Coffee Chronicles: Unique Beans From Around The World
If you’re looking for a new java variety, these unique beans might be right for you
In the world of coffee, every cup tells a story. From the misty highlands of Ethiopia to the verdant slopes of Coorg, the varieties of coffee around the world reflect the diverse landscapes, climates, and cultures where they are grown. And the right cuppa, as coffee lovers would agree, is the perfect start to every morning. With International Coffee Day right around the corner, we bring you a list of the best coffees – some unique, some weird, but each distinct in their own way.
Coffee growing at a plantation in Coorg. Picture: Unsplash
Monsoon Malabar Coffee
Indian Monsooned Malabar, with its weathered elegance, undergoes a unique processing method on the Malabar Coast, which involves storing sun-dried robusta and arabica coffee beans in large jute bags. Exposed to monsoon winds, this coffee develops a distinct character marked by low acidity, full body, and a mellow, aged profile. Notes of spice and wood contribute to its unique taste, and its uniqueness has made it a GI-tagged variety in India.
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee
Jamaica’s azure coast and islander lifestyle is a draw for many travellers. And for those among them who are coffee enthusiasts, the Blue Mountains are a must on the itinerary. Here, Blue Mountain Coffee trees produce the best coffee in the Caribbean, which stands out for its mild flavour, lack of bitterness, and subtle hints of floral and fruity notes. Since the coffee is an intrinsic part of the region, the country has strict regulations set in place to regulate the production and export of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee.
Blue Mountain Coffee plantation in Jamaica. Picture: Unsplash
Kopi Luwak or Poop Coffee
This Indonesian variety of coffee is very controversial indeed. And surprisingly, it is the most expensive in the world. Even the most well-versed coffee enthusiasts often give this a miss, and it is not because of its price tag. These specialty coffee beans are collected after ripe coffee berries have been digested and excreted by Asian Palm Civet, a cat-like animal that is prominently found in Indonesia. The beans are then washed, dried, roasted and sold across the world.
Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Coffee
Spicy and fragrant, Yirgacheffe coffee is believed to be one of the best Arabica coffees in the world. Grown in the highlands of Ethiopia, which is considered to be the birthplace of coffee, this variety is renowned for its bright acidity, intricate floral notes, and a delightful array of fruity undertones.
Picture: Unsplash
Geisha Coffee
Geisha coffee, also spelled “Gesha,” has earned its place as the crown jewel of the specialty coffee world. Originally hailing from the Gori Gesha forest in Ethiopia, it gained global recognition when it was introduced to Panama in the 1960s. Today, Geisha is grown in various coffee-producing regions around the world, but it is the Panamanian Geisha that has particularly captured the attention of coffee connoisseurs. People who have savoured this variety say that it has a tea-like flavour, with notes of jasmine, tropical fruits, and a wholesome floral aroma.
How many of these unique varieties have you tried? Picture: Unsplash
