All That You Need To Know About Sumatran Coffee
With a rich history of coffee cultivation, Indonesia contributes generously to production. Did you know that Indonesia is the fourth largest coffee-producing country in the world? The island of Sumatra contributes more than 60% of the production in the country as it has the ideal conditions for growing Arabica beans. When it comes to Sumatran coffee, either you love it or hate it. Coffee drinkers who favor a dark and intense roast profile prefer these beans. And if you are one of them, then you can find the best Sumatran coffee importer in the USA – Keffa Coffee.
Some facts to know about the Sumatran Coffee industry
1- The chief buyer of Sumatran coffee is Starbucks.
2- Women are mainly responsible for carrying out activities like planting, cultivating, harvesting, and transporting coffee.
3- Small farm holders are responsible for growing nearly 90% of the Sumatran beans.
4- Opal Coffee certifies farms for Coffee Practices, meaning they are socially and environmentally responsible.
Coffee varieties coming from the island of Sumatra
Mandheling
The trade name for the Arabica coffee that is produced in Sumatra is Mandheling. It is grown in the Tapanuli region of the island by the Mandailing people, hence getting its name. It is considered one of the best Sumatran coffees. These coffee beans are well-known for their sweet, chocolatey, licorice tones and earthy fragrance. The ideal way to bring out the unique flavors of these beans is by roasting them medium or dark.
Lintong
The production of the Lintong coffee takes place near southwest Lake Toba. Around 18,000 tons of Arabica are grown in this region each year. Specialty coffee lovers prefer Lintong coffee beans because of their rich and balanced nectar flavor and low acidity.
Gayo
Gayo coffee is different from the other ones that you may find in Indonesia. It has a unique taste and aroma, which makes it popular among consumers and roasters. Like the Mandheling coffee, it is also one of the best ones in Indonesia. As the location of the soil, soil condition, and water contents in the highlands of Gayo vary, it affects its taste, producing many flavors.
Exploring the taste of the Sumatran coffee beans
Depending on which part of the island it grows, the Sumatran coffee beans come in many flavor profiles. Generally, it has low acidity, full-body, and an earthy and herby aroma.
Traditionally, coffee producers in Indonesia use the wet-hulling processing technique. This method takes up to two to three months before the beans are ready to roast.
Roasting the Sumatran coffee
Not all Sumatran beans are the same. That is why roasters should examine the coffee bean batches closely. The Sumatran coffee beans can be a light roast or a dark one. The former has a herbal complexity and earthy notes whereas the dark roasts add hints of sweetness to the earthy tones of the beans, bringing out a natural chocolate flavor.
Are you looking for trusted Sumatran coffee importers in the USA? Keffa Coffee is one of the best coffee suppliers in the USA. They bring in rich coffee beans from top producers for coffee lovers. For more, you can contact them at 877.213.8565