A visit to a coffee estate during or after the monsoons is a visual treat. As one drives through the coffee corridor , the whole grove like atmosphere allows the sunlight to penetrate through the tall trees, just enough to charm the senses. This is a time which is eagerly looked forward to by the coffee planters. The entire team hopes for a bountiful harvest and there is much to do once picking commences. As part of Indian culture, obeisance is first paid to the land and other elements of nature, for the bounty. The workers comprising of the nimble fingered women folk, the manager and other male members of the estate work force. They fold their palms in reverence for the small puja (ritualistic worship) comprising of auspicious offerings.
November is an important part of the year for coffee planters. It’s when the pristine white coffee blossoms give way to the coffee cherries which begin their ripening process. Amidst the tall oaks, the areca palms; their trunks covered with vibrant green pepper creepers ,the coffee shrubs and cherries are being closely watched by the staff at Karadykan. A sense of anticipation in the air as the workers and staff await the onset of the coffee picking season.
Karadykan Estate
At Karadykan the director of quality control, Hamsini Appadurai has taken many measures to ensure that the cherries are picked at the right shade of red. The estate manager Hemanth is equally passionate at taking all steps to ensure that quality control.
The picturesque valley, the calm which serves to enhance the various bird calls, the cheerful women folk and children at the estate add so much more meaning to this coffee estate named Karadykan. The vast acreage here is home to both the Arabica as well as the Robusta plants. The thick and hardy stems of the Robusta along with the deep green of the large leaves does give a sense of ‘robustness’ which is how the name came into being.
Arabica Coffee Beans at its best!
The Arabica plants are prized world over for the quality of coffee cherries. For a coffee illiterate who only thinks of downing a hot cup of java in the morning, knowing about the intricacies of a coffee plantation is nothing short of awe inspiring. It also serves to highlight the fact that it is important to “drink better”. While it is becoming increasingly common for people to be conscious of the source of their food, drinking a consciously sourced cup of coffee is just as meaningful.
By drinking better we also drink just enough. Endless cups of caffeine gulped down mindlessly throughout the day only serves to create an imbalance in the body. On the other hand,when treating oneself to an aromatic brew of exceptional quality, a little does go a long way. It is a treat to all the senses and elevates the pleasure of taste to a more well rounded experience. The harvesting of the coffee cherries at Karadykan is a culmination of hard work, ideas, reverence.
It is an unspoken, ethical system of working which begins with the managing director Appadurai. It is followed suit by each and every one in the organisation. The coffee beans which come from such a correct production thought process has received high praise on a global platform. At Sangameshwar Coffee Estates, it is undoubtedly,Indian grown coffee at it’s best !
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