Papua New Guinea Coffee

Papua New Guinea is a stunning country off the Southern Pacific Ocean, and is one of our favorite origins for coffee. Though it is close in proximity to Indonesia, the coffee from each of these origins are substantially different. Let me fill you in on the fascinating processes and culture around Papua New Guinea coffee.

Papua New Guinea Coffee Production Process

Coffee in Papua New Guinea (PNG) tends to be washed. This process is very different from wet hulling, which occurs in most of Indonesia. This is one reason why the flavors of PNG coffee differ so wildly from those of its close neighbors. They are known for their lively, but balanced acidities, pronounced sweetness, and often fruity accents in aroma and flavor.

Culture & Cultivation Behind PNG Coffee

Cultivation tends to occur in small plots or coffee gardens. Many homes grow coffee alongside other food crops that are consumed by the household or sold locally. The soils are extremely fertile and require little, if any, synthetic fertilizer. Virtually no fertilizer is used in these coffee gardens which makes Papua New Guinea coffee some of the most organically grown in the world. You won't find many certifications here though, mainly because around 80% of PNG people live in rural areas and tend to be dispersed by tribal and ancestral groups.  They speak hundreds of different and distinct languages, so neighboring groups tend to have minimal interaction with one another. The country’s terrain is rugged, and infrastructure, like paved roads, is limited.

Sourcing Papua New Guinea For Your Shop

Due to the realities of coffee growing in PNG, plus its remote location, direct partnerships with roasters are hard to establish and maintain. It takes a dedicated and experienced network on the ground, year-round to navigate the complexities. Working with various groups to standardize and improve picking and sorting for the specialty market was slow to develop, but today the coffees are consistently unique and amazing.

Why Not Try Dilworth's PNG Coffee?

If you’re looking for a light-medium roast coffee with a natural sweetness, this could be a great option to add to your shop. Expect flavor notes of brown sugar, plum, and tangy. So, grab a bag and give it a whirl. Cheers to good brew!