Our first ever Indian Crop ! This coffee is truly exciting and flavourful with Orange Chocolate at the forefront. This is balanced by the sweetness of a Toasted Hazelnut Praline on the finish. Exceptionalany way it is prepared. For a very interesting espresso this is highly recommended or any other conventional filter methods, we loved it on the V60 & on Espresso
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The Hindi word 'Ratnagiri' translates to 'Pearl Mountain,' capturing the essence of the farm's picturesque landscape adorned with a lush silver oak canopy. Ratnagiri Estate, established in 1920, has been passed down through generations and is currently owned and operated by Ashok Patre, a forward-thinking individual brimming with inspiration from his extensive travels. Going beyond the boundaries of traditional Indian coffee cultivation and processing, Ashok has implemented innovative practices at Ratnagiri.
At Ratnagiri, Brix levels are meticulously tested before harvesting, and various processing methods such as natural, honey, and fermentation experiments are conducted alongside the conventional washed method. The estate proudly adheres to organic and biodynamic farming practices, and it holds the prestigious Rainforest Alliance Certification. Regular soil tests are conducted, and necessary organic corrections are applied to maintain soil health. To enhance plant immunity and sugar levels in the fruit, Ashok utilizes ionic seawater and seaweed extract.
The estate's enchanting environment comprises three layers of shade, creating a haven for a diverse range of wildlife. Over 48 bird species, monkeys, leopards, wild boar, tigers, mongoose, and occasional elephants call Ratnagiri their home. The remarkable biodiversity necessitates an ecological approach to farming, emphasizing harmony with the environment. Ratnagiri Estate stands as a world-class farm.
The region surrounding Ratnagiri holds historical significance in the journey of coffee. If coffee was born in Ethiopia and matured in Yemen, it ventured further to India in the 17th century. Baba Budan, returning from his pilgrimage to Mecca, clandestinely carried seven coffee beans and planted them in the hills of the Chikkamagaluru district, now known as Baba Budan Giri. Coffee cultivation slowly gained momentum in India, and the first formal plantations were established by the British in 1840, in the same region where the first coffee seeds were sown.
Throughout the years, India faced challenges such as battles against leaf rust and a focus on yield, leading to the prominence of Robusta cultivation and prioritization of shade growing conditions. Presently, India produces more than double the amount of Robusta compared to Arabica, with the majority of coffee grown under dense shade, often in forest-like settings. Italy imports over 21% of India's coffee, particularly Robusta, for its traditional espresso blends. India's coffee plantations, thriving with abundant wildlife, including tigers and elephants, owe their existence to the forest-like conditions. Unlike shade-grown coffee in other parts of the world, coffee in India flourishes in dense shade, often intercropped with peppercorn, cardamom, areca nut, oranges, bananas, and other crops. As a result, India is becoming increasingly recognized and sought after by the specialty coffee industry.
Coffee Details
- Origin - India, Bababundagiri
- Producer - Ratnagiri
- Varietal - Mixed
- Altitude - 1900 MASL
- Process - Washed
- Notes - Orange Chocolate & Toasted Hazelnut Praline
- Cupping Score - 85