Baba Budan: The Coffee Pioneer Who Brought Coffee To India

October 3, 2023: Millions of people enjoy coffee around the globe, which has a fascinating history that traces back to a herder village in Ethiopia. Its name, “coffee,” originates from the village of Kaffe.

The visionary Baba Budan played a crucial role in introducing coffee to India, defying the odds and risking his life to smuggle precious coffee beans from Yemen in the 17th century.

Experience a fascinating look into the captivating journey of Baba Budan and the birth of coffee cultivation in India, while also exploring the diverse types of coffee available worldwide today.

The allure of coffee and the Yemeni trade

In 1670, coffee held a mystique that captivated many, and Baba Budan was no exception. This aromatic beverage had already become a prized commodity in Yemen, where coffee was either roasted or baked, making it impossible for anyone to cultivate their beans and forcing them to rely solely on Yemeni suppliers. Moreover, smuggling coffee beans or plants out of the Arab world was punishable by death, underlining the stranglehold, the Yemenis had over this precious crop.

Baba Budan’s courageous endeavor

Baba Budan, a Sufi from Chikmagalur in India, was undeterred by the risks and dangers entailed in smuggling coffee beans out of Yemen. His fascination with coffee drove him to risk life and limb to bring this exotic bean to his homeland. During his pilgrimage to Hajj in 1670, Baba Budan concealed seven green coffee beans within his beard as he departed from the Yemeni port of Mocha.

The birth of coffee in India

Upon his safe return to India, Baba Budan planted the seven precious coffee beans on the fertile slopes of the Chandragiri Hills in Chikmagalur, which was part of the Mysore State at the time. This historic act marked the beginning of coffee cultivation in India. The coffee plants thrived in the region’s favorable climate and soil, giving rise to a thriving coffee industry that continues to flourish in the country today.

Types of coffee grown around the world today

Today, coffee has become a global phenomenon, with a wide choice available to suit every palate. Some of the most popular coffee varieties include:

Arabica Coffee: Known for its smooth and mild flavor, Arabica coffee is one of the most widely consumed coffee varieties worldwide. It is often grown in high-altitude regions, resulting in a refined taste.

Robusta Coffee: Robusta coffee beans have a bitter and stronger taste as compared to Arabica. They are utilised in espresso blends and instant coffee.

Liberica Coffee: This coffee variety is known for its unique and bold flavours, described as woody or smoky. It is primarily grown in West Africa and parts of Southeast Asia.

Ethiopian Coffee: Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, offers a wide range of coffee varieties, including Yirgacheffe and Sidamo. Ethiopian coffee is celebrated for its diverse and complex flavors.

Kopi Luwak: This unique coffee is produced in Indonesia and is known for its unconventional processing method. The beans are consumed and then excreted by civets, resulting in a distinct flavor profile.

Hawaiian Kona Coffee: Grown on the slopes of Mauna Loa in Hawaii, Kona coffee is savoured for its smooth, rich, and slightly nutty taste.

A legacy of coffee cultivation and global diversity

Today, coffee lovers worldwide have the privilege of savoring a wide array of coffee types, each with its distinct flavor profile, thanks to global cultivation and appreciation of this beverage. Whether your choice is the mildness of Arabica or the boldness of Robusta, the world of coffee offers something for every coffee lover to enjoy.

Baba Budan’s remarkable courage and determination in smuggling those seven green coffee beans from Yemen to India have left a permanent mark on the history of coffee in India. His pioneering efforts laid the foundation of India’s coffee culture and industry.