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’s cover the fascinating processes and culture around exotic and distant Papua New Guinea coffee.
Papua New Guinea Coffee Production Process
Coffee in 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.
The Culture & Cultivation of 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 none is used in these coffee gardens which makes Papua New Guinea coffee some of the most organically grown in the world. You’ll not find many certifications here though. One of the main reasons is that some 80% of PNG peoples live in rural areas and tend to be dispersed by tribal and ancestral groups. They speak hundreds of different and distinct languages and 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 of PNG. Working with various groups to standardize and improve picking and sorting for the specialty market has been slow to develop, but is a reality now, and the coffees are consistently unique and amazing.
Why Not Try Dilworth's PNG Coffee?
Our Papua New Guinea coffee roast is named after the Lamari River, which runs through the eastern highlands where these beans are grown. 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. Flavor notes your customers can expect are brown sugar, plum, and tangy. Click the link below to give it a try for yourself.