India Monsooned Malabar – exceptional Indian specialty coffee

Indian coffee Monsooned Malabar

Can coffee taste like rain? In the case of India Monsooned Malabar – absolutely yes. It’s one of the most unusual coffees in the world, not only because of its unique processing method but also its distinct flavor and aroma that you won’t confuse with any other. Its story goes back to the times when green beans were shipped from India to Europe over several months, exposed to humidity and sea winds. Today, this effect is recreated in controlled conditions, a process called monsooning.

India Monsooned Malabar comes from the southwestern coast of India – the Malabar region, known for its humid, monsoon climate. The beans are harvested at altitudes of 1100–1200 m and undergo a special drying process where air humidity reaches even 100%. This treatment gives the beans their characteristic pale beige color and nearly eliminates acidity.

The monsooning process of coffee

India Monsooned Malabar beans are not washed or fermented like most coffees. Instead, they are aged for several weeks in open warehouses – exposed to warm, humid air and monsoon winds. Workers regularly turn the beans, and the whole process resembles aging more than traditional drying. As a result, the beans swell, fade in color, and change in texture. Their flavor softens, and the aroma becomes heavier, earthy, and spicy.

Flavor profile of India Monsooned Malabar coffee

This coffee offers a completely different sensory experience. In the cup, you’ll find notes of leather, wood, spices, wet earth, and tobacco. The taste is heavy and deep, with almost no acidity and a distinctive bitterness that surprisingly pairs well with chocolate and nutty tones. This is a coffee to contemplate – not to rush. Its oiliness and density make it perfect for espresso and milk-based drinks.

Indian coffee and responsible farming

In India, coffee cultivation is increasingly aligned with sustainability. Many plantations combine coffee production with biodiversity conservation – for example, growing coffee under shade trees that provide habitats for birds and insects. Plantations in the Malabar region are often run by local communities, and the trade of beans follows fair trade principles. By choosing this coffee, you support small producers and traditional farming methods.

How to brew Monsooned Malabar coffee – methods and tips

Thanks to its low acidity and bold intensity, India Monsooned Malabar works great:

• in espresso – especially in pressure espresso machines,

• in milk-based drinks – flat white, cappuccino, and latte,

• in moka pots – producing a thick, rich brew,

• in French Press – highlighting its earthy and tobacco notes.

We don’t recommend it for pour-over methods unless you’re seeking a very unusual sensory experience. In a drip, it may come off too heavy and monotone.

Looking for freshly roasted coffee from India?

You can find India Monsooned Malabar in the offer of Gdańska Palarni Kawy – check our online store and order the best Indian specialty coffee straight to your home.