Indian Coffee growing regions

 India's coffee regions are primarily categorized into three areas: 

1. traditional regions in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu in the south; 

2. non-traditional regions like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha in the Eastern Ghats; 

3. the Northeastern states, including Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Karnataka, particularly the Bababudangiris where coffee was first introduced, is the largest coffee-producing state. 

Traditional Regions: Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu 

Karnataka: The largest coffee-producing state, with regions like Coorg and Chikmagalur being historically significant. 

The Bababudangiri hills are known as the birthplace of coffee in India.

Kerala: A major coffee hub, particularly in the Wayanad district, which cultivates both Arabica and Robusta beans, with Robusta being more dominant.

Tamil Nadu: Coffee is grown in the Anaimalai hills and the Nilgiris, often in high-elevation plantations that produce Arabica with bright acidity. 

Non-Traditional Regions: Andhra Pradesh and Odisha 

Andhra Pradesh: The Araku Valley is a growing specialty coffee region recognized for its tribal cooperative-led production.

Odisha: The Koraput region is another area gaining recognition for growing Arabica coffee.

Northeastern Regions 

The "Seven Sister States": This region includes Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. 

These states are considered a rising frontier for coffee production, with areas like the Cachar district in Assam growing both Arabica and Robusta. 

Key characteristics of Indian coffee 

Growing conditions: Coffee is often shade-grown under a two-tier canopy, which can lead to a richer flavor. The variety of altitudes and rainfall patterns (ranging from 800mm to 4500 mm) contribute to diverse flavor profiles.

Monsooned coffee: A unique process where beans are exposed to humid monsoon air, resulting in a distinctively mild, low-acid, pale gold bean known as Indian Monsoon Malabar.

Bean varieties: Both Arabica and Robusta are grown, with notable varieties including Kent and S. 795.