribal farmers.
  • Mild, smooth flavour with fruity and chocolate tones.
• Recognition: Won global awards for its sustainable and organic cultivation practices.

9. Pulney Hills Coffee

• Region: Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu (Palani Hills).
• Type: Arabica.
• Characteristics:
  • Mild and aromatic with balanced acidity.
  • Notes of fruit and spice.
• Climate Influence: High elevation and cool temperatures yield superior quality beans.

10. Shevaroy Hills Coffee

• Region: Yercaud (Salem district), Tamil Nadu.
• Type: Arabica.
• Characteristics:
  • Clean, sweet cup with medium body.
  • Subtle floral and nutty notes.

11. Nilgiri Coffee

• Region: Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu.
• Type: Arabica and Robusta.
• Characteristics:
  • Bright acidity, medium body, and fruity flavour.
  • Known for its pleasant aroma and clean finish.

12. Manjarabad Coffee

• Region: Hassan district, Karnataka.
• Type: Arabica and Robusta.
• Characteristics:
  • Full-bodied, smooth texture with mild acidity.
  • Slight peppery or spicy undertones due to co-cultivation with spices.

13. Biligiriranga Hills (B.R. Hills) Coffee

• Region: Southern Karnataka.
• Type: Arabica.
• Characteristics:
  • Rich aroma, mild acidity, and fine flavour.
  • Organically cultivated by tribal communities.

14. Anamalai Coffee

• Region: Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu.
• Type: Both Arabica and Robusta.
• Characteristics:
  • Full-bodied, nutty, and sweet flavour.
  • Grown under mixed cropping systems with pepper and cardamom.

15. North Eastern Coffee (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland)

• Type: Mostly Arabica, some Robusta in lower altitudes.
• Characteristics:
  • Light body, high aroma, and fruity acidity.
  • Naturally grown under forest shade, often organic.

Geographical Indication (GI) Tagged Coffees of India

India has several coffee varieties with Geographical Indication (GI) tags, highlighting their unique regional identity and quality:

These GI tags protect traditional cultivation practices and promote region-specific branding in global markets.

Export and Global Reputation

India exports about 70–80% of its coffee production, mainly to Italy, Germany, Belgium, and Russia. Indian coffee is particularly valued for its shade-grown cultivation, which enhances biodiversity and flavour complexity.
The Coffee Board of India, established in 1942, plays a vital role in research, marketing, and quality control of Indian coffee. The country’s coffees are frequently featured in specialty coffee auctions and international competitions.

Sustainable and Organic Cultivation

Many Indian coffee estates adopt eco-friendly cultivation methods, including:

• Organic farming and intercropping with spices.
• Shade-grown techniques that preserve forest biodiversity.
• Soil conservation and rainwater harvesting practices.
• Support for tribal and smallholder farmers in remote regions.

This sustainable approach contributes to the unique ecological and flavour profile of Indian coffee.