Passenger Ratnagiri Chandragiri
This honey processed chandragiri variety Education Lot showcases both the distinct plant genetics of India and the unique processing approaches being pursued at Ratnagiri Estate in India. True to producer Ashok Patre’s innovative spirit, this lot was fermented in cherry for 48 hours in flushed stainless steel tanks with the addition of inoculated lab microbes before being pulped and slowly dried on raised beds for 22 days. We taste mild red fruits in the cup reminiscent of red pear and red grape, as well as a mild clementine-like acidity and a rich hazelnut finish.
Who's Passenger, Anyway?
Passenger is our sister company. They’ve spent years building producer relationships and setting the standard for quality and sustainability. Necessary was born from the same values, with a focus on approachable, everyday deliciousness. Same partners. Same care. Just a little more laid-back and roast-forward.
India’s Unique Plant Genetics: Chandragiri
India is a fascinating coffee producing origin for a variety of reasons: its unique place in the history of coffee production, it’s vast genetic diversity of the Arabica species, and its progressive approaches to coffee cultivation and research, to name a few.
As noted by World Coffee Research, India "possesses more coffee genetic diversity than most countries, due to coffee’s early introduction from Yemen in the 17th century and proactive national investment in breeding.” Additionally, because of the distinct climate of India’s coffee-producing regions, "Indian coffee farmers face more disease pressure than farmers anywhere else in the world, and national priorities are focused around creating resistant and climate resilient varieties.” In response, "India has quietly been near the forefront of coffee research for years, with a decades-long tradition of breeding and supporting farmers to fight diseases and pests."
A key institution behind these innovation is India's Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI), and the Chandragiri variety featured in this Education Lot is one of many examples of hybrid varieties they’ve created. Chandragiri was developed by CCRI from a cross between Villa Sarchi and Timor Hybrid varieties, and was ultimately selected for release in 2007 due to its combination of notable disease and pest resistance, high yield potential, and good cup quality.
Ashok and Divya Patre of Ratnagiri Estate