Journey to the Heart of Coffee: Why Indonesian Coffee Deserves a Spot in Your Cup
When you hear the word Indonesia, what are the first things that come to mind? Islands, luxury holidays, Bali trip? Sounds fancy isn’t it?
But what if we told you that Indonesia is a bucket-list destination for coffee lovers too? Yes. It is a paradise island for coffee enthusiasts. Apart from being a tropical savanna with the seas and the sands, there is more than what meets the eye here.
Being located between the equatorial region, makes Indonesia an ideal land to grow the world’s premium and best quality coffees. Lush coffee plantations spread across acres, makes this country a coffee haven. Indonesia is home to some of the most unique and flavorful single origin coffees. These coffees are grown in different regions and each offers a distinctive flavor profile that reflects the local terroir and farming practices.
Here are 3 reasons you should try Indonesian coffee:
Indonesia's ideal geographical and climatic conditions have established it as one of the world's top 3 coffee producers. The country's coffee plantations thrive in its mountainous regions, enriched by volcanic soil, creating a conducive ecosystem. The most popular coffee varieties originate from 3 regions namely Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Jawa.
The velvety body, low acidity, and smooth finish of Sulawesi coffee are its most distinctive qualities. With strong cinnamon, cardamom, and occasionally black pepper flavours, it has a tendency to lean towards the warmer side of spice, which is perfect for those who enjoy a bolder and more robust coffee flavor.
On the other hand, the Java Arabica Coffee was introduced in Indonesia by the Dutch East India Company for the first time in the 17th century. Java coffee is now a wet-processed (washed) coffee grown on the east coast of the Indonesian island of Java. It is referred to as an Arabica coffee with an acidic, fruity and clean flavour profile.
Known as the best varieties of coffee, Sumatran coffee has the highest demand. The Gayo region provides Sumatra's 100% Arabica coffee. The mountains of the Indonesian island of Sumatra is where quality Arabica coffee is grown. The flavour of Sumatra coffee is sometimes described as earthy, creamy and chocolatey. Coffeeza recently launched an Indonesian Single-Origin coffee which is sourced from the scenic highlands of Aceh in Sumatra, this Gayo coffee is renowned for its unique combination of earthy, sweet and fruity notes.
Perhaps the most famous Indonesian coffee specialty is Kopi Luwak. It is made from coffee beans that have been eaten and then excreted by a civet cat. It is known for its smooth, rich flavor and is considered a luxury coffee.
Indonesia has developed unique coffee processing methods that are distinct from other countries. For example, the wet-hulling method, which is commonly used in Indonesia, involves removing the coffee's parchment layer while the beans are still wet. This gives the coffee a distinct flavor profile and sets it apart from other coffee varieties.
The coffee beans are first picked and de-skinned. They are then fermented overnight and dried for only a couple of hours. The beans are not completely dried and still have moisture retained in the flesh of the fruits. The coffee is then briskly de-huddled in that delicate state and then dried. As Indonesia is full of mountain ranges, it is difficult to completely dry the coffee beans.
Many coffee farms in Indonesia use sustainable farming practices that prioritize the well-being of the environment and the local communities. By trying Indonesian coffee, you're supporting farmers who are committed to sustainability and ethical practices.
The price of Indonesian coffee can vary depending on factors such as the variety, processing method, and growing conditions, but it is more affordable compared to other specialty coffee varieties, making it accessible to a wider range of coffee drinkers. This is partly because Indonesia is one of the largest coffee producers in the world, so there is a larger supply of coffee available. Additionally, the lower cost of labor in Indonesia compared to other coffee-producing countries can also contribute to the lower price. Despite its affordable price, Indonesian coffee still offers a unique and high-quality taste that is better than more expensive coffee varieties. You can get a box of 10 aluminium coffee capsules of Coffeeza’s Single- Origin Indonesia which are Nespresso original line compatible at INR 540 which is a great deal.
Some Indonesian coffee varieties, such as Kopi Luwak, can be quite expensive due to their rarity and unique processing method.
Coffee has played an important role in Indonesian culture for centuries, and it continues to be an important part of daily life in many parts of the country. Most of the coffee farms in Indonesia are often small and family-owned, which helps support local economies and communities. By choosing Indonesian coffee, you're not only supporting sustainable farming practices but also supporting the livelihoods of local farmers and their families.
