Day 12 of RISE Coffee Countdown Calendar - Papua New Guinea, Mount Hagen
Origin: Papua New Guinea
Location: Mount Hagen
Altitude: 1900 masl
Bean: Arabica
Varietals: Bourbon
Process: Selective picking, with wet fermentation and sun dried cherries.
Tasting notes: Citrus, Blackcurrant and caramel
Why Alice and Ben love it: With our RISE coffee box subscription we love to try new exciting and interesting coffee origins, and it doesn't come more interesting than Papua New Guinea. The country has unique growing conditions including:
- High Altitudes: Most coffee is grown between 1,200 and 2,200 metres, allowing for slow cherry maturation and more complex flavours.
- Volcanic Soil: The fertile, nutrient-rich soil enhances the coffee's depth and flavour.
- Cool Climate: Consistent rainfall and mild temperatures create optimal growing conditions.
About the coffee:
Papua New Guinea has plentiful rain and rich volcanic soils which provide ideal growing conditions for coffee. Coffee is the number one cash crop in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. It is also estimated that more than 80% of the country’s coffee comes from this region. Over 40% of the country’s total population depend both directly and indirectly on money earned from coffee production to purchase household goods, pay children’s school fees and provide clothing and medicines.
Why PNG Coffee Stands Out
- Exotic Flavours: PNG coffee offers a flavour adventure, often compared to the vibrancy of East African coffees but with a smoother body and herbal undertones.
- Small-Scale Artistry: The hand-crafted nature of PNG coffee production adds authenticity and character to each cup.
- Rising Popularity: While PNG coffee is less mainstream than other origins, its reputation in specialty coffee circles is growing, making it a hidden gem for connoisseurs.
Challenges of Production
PNG’s coffee industry faces unique challenges, which add to its mystique:
- Remote Locations: Coffee-growing regions are often hard to access, requiring beans to be transported through rugged terrain.
- Fragmented Farms: With over 80% of coffee grown by smallholders, ensuring consistent quality can be difficult but rewarding when done successfully.
- Climate and Infrastructure: PNG farmers must navigate unpredictable weather and limited infrastructure, making their coffee a product of both resilience and dedication.
