PAPUA NEW GUINEA COFFEE BEANS (PNG)

A coffee that is labeled as New Guinea (or “PNG”) is grown on the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, just North of Australia, which is known as Papua New Guinea. The western half (roughly) is simply Papua, part of Indonesia. The far western part of the island is known as West Guinea (or “West Papua”) and also produces coffee beans. Vanuatu is a nearby coffee-producing island to the East, albeit significantly smaller.

Approximately 8 million people live in Papua New Guinea, which encompasses both the main island and the nearby islands off the coast.

CHARACTERISTICS PAPUA NEW GUINEA COFFEE

A good New Guinea coffee, such as Arona or Sigri, has a modest, low-toned richness, sometimes earthy, along with a low to moderate acidity that distinguishes most Indonesian coffees, though generally not as full-bodied as an Indonesian or as aromatic as a fine Sulawesi Toraja, yet sometimes fruitier than Sulawesi coffee.

Typically wet processed (washed), a fine New Guinea coffee is deeply dimensioned yet well-balanced, with mild and mellow yet broad flavors that provide a bright and clean taste – a classic, delicate sweetness complemented by an exotic, complex and fruity aroma. The region produces coffees with lots of oils, which come out as early as a medium roast and offer a full body that is consistent with many Indonesian coffees. This makes it ideal in a french press or steel-filter drip coffee maker which allows the natural oils and flavors to shine.

COFFEE GROWING REGIONS

Much of Papua New Guinea’s coffee is grown in the mountain highlands including the central highlands of Mt. Hagen, an area known for its ideal coffee-growing climate and rich volcanic soils.

A considerable amount of New Guinea coffee is grown on small plantations which are sometimes referred to as peasant patches because peasants cultivate the coffee plants.

Source: ESPRESSOCOFFEEGUIDE.COM