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Introduction to Papua New Guinea Bird of Paradise Estate Coffee: Flavor Profile, Processing Methods, and Regional Characteristics

Published: 2026-01-28 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/28, The vast majority of coffee from Papua New Guinea is organic—not by intention, but due to poor transportation infrastructure and economic hardship that makes chemical fertilizers inaccessible and unaffordable for most coffee farmers. The Bird of Paradise coffee features a vibrant flavor profile with bright acidity and fruit notes, distinguishing it from the typically subdued character of other Asian beans and bearing resemblance to African coffees. Although not from a renowned lineage

FrontStreet Coffee offers a wide variety of coffee beans, and each year we sample even more - testing hundreds of different coffees to find unique characteristics is what drives FrontStreet Coffee to constantly add new selections. Today, we'd like to introduce you to this coffee from Papua New Guinea and explore what makes it special. This coffee comes from a variety introduced from Jamaica Blue Mountain, with authentic Blue Mountain lineage, earning it the nickname "Little Blue Mountain." The country's coffee production is very small, yet the quality is exceptional. While it may not match the perfect balance of Jamaica Blue Mountain, it offers additional spice notes and sweetness, which is why FrontStreet Coffee decided to select this particular bean. If you want to learn more, keep reading!

The scale of coffee cultivation in Papua New Guinea is actually quite small, with most coffee farming being carried out by smallholders themselves. However, Papua New Guinea's coffee history is not particularly long. Coffee cultivation began as early as the 1890s, but it wasn't taken seriously at first. It wasn't until 1926, when 18 coffee estates were established one after another, that coffee cultivation was truly valued as an important economic project, and Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee seeds of the Typica variety were introduced.

After 1928, Papua New Guinea's coffee industry began to flourish. Because the coffee cultivation was based on Blue Mountain, Papua New Guinea coffee earned the nickname "Little Blue Mountain." It has excellent sweetness, with spice notes and pleasant fruit aromas. FrontStreet Coffee happened to have a batch of these "Little Blue Mountain" coffee beans, so let's explore together how they taste.

Sigri Estate (Bird of Paradise Estate)

Bird of Paradise Estate is located in the Wahgi Valley of the Western Highlands Province, featuring well-drained volcanic soil. The estate was established in 1950, and Sigri is one of the earliest plantations. Sigri plantation also protects soil and water sources, refusing to use pesticides and insecticides, caring for the ecosystem and nearby birds. According to current records, there are over 160 different bird species in the Wahgi Valley, of which 90 species inhabit the Sigri plantation, including Papua New Guinea's national symbol - the Bird of Paradise, truly making it a paradise for birds.

Sigri plantation has consistently maintained high standards of cultivation and processing systems for many years. During the harvest season from April to September each year, only fully ripe coffee cherries can be hand-picked, ensuring a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness in the coffee cherries. At Sigri, cupping is conducted daily to ensure the plantation provides customers with consistently excellent quality coffee. This has made Sigri a classic among world specialty-grade coffees.

Processing Method

Triple-washed fermentation is used, with each soak lasting about 24 hours, then clean water is replaced to control the coffee flavor. After washing, the green beans have their outer shells removed and undergo various grading processes.

Grading System

1. Bean size, 2. Total defect equivalent per kg, 3. Bean shape, 4. Raw bean color, 5. Raw bean odor, 6. Roasting aspects, 7. Cup quality

Meaning and Rules for Green Bean Names

In Papua New Guinea, Plantations and Large Estates account for 25% of national production; small to medium-sized farms (Holdings or Blocks) of 10-20 hectares account for 10%; in PNG, there are 76 registered plantations and estates in total.

FrontStreet Coffee Roasting Recommendations

Because Typica is a low-density green bean, it's not very suitable for dark roasting. To highlight its natural bright acidity and fruit aromas, FrontStreet Coffee's roaster chose a medium roast. Entry temperature: 200°C, yellowing point: 5'14" at 149.6°C, first crack: 8'40" at 183.3°C, development after first crack for 2'10" at 191.3°C, then drop.

FrontStreet Coffee Cupping Report

Dry Aroma: Hazelnut

Wet Aroma: White tea, sugarcane

Entry: Sugarcane, hazelnut, white tea, with light acidity.

FrontStreet Coffee Papua New Guinea Bird of Paradise

Region: Papua New Guinea, Sigri Estate

Grade: AA

Variety: Typica

Altitude: 1600-1800 meters

Processing: Washed

FrontStreet Coffee Brewing Parameters

Dripper: KONO

Water Temperature: 88°C

Water-to-Coffee Ratio: 1:15

Grind Size: Medium-fine grind

FrontStreet Coffee Brewing Method

FrontStreet Coffee uses a segmented extraction method: 30g of water for bloom for 30 seconds, then pour with a small circular flow to 125g, segment, and when the water level drops and is about to expose the coffee bed, continue pouring to 225g and stop. (Timing starts from bloom) Total extraction time is 2 minutes.

FrontStreet Coffee Flavor Description

The sweetness of toasted bread and nutty sweetness, with slight fruit acidity creating a pleasant sweet-sour contrast and good layering. There are fruit-like aromas, and the spicy sweetness in the aftertaste is quite special, with a rich and balanced mouthfeel.