Coffee Origins - Indonesia

Coffee is grown in many parts of the world. Eacha small island located between Sulawesi and
of these origin coffees will have the uniqueAustralia. Coffee production is the most important
characteristics based on climate, soil, agricultureeconomy of East Timor, especially since the
and processing. The Indonesian countries thatcountry gained independence in 1999. Many of the
produce coffee are: Sumatra, Sulawesi, Eastcoffees from this island are organic coffees and
Timor, Papua New Guinea and Java. Indonesia ismost are processed by the wet method. This
the third largest coffee producing region in thecoffee has the familiar Indonesian earthy, rich
world. However, these regions only cultivate aflavor. Spicy notes of sweet cinnamon and mild
small portion of arabica beans and are highlyacidity make this a fine coffee.Papua New Guinea
sought after.Sumatra is probably the best knownis on the eastern half of Indonesia. Coffees from
of the Indonesian coffees. Coffee has beenPapua New Guinea are different than others in
produced in Sumatra since the 1700s. There isIndonesia. They are often called a 'wild coffee'.
little regional distinction between coffees producedThey have fewer of the distinctive earthy tones
in different areas of Sumatra, so coffees sold asfound in many Indonesian coffees. Papua New
Estate coffees (from a particular farm) are rare.Guinea coffees are processed by the wet
These are mostly wet processed coffees, whichmethod. There are also many estate coffees
means the fresh fruit pulp is washed from thefrom Papua New Guinea and each have their own
outside of the coffee bean, rather than allowed tospecial characteristics. Common threads in these
dry and then be removed. Sumatran coffees cancoffees are: fruity tones, lower acidity and
be roasted medium-dark to dark. Medium-dark willwell-rounded body. Many coffees from Papua
reveal the best flavors from the beans, althoughNew Guinea are also organically grown.Java is
dark roast is more commonly seen. This coffeelocated east of Jakarta. The government of Java
has a rich flavor, full body and wonderful aromaactually controls about 80% of the coffee grown
with spicy undertones. In medium-dark roasts, ain East Java and is its own Estate coffee. It is a
nutty aroma and flavor comes through.Sulawesiwet processed coffee. Java is usually blended with
beans, which are sometimes referred to by theanother coffee to make Mocha Java, which isn't
Colonial name "Celebes", are very similar tochocolate like the name implies, but the region
Sumatra beans. They have very earthy notes(Mokka) where the other bean comes from. Java
and low acidity. Sulawesi coffees are also prizedbeans have a cleaner flavor than either the
for their syrupy notes. There are some SulawesiSumatra or Sulawesi. They have a lighter body
beans which are held as green beans for a veryand slightly more acidity than other Indonesians.If
long time and marketed as "aged Sulawesi". Theseyou haven't tried an Indonesian coffee, find a local
unusual coffees have a stronger earth note toroaster who offers any of these origins
them, with an underlying muskiness.East Timor ismentioned here and you won't be disappointed!