Coffee is one of the Indian Cash crops that stand next only to tea as an admired beverage in the world, as well as in India. If tea belongs to the northeastern part, coffee is confined to the southwestern part of the world. Unlike tea, coffee holdings are less than 10 hectares each.
Coffee grows in tropical highlands at heights varying between 900 and 1800 metres above sea level. In India they grow well on laterite soils of Karnataka. In 1950-51 the area under coffee was 91,000 hectares with a production of 25,000 tonnes. By 1997-98 region under coffee was 400,000 hectares and production was 200,000 tonnes. The yield also increased to 818 kg per hectare. In 1997-98, coffee exports were 147,000 tonnes, fetching 436 million U.S. dollars that accounts to be even more than tea.
Coffee is a widely consumed beverage prepared from the roasted seeds of the coffee plant. It is usually served hot but can also be served cold. India offers several varieties of specialty coffees that are popular in the West. Continuous research by Indian scientists has helped identity better strains that will make finer coffees with added flavour profiles, in both Arabica and Robusta varieties.
History of Indian Coffee started from its introduction in the Chikkamagaluru (Chikmagalur) district when the first coffee crop was grown in the Baba Budan Giri Hills during 1670 AD. The saint Baba Budan on his pilgrimage to Mecca traveled through the seaport of Mocha, Yemen where he discovered coffee. To introduce its taste to India, he wrapped seven coffee beans around his belly and got them out of Arabia. On his return home, he planted the beans in the hills of Chikkamagaluru, which are now named Baba Budan Hills in his honour. Since then, Coffee cultivation in India became widespread.
Monsooned coffee is a specialty beverage in India. The "Monsooning" of coffee first happened quite by accident in the deep of sailing ships - a shipload of coffee bound for Europe acquired a mellow yet unique taste en route, with the coffee beans swelling due to the moisture in the air. A new kind of coffee was born - Monsooned Coffee. Even today, India offers the same golden quality Monsooned Coffee. Prepared by the unique natural elements of yester years and the special process of today, the Monsooned Coffee still has the monsooned flavour, mellow taste and golden look. Consumers in Scandinavian countries love it for its special colour and flavour.
Mysore Nuggets Extra Bold Coffee in India is a premium coffee that represents the best quality coffee from India. The beans are very large, uniform blush green in colour with a clean polished appearance. In cup, the coffee exhibits full aroma, medium to good body, good acidity and fine flavour with a hint of spice. Arabica Plantation Coffee (Washed coffee) grown in the Mysore, Coorg, Biligiris and Shevaroys regions.
Robusta Kaapi Royale Coffee is another type of Indian Coffee that is prepared from Robusta Parchment AB from the regions of Mysore, Coorg, Wynad, Shevaroys, Pulneys and Barbabudans. The beans appear to be bold, round with pointed ends and gray to bluish gray in colour. This cup ensures full body, soft, smooth and mellow flavour. Indian Coffee is a traditional beverage all over the nation that not only revitalises one`s mind and body but also has several positive health effects.
