India Monsoon Coffee Beans: Unique Flavour Profile

India Monsoon Coffee Beans, also known as Monsoon Malabar, stand as a testament to the rich heritage and natural wonders of Southern India. This distinctive coffee bean owes its unique flavour profile to the monsooning process, a practice that transforms the beans into something truly exceptional. The India Monsoon Malabar is considered to be one of the richest coffee flavours in Asia and a very significant member of the Arabica family. This coffee is grown at an altitude of 950m and has an SCA score of 76. The distinctive Monsoon Malabar coffee is exclusively produced in the Malabar Coast regions of Karnataka, Kerala, and the Nilgiri mountains in Tamil Nadu. It enjoys official protection under India's Geographical Indications of Goods Act. The coffee earns its name from the traditional process of exposing coffee beans to the monsoon winds along the Malabar coastline.

The origin of India Monsoon Malabar coffee beans

The story of India Monsoon Malabar Coffee Beans is a captivating tale of serendipity and tradition, dating back to the days of the British Rule when coffee beans were first shipped from India to Europe via a six-month journey through the Cape of Good Hope. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the journey from India to Europe was a long and arduous one, spanning several months aboard slow-moving sailing ships. During this extensive sea voyage, the green beans were subjected to the natural elements—moisture-laden monsoon winds, salty sea air, and heavy rains—while stored in the ship's hulls.

With the advent of faster steamships in the 20th century, the long sea journey was significantly shortened, and the beans arrived in Europe without the unique transformation. Disappointed by the change in flavour due to the long journey, traders and producers in southern India sought to recreate this unique process. Thus, the practice of monsooning was born—a deliberate and controlled method of replicating the conditions of the historic sea voyage.

The monsooning process

The production process begins with carefully selected cherry coffee crops that undergo sun-drying on large barbecue platforms. After drying, the beans are cured and classified into premium 'AA' and standard 'A' grades before storage in warehouses until monsoon season arrives. Between June and September, these selected beans are strategically placed in well-ventilated facilities where they're exposed to the moisture-rich monsoon air for 12-16 weeks.

The monsooning process begins with green beans that have been carefully harvested and sorted. These beans are spread out in well-ventilated warehouses along the coast, where they are exposed to the wind and rain brought in by the monsoon. As the beans absorb moisture, they swell in size, turn pale golden, and lose acidity, giving rise to their distinctive mellow, earthy, and nutty flavour profile.

This specialised monsooning technique requires meticulous handling, including regular spreading, raking, and turning of the beans at precise intervals. Throughout this process, the beans gradually absorb moisture, significantly expand in size, and develop their characteristic pale golden hue. A final, detailed sorting separates the fully monsooned beans from those that haven't completed the transformation.

After the required period, the monsooned Malabar coffee beans are thoroughly dried and processed. The result is a medium-to-dark roast coffee with remarkably low acidity and a smooth, bold character that’s unmatched by any other coffee in the world.

Flavour profile and roast varieties

India Monsoon Malabar coffee is famous for its full-bodied texture and intense, earthy aroma. The taste profile is dominated by notes of wood, spice, and hints of chocolate, making it a favourite among espresso enthusiasts and those who enjoy milk-based beverages like the flat white. The flavours that dominate these tones are bitter, chocolate, tobacco and walnut coffee flavours.

Roasting plays a crucial role in unlocking these beans' full potential. A medium roast enhances the nutty and chocolatey notes, while a dark roast brings a deeper, smokier profile. The beans’ low acidity makes them an ideal base for straight espresso shots and creamy concoctions.

Recommended roast and brewing method

The Monsoon Malabar coffee is a truly distinctive and versatile bean, but to fully appreciate its unique characteristics, it is essential to select the right roast level and brewing method. Thanks to the transformative monsooning process, which exposes the green beans to moisture-laden monsoon winds along the Malabar Coast of Southern India, these beans develop a complex and bold flavour profile. There is a range of roasting techniques that you can experiment with; however, to bring out the very best of these characteristics, a dark roast is highly recommended.

Why dark roast suits Monsoon Malabar coffee

Roasting India Monsoon Malabar coffee to a dark roast level is key to enhancing the bean’s natural flavours, resulting in a full-bodied, intense, and smooth coffee experience. The dark roast process involves heating the monsooned beans to a higher temperature until they reach a deep, oily sheen. This method helps to:

• Deepen the Flavour Profile: The dark roast emphasises the coffee’s bitter chocolate, tobacco, and walnut notes while also drawing out subtle hints of earthiness and spice. The monsooning process naturally reduces the acidity of the beans, and the dark roast further enhances this smooth, mellow quality.

• Create a Bold, Smooth Taste: The dark roast process caramelises the natural sugars in the beans, producing a bold and intense flavour with a lingering, pleasant bitterness. This complements the distinctive earthy and woody characteristics of the India Monsoon Malabar coffee.

• Maximise Body and Crema: The dark roast imparts a thick, velvety mouthfeel, making it ideal for espresso brewing. When pulled as an espresso shot, the coffee produces a rich, golden crema—a hallmark of a well-brewed espresso—along with a deep and complex flavour that lingers on the palate.

• Enhance Milk-Based Drinks: The dark roast ensures the intense flavour of India Monsoon Malabar coffee stands out even in milk-based beverages like flat whites, lattes, and cappuccinos. The coffee’s robust body and low acidity blend seamlessly with milk, creating a smooth, comforting, and slightly sweet cup.

Perfect brewing method for Monsoon Malabar coffee

To truly appreciate the India Monsoon Malabar Origin Coffee Bean, espresso brewing is the ideal method. It’s low acidity, full body, and bold flavours are perfectly showcased in a concentrated espresso shot. Here’s how to achieve the best results:

• Grind the Beans Correctly: Use a fine grind consistency for espresso brewing. The grind size should resemble powdered sugar to ensure proper extraction.

• Optimal Brewing Parameters: Brew your India Monsoon Malabar coffee at a water temperature of 90-95°C (194-203°F), with a brewing time of 25-30 seconds for a perfect espresso shot.

• Dose and Yield: Use 18-20 grams of coffee to pull a 36-40 ml shot of espresso. This ratio ensures a rich crema and a bold, full-bodied flavour.

• Ideal for Milk-Based Beverages: For drinks like flat whites and lattes, steam the milk to a velvety microfoam texture and pour gently over the espresso. The result is a smooth, luxurious beverage with the coffee’s earthy and chocolatey notes perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the milk.

From the Malabar Coast to your cup

Today, the India Monsoon Malabar coffee has found its way into the cups of coffee lovers worldwide, cherished for its robust and exotic flavour. Whether enjoyed black or in a milk-based coffee like a flat white, it leaves a lasting impression with its smooth, mellow aftertaste.

The legacy of this bean continues to thrive, celebrated not just for its distinctive taste but also for the unique journey it undertakes from southern India to coffee enthusiasts across the globe. Whether you’re a fan of a strong espresso or a comforting latte, these beans promise a delightful and aromatic experience that stands apart from conventional roasts.

Incorporating India Monsoon Malabar coffee into your routine means savouring a piece of history, brewed with passion and perfected through centuries of craftsmanship. Let your senses take a journey with every sip and appreciate the rare artistry behind each cup of this iconic Indian coffee.

Discover exceptional coffee with Coffee Collective!

Ready to explore the world of speciality coffees? At Coffee Collective, we offer an exquisite selection of premium beans, including the iconic India Monsoon Malabar. Experience the bold, smooth, and unique flavours crafted by nature’s elements and perfected through tradition.

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