Ffox Coffee

22/10/2019

18/09/2019

ARAKU COFFEE- A CLASS APART
POSTED ON APRIL 04, 2019
Coffee from the tribal plantations of Araku valley has been adjudged one of the coffee at the global level. Recently,an Indian coffee blend called Araku, produced by tribal youth in Andhra Pradesh, has won a gold medal at the Prix Epicures OR 2018 Award in Paris, France. This global recognition has pushed Araku valley coffee into limelight.

Araku Valley had been known for its spices. The hills with altitude ranging from 900-1300m above sea level, had the climate perfect for coffee too. The coffee from Araku is not from large plantations but from small farmers mainly tribals who cultivate it in their own property. The coffee has a distinct aroma which is attributed to the fact that chemical insecticideshave never been used in these plants.

Coffee was introduced to the valley in late 1950s as part of tribal development programmes by the Andhra Pradesh government under Girijan Co-operative Corporation (GCC). The tribals who used to practice shifting cultivation took to the more sustainable path of coffee farming. Since the coffee is frown in shade, it also promoted afforestation as compared to the deforestation with shifting cultivation. Coffee has bettered the life of tribals and they now have better houses, vehicles, education and health

Araku valley coffee is an Arabica variety and it has a wholesome taste that lingers. Araku's coffee has an extraordinary profile, according to experts. According to Yuko Itoi, a long-time specialty coffee jury member with Cup of Excellence, an annual event to identify top-quality coffee, Araku coffee mostly has good flavour and sweetness, which is due to their organic compost and good care of the farm. "Araku coffee mostly has good flavour and sweetness, which is due to their organic compost and good care of the farm," said Itoi, a coffee buyer from Tokyo who buys around 3,000kg of Araku coffee a year. "Through my almost 10 years of relationship and visits to Araku, I can say that the quality of their coffee is getting better every year."

More and more high-end coffee buyers and roasters worldwide are trying out Araku valley coffee and falling in love with it. Araku coffee already has an exclusive store in Paris which is promoted by Naandi Foundation.

Ffox coffee brings you a unique blend from Araku valley. Sourced from choice tribal plantations, the blend has been named Das FfoxKaffe. FFox uses only washed Arabica beans to create this mesmerizing blend.

30/08/2019

BEAN TO CHICKMAGALUR

POSTED ON APRIL 04, 2019
I had been to Chickmagalur many years ago when I was a kid. I have fond memories of a hilly town and hot kaapi. The whole scenario was somehow reminiscent of’ Malgudi Days’. Mist covered mornings, the town square, little cafes where the local and national news was discussed over steaming filter coffee. Growing up, the image had remained in memory. So, when we reached Kerala on the annual holiday with family, we decided to explore Chickmagalur once again. This time around, this visit was planned by my young son who wanted to know more about coffee.

It was the Christmas holidays and we planned a road trip from my parents place in Kannur to Chickmagalur. The newly bought SUV was being put to test. It would take around six hours to reach our destination. So, the day after Christmas, we set out on the trip. There were six of us, wife, two kids, and parents. We stopped for lunch at Gonikoppal in south Kodagu. The flavours of chicken had a slight change from the usual fare back at home and the kids loved it. The drive was least tiring as the weather was pleasant and the route had some great sightseeing attractions.

The ghats were beautiful as always. The clouds and Sun played hide and seek created stretches of shade and Sun along the drive. The SUV was just lovely on the roads and it was absolutely comfortable. As we drove up, we saw more and more of farms with ginger plants, Cardomom, pepper and coffee. There was greenery all around. The Sun was waning as we drove into the estate where we would be staying during our holiday.

We freshened up and got out to see the golden glow of setting Sun. Our host had put few deck chairs to view the splendour. Soon the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted in the air and the hot brew was soon brought to us. The invigorating coffee was splendid. Dad was asking for more and the taste of Chickmagalur coffee was an absolute hit as always.

Morning meant more cups of coffee and steaming idlisbefore we set out to trek the hills. Our guide appaji was an old timer who filled us with information about the place, coffee, traditions and beliefs. It was fun. He took us to a plantation where the morning pickers were just returning to the processing centre. My son wanted to touch the beans which they allowed. Then we saw the washing area and drying the Sun. Appaji explained how the coffee beans are graded once by machines and then by hand to ensure that the grading is perfect. He said that after drying, the beans were sold at auctions houses. Blenders and roasters buy it and come up with unique blends. Then the blends is tested and tasted by master tasters who attribute it a value.

While having the simple lunch was arranged at the plantation canteen, the kids were all excited with this new found knowledge. They were amazed how much effort goes into the making of coffee. After lunch we had some freshly brewed coffee too. By now it was late afternoon. Appaji arranged a jeep to drop us off at our estate.

26/08/2019

TRIBAL PICK
Black Tea Pellets Nilgris
TRIBAL PICK Tea is sourced from the high elevation tribal plantations located 7000ft above sea level in the Nilgiris Region of South India. The tender three leaves are hand plucked during cold and sunny days giving the tea an exceptional complex flavor. The black tea pellets have Zero Blending and Zero Added Flavours to maintain Original and Natural Taste in each cup. Broken Orange Pekoe CTC Tea Pellets are sourced in batches, only after a tasting session by our Tea Taster.

Features

Three leaves
Tribal Plantations
Sustainable Farming