the coffee
Estate : POABS Organic (Seethargundu Estate)
Roaster : Blue Tokai
Varietal : SLN 9 + SLN 5B + SLN 8/795
Process : Washed
Roast Level : Light
Altitude : 1100 – 1200 MASL.
The Estate : Seethargundu
Seethargundu Estate lies in the Nelliyampathy hills in Chittur, Kerala and is part of a bigger group of estates that goes by the name of ‘Poabs’. At an average elevation of 3500 feet, this is the largest multi crop organic plantation in India growing tea and coffee — Arabica and Robusta — with inter crops of pepper, orange, vanilla, cardamom, strawberry, guava, and other fruits and spices. The estate grows a variety of Arabica including S9, S8, S5, and Cauvery and CXR variety of Robusta as well.
In 1989 Poabs Group implemented an organic system of cultivation and now offers a range of certified organic, socially and environmentally cultivated coffee and tea with a distinctive cup profile. Poabs Estates in Nelliyampathy is one of two Demeter certified biodynamic estates in the entire world. A self-sustainable farm with all facilities and infrastructure inside the farm, Poabs follows holistic agricultural practices within a closed ecosystem. The group has put together a quality management programme for farm practices and safety procedures, including factory and all processing units. Given the altitude at which the estate sits, the climatic conditions are ideal and highly suitable for growing coffee — with plenty of water sources available on site for irrigation. (1)
“The coffee of Poabs Organic Estates is grown bio-dynamically, with care being paid to the environment, to the work culture and above all to the quality in the cup. The robustas from this estate, when washed, have a Strong body, are Neutral, Clean and possess a Fair Smoothness, with a tint of bitterness, enabling the beans to be even brewed as a ‘neat’ drink. The farm is a delight to the eye and the cup a stimulant to the palate!” says Ms Sunalini N. Menon, an internationally renowned coffee taster and CEO of Coffeelab Pvt. Ltd. based in Bangalore, India.
Organic Labelling: All coffee produced at Poabs Organic Estates, Nelliyampathy is certified ‘Organic’.
Ethical sourcing: All coffee produced at Poabs Estates complies with Indian Government regulations and international norms to be eligible for ethically-sourced produce.(2)
Seethargundu Estate is situated in the Nelliyampathy Hills region of the Palakkad district in Kerala, and is just one of two Demeter-certified biodynamic coffee estates in the world. The organic farm grows crops like tea, oranges, pepper and vanilla along with Arabica. We are very proud to partner with Seethargundu Estate which has been described as an exemplary showcase of a comprehensive organic project. The farm ensures that all of its various initiatives, such as organic animal husbandry, plant production, landscaping, water supply and its use of biodynamic processes meet the highest organic qualifications. Seethargundu Estate grows Selection 9 Arabica coffees that are handpicked and processed on site using washed, natural and semi-washed methods. These coffees are planted under a double canopy of shade.
find more about seethargundu HERE (2)
the roaster : bluetokai
BlueTokai, are indian specialty coffee roasters established in 2013 by Matt Chitharanjan, with cafes now across India. they have varied and lovely selection of coffees and have now also expanded to single origin easy pourover sachets.