TAMIL NADU
Tamil Nadu, located in southern India, is a notable coffee-producing state, with cultivation concentrated primarily in the Nilgiri Hills, a mountainous region renowned for its cool climate, misty mornings, and fertile soils. Coffee in this area is typically grown at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,200 meters above sea level, where the combination of moderate temperatures, well-distributed rainfall, and volcanic or loamy soils provides ideal conditions for high-quality Arabica production.
The Nilgiri Arabica are highly prized for their bright, lively acidity, medium body, and delicate, fragrant floral aromas, often accompanied by subtle notes of citrus, stone fruits, or light chocolate. These characteristics make Nilgiri coffee exceptionally versatile, suitable for single-origin specialty coffees as well as blends, where it adds clarity, brightness, and aromatic complexity. The region’s coffees are typically washed (fully washed), which enhances their clean and crisp cup profile while preserving the natural sweetness and nuanced flavours of the beans.
Coffee farms in the Nilgiris are mostly smallholder operations, often cultivating under shade trees and intercropping with spices such as cardamom, pepper, or cinnamon. This traditional agro forestry approach not only supports biodiversity and soil fertility but also contributes to the sustainable and environmentally conscious cultivation of coffee. Overall, the Nilgiri Hills represent one of India’s most distinctive and refined coffee origins, producing Arabica that are aromatic, balanced, and versatile. Their combination of elegant acidity, medium body, and floral complexity has earned them recognition both domestically and internationally, solidifying Tamil Nadu’s role in India’s specialty coffee landscape.