C O F F E E P R O F I L E
Papua New Guinea – Tungei Estate Peaberries
A Rare and Exceptional Coffee from the Wahgi Valley
Nestled in the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea, Tungei Estate Peaberries offer a unique and vibrant taste of the country's evolving specialty coffee scene. Grown in the fertile Wahgi Valley, this coffee carries the rich history of the Tungei people—who once crafted prized stone axes for trade—now cultivating exceptional Arabica coffee at elevations between 1,400 to 2,200 meters above sea level.
The Story Behind the Coffee
Papua New Guinea’s coffee industry traces its roots back to the colonial era, when early settlers recognized the region’s ideal conditions for cultivation. Despite challenges posed by infrastructure and remote farming locations, PNG has emerged as a hidden gem in the specialty coffee world, thanks to innovative processing methods and dedicated smallholder farmers.
The Wahgi Valley, home to the Tungei tribe, provides the perfect terroir for high-quality coffee. Over time, the Tungei people transitioned from stone axe craftsmanship to agriculture, leveraging their high-altitude environment for growing Arusha, Typica, and Bourbon varietals. Their farms, enriched by clay loam soil and a unique microclimate, yield coffee with remarkable complexity and depth.
What Makes Peaberries Special?
Peaberries are a natural mutation, occurring in just 5% of all coffee cherries. Unlike typical coffee cherries that contain two beans, peaberries develop as a single, rounded bean, leading to a more concentrated flavor. The rounder shape also allows for a more even roast, enhancing their naturally sweet and vibrant profile.
These peaberries are meticulously sorted during the dry milling process, ensuring only the finest beans make it into your cup.