Afshar

The Afshar bean is an Indian coffee that is famous for its unique and infamous style of treatment. Originating from the Malabar Coast of India, this coffee undergoes a distinctive post-harvesting process that sets it apart from other varieties. Interestingly, the modern iteration of this process has been further refined by a coffee guru based in Canada, who has collaborated with Indian growers to perfect the technique and ensure the highest quality.

The deep flavours of the Afshar are created by exposure to the warm and humid monsoon storms of India. After the beans are harvested, they are stored in open-air warehouses, where they are allowed to absorb moisture from the monsoon winds. This process swells the beans, altering their texture and enhancing their flavour profile.

This process was designed to replicate the original treatment of the beans on their long voyage back to Britain in wooden sailing vessels. During the colonial era, the coffee beans would be loaded onto ships for the journey to Europe. The humid conditions and sea air during the voyage would interact with the beans transforming their flavour. The original journeys accidentally imparted a wonderful deep spiciness to the coffee, which Indian growers were only too happy to replicate in the future.

Today, the Afshar process is carefully controlled to ensure consistency and quality. The beans are meticulously sorted and graded before undergoing the monsooning process, which lasts for about 12 to 16 weeks. During this period, the beans are regularly raked and turned to ensure even exposure to the monsoon winds. The Canadian guru's expertise has been instrumental in fine-tuning this process, adding an extra layer of quality assurance.

This coffee contains the essence of India: caramel, spice, wood, and leather contained in a solid aromatic drink that cuts through milk. The robust flavours make it an excellent choice for espresso-based drinks, but it's also enjoyable as a standalone brew. The complex notes of caramel and spice are complemented by undertones of wood and leather, creating a multi-layered sensory experience.

Whether you enjoy it black, with a splash of milk, or as the base for a creamy latte, Afshar offers a taste journey that captures the exotic allure of India. It's more than just a cup of coffee; it's a historical and cultural experience, encapsulated in every sip, and elevated by the expertise of a Canadian coffee guru.