In the heart of the Malabar coast's lush hills, nestled in the enchanting village of Chikmagalur, a timeless tale of coffee discovery unfolds. Back in the early 1600s, this serene hamlet was a haven where life moved at its own gentle pace, as villagers tended to their crops and herded cattle, oblivious to the coffee revolution they were about to ignite.
The year was 1600, and Chikmagalur was under the rule of the mighty Mysore kingdom. Surrounded by dense forests, the villagers had long observed a curious phenomenon. During the monsoon season, winds from the Arabian Sea ushered in moisture-laden air that caused their green coffee beans to swell and fade to a pale hue. Little did they know that this transformation would gift their coffee with a distinctive flavor and aroma, setting the stage for an extraordinary coffee adventure.
News of this peculiar coffee spread like wildfire, drawing traders and merchants from distant lands who were captivated by its unique flavors and the intriguing story behind it. As the word traveled, Monsooned Malabar coffee's fame traversed the oceans, reaching the shores of Europe and beyond.
One of the most enchanting aspects of Monsooned Malabar coffee was the method by which it was crafted. Coffee beans were carefully stored in open warehouses during the monsoon season, allowing the moisture-laden air to penetrate the beans, inducing them to swell and transition from green to pale. This process also infused the beans with the aromas of the wooden floors, contributing to their unique taste. After six months of monsooning, the beans were meticulously dried and prepared for export.
The popularity of this extraordinary coffee steadily grew across Europe, with England's nobility embracing it as the "noblest coffee of them all." Its distinct flavor profile, adorned with earthy, musty, and spicy notes, turned it into a sensation in the coffeehouses of London, Paris, and Vienna.
In the years that followed, the demand for Monsooned Malabar coffee soared, and Chikmagalur evolved from a sleepy village into a thriving coffee hub. Coffee plantations sprawled across the hilly terrain, breathing prosperity into the lives of the villagers and the region itself.
Monsooned Malabar coffee's allure endured, captivating coffee enthusiasts worldwide. It remains a cherished treasure to this day, celebrated for its unique origin story and the meticulous process of monsooning, which has transformed it into a legendary coffee variety. The next time you savor a cup of Monsooned Malabar coffee, reflect on the humble village of Chikmagalur where this exceptional brew was born and nurtured, and allow the mystique of the monsoon winds to carry you on a journey through history in every delightful sip.
Try Roast Theory's authentic Monsooned Malabar coffee from small farms and never mixed, fresh roasted-to-order in small batches.