Coffee cultivation in India dates back to the 17th century, when it was introduced in the Baba Budan Giri hills of Karnataka. Today, India is one of the largest coffee producers globally, particularly known for its shade-grown coffee. Indian coffee is highly regarded for its unique flavor, aroma, and sustainability practices. The majority of coffee cultivation occurs in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of the Northeast and Andhra Pradesh.
India produces two primary types of coffee: Arabica and Robusta, with each variety further divided into several distinct sub-varieties and hybrids. Indian coffee is also celebrated for its monsooned coffee, a unique post-harvest processing method that enhances its flavor profile.
This article explores the top coffee varieties in India, their characteristics, growing regions, and commercial importance.
1. Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica)
Arabica is one of the most popular coffee varieties grown in India, accounting for nearly 30% of the country’s total coffee production. It is prized for its mild flavor, aromatic profile, and low caffeine content.
- Altitude: 800–2,000 meters above sea level
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
- Characteristics: Smooth flavor, balanced acidity, mild aroma
- Uses: Premium coffee blends, specialty coffee
2. Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora)
Robusta accounts for nearly 70% of India’s coffee production. It is known for its strong flavor, high caffeine content, and resistance to pests and diseases, making it a popular commercial variety.
- Altitude: 500–1,000 meters above sea level
- Regions: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics: Strong, bitter flavor with a full body and higher caffeine content
- Uses: Instant coffee, espresso blends
3. Selection 795 (S.795)
Selection 795 is a hybrid Arabica variety developed in India. It is one of the most popular Arabica varieties due to its high yield, disease resistance, and excellent cup quality.
- Altitude: 900–1,600 meters above sea level
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
- Characteristics: Mild flavor, balanced acidity, and good aroma
- Uses: Specialty coffee blends
4. Cauvery Coffee (Catimor)
Cauvery, also known as Catimor, is a hybrid variety of Arabica that offers high productivity and resistance to coffee leaf rust. It is widely grown for its consistent yield and quality.
- Altitude: 800–1,200 meters above sea level
- Regions: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics: Good flavor, mild acidity, and high yield
- Uses: Specialty and commercial coffee
5. SLN 9 (Selection 9)
Selection 9 is another hybrid Arabica variety developed by the Coffee Research Institute in India. It combines the flavor profile of Arabica with the disease resistance of Robusta.
- Altitude: 900–1,800 meters above sea level
- Regions: Karnataka, Kerala
- Characteristics: High yield, aromatic, smooth flavor
- Uses: Premium coffee blends
6. Monsooned Malabar Coffee
Monsooned Malabar Coffee is a specialty coffee unique to India. The beans undergo a monsooning process where they are exposed to the monsoon winds, enhancing their flavor and reducing acidity.
- Altitude: 900–1,200 meters
- Regions: Karnataka, Kerala
- Characteristics: Low acidity, mellow flavor, full-bodied
- Uses: Specialty coffee, export markets
7. Kent Coffee
Kent is one of the oldest Arabica varieties grown in India. It is valued for its smooth taste and mild acidity, making it a classic choice for coffee lovers.
- Altitude: 1,000–1,600 meters
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics: Mild, smooth flavor with moderate acidity
- Uses: Specialty coffee
8. Chandragiri Coffee
Chandragiri is a high-yielding Arabica hybrid variety known for its disease resistance and superior cup quality. It is ideal for growing in India’s traditional coffee regions.
- Altitude: 1,000–1,500 meters
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
- Characteristics: Balanced flavor, good aroma, and smooth body
- Uses: Premium coffee
9. SLN 274 (Selection 274)
Selection 274 is a popular Robusta variety known for its high yield and resistance to pests and diseases. It is widely grown across India for commercial coffee production.
- Altitude: 500–1,000 meters
- Regions: Karnataka, Kerala
- Characteristics: Strong flavor, rich body, low acidity
- Uses: Instant coffee and espresso blends
10. Liberica Coffee (Coffea liberica)
Liberica is a lesser-known coffee variety grown in small quantities in India. It is appreciated for its fruity aroma and unique flavor profile.
- Altitude: 600–1,000 meters
- Regions: Kerala, Karnataka
- Characteristics: Fruity aroma, mild bitterness, and large beans
- Uses: Specialty coffee
11. Arusha Coffee
Arusha is an Arabica variety primarily grown in the hilly regions of South India. It is favored for its excellent cup quality and flavor.
- Altitude: 1,000–1,800 meters
- Regions: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
- Characteristics: Mild acidity, balanced flavor, aromatic
- Uses: Specialty coffee
12. BOURBON Coffee
Bourbon is a premium variety of Arabica coffee known for its sweet flavor, smooth body, and balanced acidity. It is grown in select regions for high-quality coffee production.
- Altitude: 1,000–1,800 meters
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics: Sweet, balanced, complex flavors
- Uses: Specialty coffee blends
India’s coffee industry thrives on the cultivation of high-quality Arabica and Robusta varieties, along with unique specialties like Monsooned Malabar Coffee. From the aromatic Selection 795 to the bold Robusta SLN 274, Indian coffee caters to both domestic and global markets. With a growing demand for specialty coffee, Indian farmers continue to innovate and enhance coffee production, ensuring India’s position as a major player in the global coffee industry.
FAQs
Q1: What are the two main types of coffee grown in India?
A: The two main types are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is known for its smooth flavor and mild acidity, while Robusta is stronger and has a higher caffeine content.
Q2: Which is the most widely grown coffee variety in India?
A: Robusta Coffee accounts for nearly 70% of India’s coffee production, particularly in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Q3: What is Monsooned Malabar Coffee?
A: Monsooned Malabar Coffee is a specialty coffee processed by exposing the beans to monsoon winds, which imparts a unique mellow flavor and reduces acidity.
Q4: Which regions in India produce the best coffee?
A: The major coffee-producing regions are Karnataka (Chikmagalur, Coorg), Kerala (Wayanad, Idukki), and Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris, Shevaroys).
Q5: Which coffee variety is best for specialty coffee production?
A: Varieties like Selection 795 (S.795), SLN 9, Kent, and Bourbon are highly valued for specialty coffee due to their superior cup quality and aroma.
