Tasting Notes:
A smooth cup of coffee with subtle notes of dark chocolate, brown sugar, and a hint of citrus to round out this amazing bean.
Size: 12oz
Roast: Medium
Origin Notes:
Papua New Guinea’s rugged mountainous landscape, enriched by fertile volcanic soil, provides optimal conditions for cultivating high-quality Arabica coffee, though its challenging terrain complicates transportation. Approximately 85% of PNG’s coffee production originates from remote villages and smallholder farms accessible only by foot or light aircraft, making air transport essential. Simbai Balus Kopi, sourced from the Simbai region beyond the Bismarck Range near the Western Highlands and Sepik Provinces, exemplifies this. Our partner, Volcafe PNG, collaborates with over 4,000 farmers across four airstrips, facilitating the collection and storage of parchment coffee. Charter flights are arranged once sufficient volume is amassed, with logistical and freight support to offset charter expenses. The coffee is then flown to Mt. Hagen, integrating into the global supply chain.
What Does Coffee From Papua New Guinea Taste Like?
Many smallholder farmers in Papua New Guinea process their coffee cherries manually using hand-powered pulpers, fermenting the beans for approximately 36 hours before washing away the mucilage and drying them. Specialty PNG coffee is known for its balanced profile, featuring moderate acidity, a full body, and a smooth, buttery texture. The distinctive terroir of Simbai enhances this profile with pronounced sweetness, showcasing notes of bittersweet chocolate and caramel, alongside subtle hints of dried cherry and green tea.
Papua New Guinea Coffee Production
In Papua New Guinea, approximately 2.5 million people—about 30% of the population—are engaged in coffee cultivation. Coffee exports contribute roughly 6% of the national GDP, amounting to US$72 million, making it the country’s second most important agricultural commodity after palm oil. Despite these significant figures, local appreciation and valuation of coffee do not always align with its economic impact, as production realities reveal a more complex picture.
