In Part 3, our coffee journey takes us to enchanting Indonesia, a country known for its beautiful culture, incredible diversity and complex coffee flavors. From the moment we arrived, we were overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape and, above all, the warmth of the people. The unique climate and different growing methods in this vast landscape creates a wide range of coffees that really impressed us.
History
During our stay, we learned that coffee was introduced to Indonesia by the Dutch in the 17th century. What began as a modest experiment grew into one of the largest coffee-producing countries in the world. The first coffee bushes were planted in Java, and the fertile volcanic soil, along with the favorable climate, allowed coffee plants to thrive. Today, Indonesian coffee is an important export product that contributes significantly to the national economy. The coffee industry employs millions of Indonesians, from farmers and pickers to processors and exporters. Moreover, coffee culture in Indonesia has developed a unique identity characterized by different regional flavor profiles and processing methods.
Three of the regions we visited are:
Sumatra:
We began our journey in Sumatra, where we enjoyed full-bodied coffees with earthy, spicy notes. The unique flavor of Sumatra coffee is due to the special giling basah process. The lush green hills and the smell of freshly roasted beans made it an unforgettable experience.
Sulawesi:
Then we traveled to Sulawesi, where we discovered the complexity of Sulawesi coffee. With flavors reminiscent of chocolate and spices, we were amazed by the careful cultivation methods and rich flavor profiles. The breathtaking landscapes and friendly people made the visit even more special.
Bali:
Our final stop was the beautiful and well-known island of Bali, where we enjoyed smooth, floral coffees with nice acidity. Bali's coffee plantations are known for their eco-friendly growing methods. Walking through the vast rice paddies and coffee plantations here, you experience nature at its finest.
Processing methods & cultural influence
One of the most impressive aspects of Indonesian coffee is the variety of processing methods we discovered. The giling basah process, or wet peeling, gives coffee its distinctive full body and low acidity. In addition to giling basah, we also saw dry and washed processing methods, all of which contribute to the diversity of Indonesian coffee flavors.
Coffee plays an essential role in Indonesian culture and economy. During our visit to several local coffee bars, known as "warungs," we experienced the welcoming atmosphere in which coffee is a central part of daily life. The warungs are much more than just places to drink coffee; they are meeting places where people come together to socialize and relax. These kinds of experiences highlight the deep connection between coffee and Indonesian culture.
In short,
Indonesia offers a rich variety of coffee flavors and production methods that appeal to coffee lovers around the world. The unique combination of regional differences and cultural influences makes Indonesian coffee special. In addition, the country itself is a breathtaking place to visit, with its lush landscapes, warm people and rich history.
In the next chapter, we delve deeper into Java, an island with historic coffee plantations and a rich coffee tradition. Keep traveling with us and discover more about this fascinating coffee world!
Come to taste?
After reading this blog, are you curious about the unique flavors coffee brings? Stop by the CoffeeClick Experience Center and sample the different coffee blends.
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