Tasting Profile: Caramel, honey, and fruit

Papua New Guinea produces some of the most unique and intriguing coffees in the world, and the beans from Chimbu Province exemplify the country’s remarkable coffee-growing potential. Grown by small agricultural cooperatives in the highlands of Chimbu, this coffee offers a distinctive flavor profile marked by caramel sweetness, smooth honey tones, and bright fruit notes. The rich volcanic soil and cool mountain climate of the region make it an ideal environment for growing high-quality Arabica coffee, resulting in a cup that is both flavorful and complex.

Chimbu Province is located in the rugged central highlands of Papua New Guinea, where coffee is grown at elevations between 1,500 to 2,000 meters above sea level. This high altitude, combined with the region’s fertile soil and temperate conditions, allows the coffee cherries to ripen slowly, developing nuanced flavors and a balanced acidity. The coffee here is primarily grown by smallholder farmers, many of whom belong to cooperatives that prioritize traditional farming practices and community development. These cooperatives focus on producing coffee in harmony with the land, often using organic and sustainable methods to enhance both the quality of the beans and the well-being of the environment.

In a medium roast, Papua New Guinea Chimbu coffee brings out a harmonious balance of sweetness and brightness. Caramel and honey notes provide a smooth, velvety sweetness, while the fruit undertones—often reminiscent of stone fruits or tropical fruit—add a lively and refreshing complexity to the cup. This combination of rich sweetness and bright, fruity acidity creates a dynamic coffee experience that is both comforting and vibrant, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a well-rounded and flavorful coffee.

Papua New Guinea’s coffee culture is deeply rooted in its diverse, rural communities, where coffee farming is often passed down through generations. Coffee plays a vital role in the local economy, with over 85% of the country’s coffee produced by smallholder farmers. These farmers, particularly in regions like Chimbu, rely on the support of cooperatives to process and market their coffee, helping to ensure fair prices and sustainable practices.

A fun fact about Papua New Guinea’s coffee: The country’s coffee industry was first established in the 1920s, and since then, it has grown to become one of the nation’s leading exports. What makes Papua New Guinea coffee truly special is the biodiversity of its coffee plants—many are grown from varieties originally brought from Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, resulting in unique, complex flavor profiles that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Papua New Guinea Chimbu coffee is a beautiful expression of the region’s natural environment and the dedication of its smallholder farmers. With its smooth caramel and honey sweetness, complemented by bright, fruity undertones, this coffee offers a delightful and dynamic drinking experience. Each cup tells the story of Chimbu’s rugged highlands and the cooperative spirit of its farmers, providing a rich, vibrant taste of Papua New Guinea’s coffee heritage.

Grower: Small agricultural cooperatives in Chimbu.

Variety: Bourbon & Typica.

Region: Chimbu Province, Papua New Guinea

Altitude: 1350 M

Soil Type: Volcanic Loam

Process: Fully washed and dried in the sun.

Roast: Medium