India is a country with thousands kind of herbs, and their coffee history is rich and could dates back to the 17th century when coffee was introduced to the country by European settlers, Sufi Saint Baba Budan. According to legend, in the late 17th century, Baba Budan smuggled seven coffee beans from Yemen and planted them in the hills of Chikmagalur, a region in present-day Karnataka. These beans eventually flourished, leading to the establishment of coffee cultivation in India.
Coffee cultivation in India gained momentum during the colonial era. The British East India Company played a significant role in promoting coffee cultivation and establishing coffee plantations. Initially, coffee was grown in the Chikmagalur region and later expanded to other parts of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
India primarily cultivates two main coffee varieties—Arabica and Robusta. Arabica coffee was introduced first and flourished in the higher altitudes of the Western Ghats. Robusta coffee, known for its higher caffeine content and resistance to diseases, gained popularity in the lower elevations.
During the era of British colonization, coffee beans from India were transported by sea to Europe. The beans, exposed to moisture during the long journey, underwent a unique transformation. The monsoon winds and humidity caused the beans to swell and develop a distinct flavor profile. This gave rise to the famous Monsooned Malabar coffee, which became highly sought after and remains an iconic Indian coffee variety today.
The Coffee Board of India was established in 1942 to regulate and promote the coffee industry in the country. The board provides support to coffee growers, conducts research to improve cultivation practices, implements quality control measures, and facilitates marketing and export of Indian coffee.