Java is certainly one of the names for coffee that people use the most commonly. Do you know the origin of the word Java, which you've probably used a lot while referring to coffee?
The Indonesian island of Java is where coffee plants were first found to grow. Despite being widely consumed across the world, many people are unaware they are drinking Indonesian coffee.
This article will be a guide to everything that you should know about Indonesian coffee. Keep reading for your full guide to Indonesian coffee.
Indonesian Coffee History
Coffee has a long history that dates all the way back to the 1600s. The first coffee trees appeared at this time on Java, an island close to Jakarta. However, Dutch traders who had obtained the coffee seeds from Yemen brought the coffee plants to Indonesia.
The Second World War and the fight for independence both had a significant impact on later changes in the Indonesian coffee market. The Japanese temporarily took control of plantations. After Indonesia gained its independence, plantations all around the country were either taken up by the new government. Today, small farmers or organizations control nearly 90% of coffee production in Indonesia.
Flavor Profile
Indonesian coffees are generally loved by coffee consumers who enjoy a dark, robust roast. The flavor notes of the coffee beans vary Depending on the region of Indonesia the beans are grown. For example, certain coffee farms in Bali are located on volcanic soil, which imparts that flavor and gives the coffee an earthier taste.
Coffee Growing Regions of Indonesia
If you are a coffee lover, there's a chance that some of your favorite coffee comes from Indonesia and you're totally unaware of it. Many high-quality roasts are grown in Indonesia, however, they are not labeled as Indonesian coffee. There are three main coffee-growing areas in Indonesia.
- Java
The majority of Java's coffee is farmed on three government-owned estates: Blawan, Tugosari, and Kayumas. All of these estates are located at roughly 1,300 meters on the Ijen Plateau. Smallholder farms in Java have been producing high-quality coffee in recent years, providing customers with even more varieties.
The washed coffee procedure is applied to Java coffee. This approach delivers a cleaner, sweeter flavor to the coffee. Java coffee is also popular for its low acidity, full body, and molasses characteristics.
- Sulawesi
Coffee grown in Sulawesi is lighter in flavor when compared to other Indonesian coffees. It is still a powerful, bold variant with mild acidity. The flavor offers hints of fruit, dark chocolate, and flavors like cinnamon.
- Flores
Flores is a little island in comparison to other Indonesian islands. At a height of 1,200 to 1,800 meters, the town of Bajawa is where the majority of the coffee is farmed. Volcanic ash has produced fertile andosols, which are the ideal soils for growing organic coffee.
The wet-hulling method is used by farmers on Flores to give their coffee a sweet, milk chocolate flavor with floral and woody notes.
Final Thoughts
Every part of the world where coffee is grown offers something special. Wet processing is used to make Indonesian coffee, but it's also known for having a smoky and earthy flavor. You need to taste Indonesian coffee's dark roasts and robust flavor for a wonderful coffee experience.