India Ratnagiri Estate
Ratnagiri Estate, founded in 1927, is located in the Western Ghats of South India, at Bababudangiri, the birthplace of coffee in India. Sitting at an altitude of 1300 - 1450m, the estate is Rainforest Alliance certified, ensuring they farm sustainably and organically, with a strong focus on protecting the environment.
The estate is ran by Ashok Patre, a progressive and well-travelled owner who’s always looking for innovative new ways to improve Indian coffee cultivation. He’s been experimenting with different processing methods like natural, honey, and fermentation, alongside the traditional washed method, and tests Brix levels before harvesting to ensure the highest quality coffee.
In 2024, Jon, the owner of Bean Coffee, visited Ratnagiri Estate and was kindly hosted by Ashok. Jon got a first hand look at the estate’s innovative practices and deep commitment to quality, which made the connection between the farm and our coffee community even stronger.
"This is a 98-hour extended yeast fermented natural processed coffee. It is from the Hemavathi varietal grown on our farm at 4400 feet from the block called Silvermara Patte. The Brix of the coffee cherries was 23.6 when harvested and they were put in the stainless-steel fermenters after floater removal. A particular strain of yeast was added to the coffee in the fermenters and allowed to ferment for 98 hours in a carbon dioxide rich environment. After removing the coffee, they were directly put on raised beds for slow drying. The coffee was then dried slowly with constant stirring over the next 26 days. "
Ratnagiri is more than just a coffee farm – it’s a vibrant ecosystem. With three layers of shade, it’s home to over 48 bird species, monkeys, leopards, wild boar, tigers, mongoose, and occasionally, elephants. Ashok’s commitment to farming with respect for nature and the local biodiversity is clear.
The estate follows organic and biodynamic farming practices, with regular soil tests and organic treatments to keep the soil healthy. To help the plants thrive, ionic seawater and seaweed extract are used to boost immunity and improve sugar levels in the coffee fruit.
The name "Ratnagiri," which means "pearl mountains," perfectly captures the estate’s natural beauty. The silver oak trees provide the ideal shade for the coffee plants, creating the perfect environment for growing exceptional coffee. The result is a cup with notes of chocolate, caramel, and dried fruit, mild acidity, and a smooth finish.
With Ashok's forward-thinking approach to coffee farming, along with their dedication to sustainability, Ratnagiri Estate has become one of India’s top coffee farms.
Origin: India
Region: Karnataka, Western Ghats
Farm/Co-op: Ratnagiri Estate
Processing: Natural - Yeast fermentation
Altitude: 1300 - 1450m
Varietal: Hemavathi
Harvest: 2024
We aim to dispatch orders placed before midday on the same day. Under normal circumstances all items should be delivered to you within 2 working days or sooner.
We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unused, and in its original packaging.
