By Ben, Roastery Manager | Temple Coffee Roasters
This month’s Roaster’s Choice takes us to Papua New Guinea, an origin that holds a special place in my journey through the world of coffee. Having spent time living and working there, I’m excited to share more about this lesser-known coffee origin and the people and experiences that make it so memorable.
DISCOVERING PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Papua New Guinea (commonly referred to as PNG) is an island nation in Oceania, just north of Australia. Although less widely recognized than other coffee-producing countries, coffee plays a significant role in its agricultural landscape. The country produces both commercial and specialty coffees, with exceptional quality and distinctive flavor profiles.
The island’s remote location has also helped preserve the genetic heritage of many coffee varieties, contributing to the distinctive characteristics found in the cup.
AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY
My time in Papua New Guinea began unexpectedly. When a coffee trading company I had been working closely with offered me an opportunity to join their team in PNG, I found myself preparing for an entirely new adventure.
In just two weeks, Papua New Guinea went from a place I had never considered visiting to a place I called home.
What I discovered was a community of passionate people, remarkable growing conditions, and some truly incredible coffee.
Like any coffee-producing region, Papua New Guinea faces its own challenges. Yet its high elevations, fertile soil, and dedicated producers create an environment where exceptional coffee can thrive.
As the locals would tell me, simply drop a seed on the ground, return a week later, and you’ll find a sprouted plant. Combined with the island’s relative isolation, these favorable growing conditions contribute to the remarkable potential of its coffees.
THIS MONTH'S ROASTER'S CHOICE: ARUFA JIWAKA
Arufa Jiwaka is a wonderful expression of the quality and character found in Papua New Guinea’s specialty coffees.
Rich notes of dark fruit evoke the vibrant, tangy sweetness of ripe pomegranate, complemented by a supple, creamy body reminiscent of malt. A bright accent of orange peel adds complexity, leading to a pleasantly structured, lingering finish.
The result is a distinctive and memorable cup that showcases the remarkable potential of this origin and the kinds of coffees we love sharing through our Roaster’s Choice Coffee Club.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE COFFEE
As I often tell anyone willing to listen, coffee is a people business. Behind every cup are countless individuals whose dedication and craftsmanship often go unseen.
Sharing stories of these places and the people who bring their coffees to life is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. I'm proud that Temple has the opportunity to showcase coffees from lesser-known origins, particularly when they offer something as memorable as Arufa Jiwaka.
Through our Roaster’s Choice Coffee Club, we invite you to explore these remarkable origins, experience distinctive flavors, and discover the stories behind each cup.
Explore our Roaster’s Choice Coffee Club and discover where your next cup will take you.
