Day 17: India, Monsoon Malabar
Day 17 of the RISE Coffee Countdown Calendar - India, Monsoon Malabar
Origin: India
Location: Monsoon Malabar, Karnataka and Kerala
Altitude: 1,000 to 1,400 masl
Bean: Arabica
Varietals: Catuai, Cauvery
Want to learn more about coffee varietals? Click here!
Process: First the beans are dried in the sun. Then the beans are exposed to the monsoon winds for a period of about three to four months, causing the beans to swell and lose their original acidity, resulting in a sweet and syrupy brew.
Tasting notes: Maple syrup, spice and nectarine
Why Alice and Ben love it: This unique coffee gets its flavour from the Indian Monsoon - literally. The "monsooning" process involves exposing the beans to humid monsoon winds for weeks to months, giving them a pale golden colour and rich flavour. We like this unusual coffee because its very smooth, full of body, and has an intense, slightly spicy nectarine taste.
About the coffee:
Indian Monsoon Malabar can easily be described as the country's most interesting coffee by both name and taste. The coffee's uniqueness lies in the "monsooning" technique, a method that evolved during the 18th and 19th centuries when coffee beans were transported by sea to Europe. During these long voyages, beans were exposed to monsoon winds and humidity, which altered their physical characteristics and flavour profile. Modern monsooning replicates this process, delivering a coffee experience unlike any other.
The monsooning process begins after the beans are harvested and dried. They are then stored in ventilated warehouses, where they are exposed to monsoon winds and moisture for 12 to 16 weeks. This exposure causes the beans to absorb moisture, swell, and lose acidity, resulting in a pale golden colour. This transformation contributes to Monsoon Malabar’s distinct taste which can be described as earthy, spicy, mellow, and rich, with low acidity and a velvety smooth body.
The flavour profile of Monsoon Malabar coffee is truly unique. It features earthy and spicy notes, often accompanied by hints of cocoa and tobacco. Its smooth, full-bodied nature makes it an excellent choice for black coffee, where its creamy texture and bold flavours shine.
Monsoon Malabar coffee is not only a testament to India’s rich coffee heritage but also a symbol of innovation and adaptation. It has gained recognition worldwide for its unique story and remarkable taste. We hope you enjoy this unique coffee as much as we do!
