What's so special about coffee?
Does it have a strong smell? Maybe the way it's collected?
What about the country, does that affect where you're from?
In Sumatra, the unique taste of coffee is attributed to many different factors. Its low acidity and complex flavor profile make coffee from the region unique and highly sought after in the coffee world.
We'll dig in and teach you everything there is to know about Sumatra and its coffee.
Where do Sumatra coffee beans come from?
Sumatra coffeebe cultivatedSunda Islands.The Sunda Islands are a group of islands off the coastwestern indonesia.Sumatra (Sumatra and Indonesia) is the largest of the group, and the coffee grown in the region bears its name.
Sumatra, Indonesia
The Sunda Islands are located in the so-calledgreen coffee belt. Tropical climate and hot and humid weather make the best coffee in the world.
Sumatra Bean Facts and Figures
- Planting area: ACEH, Lamtang, Southwest Region, Lampung
- Process: Jiling Basha (also known as wet peeling)
- Cultivation at high altitude:800 – 1500 metersabove sea level
- Popular varieties (Arabica): Typica, Caturra, Bourbon, S-Line Hydrids, Tim Tim
- Flavor profile: Full-bodied, sweet cedar, paprika, and pronounced chocolate, earth, and balsamic notes
What makes Sumatra coffee so special?
Sumatra coffee is really unique.It's handled differently than in South America or East Africa. This gives it a unique flavor and shape.i like chocolate and dirt.
Small estates and cooperatives for distribution
Watch this video discussing the Sumatra coffee production and marketing process:
Specialty coffee in Sumatra is typically grown by the Toba Batak people on small farms in North Sumatra. These farms are typically small plots of land with a handful of trees, and these families may have as few as 100 coffee trees on a few acres. Coffee farms in North Sumatra and adjacent areas are oftenstructured partnershipwhat makes them do thisSell your products together and share profitsevenly between them.
Typically, cooperatives in Indonesia are between20 - 1200 membersThey must adhere to strict coffee processing guidelines and workplace requirements. Some cooperatives even share knowledge and help strengthen their teams, helping small farms improve their techniques and processes.
Generally speaking, cooperatives allow smaller farms to meet market demand and ensure continuity of coffee production for the coming year.
Another reason Sumatra coffee is unique is the way it is harvested. Typically, Sumatra coffee uses a process called wet hull orwet grindingin Mandarin.
Wet hulling is one of the many methods of drying coffee beans. The coffee bean we know and love begins as a seed extracted from the coffee cherry. As you guessed from the fruit, they get soggy.
Often in other coffee producing countries they are left dry11% remaining moisturebefore other processing. However, due to the unstable climate in Sumatra, farmers only have about4 hours a dayAll your hard work can be ruined by the drying time before it starts to rain.
To remedy this, the coffee beans are dried until they reach50% humidity.They are then sold/shipped to a specialized wet huller that uses friction to complete the drying process and remove the beans from their protective coating (called parchment). During this time, machines help ferment the beans and develop a complex, earthy flavor.
Want to learn more about the Sumatra wet stripping process? Watch this video here:
What does Sumatra coffee taste like?
Due to excess moisture, the taste of Sumatra coffee varies widely and is also very different compared to other countries. Sumatra beans tend to be lower in brightness and acidity, with a greater focus on smooth, earthy flavors.
These tasting notes may include:
- wild mushrooms
- black pepper
- balsamic vinegar
- peat
- herbal
- vanilla
In other countries, organic coffee comes fromearthy and vegetal notesconsidered bad.Usually an error has occurred somewhere in the process, thus reducing the quality.
However, in the realm of Sumatra coffee, the flavors are neither dirty nor bad. replace,Its distinctive taste and strength have been likened to fine whiskey.It is full of mossy and peaty flavors, and the complex taste makes it very pleasant to taste.
As mentioned earlier, coffee grown in Sumatra is characterized by high humidity. will therefore continueFermentation during storage until roasting.Fermentation will help develop these vibrant flavors. Its complexity creates a unique tasting experience when drinking Sumatra coffee.
If you're a coffee lover and want to experience this unique flavor, here are a few options to try:
When it comes to coffee from Sumatra and Indonesia, let alone the famous cat poop coffee!
What is cat poop coffee?
Kopi Luwak is another interesting coffee unique to Sumatra. Kopi Luwak is known as "The most expensive coffee in the world’ and with good reason. This type of coffee is produced in one of the most unusual ways you'll ever hear.
Kopi Luwak refers to a unique craftCivet eats and expels coffee cherries.在此过程中，咖啡果实内的种子通常会发酵并用一层羊皮纸保护。
If you don't know what a civet looks like...
The main task of the farmers is to find and collect the cat droppings from which the inside of the coffee beans is extracted, washed and processed. Once all of this is done, it's ready to distribute.
Kopi Luwak has an earthy hue reminiscent of mushrooms and tomatoes. This complex flavor is the result of the civet's stomach acids and the wet-hulling process of the fermented coffee beans.
Unique flavors also help drive up coffee prices. High demand and low supply.Kopi Luwak can fetch $100 or more per pound.
If it is Wild Kopi Luwak, the price will be higher. This is where the farm looks for wild civets and their droppings. It takes centuries to harvest enough beans to fully produce coffee. This is why Kopi Luwak is one of the best coffees around because they are super expensive!
Try Wild Copy Maker here:Café Wild Lintong Coffee Sumatran Luwak
Coffee Advocates Verdict [Request]
As you can see, Sumatra coffee is highly sought after in the coffee world for its unique earthy flavor. Coffee is very different from coffee beans in other parts of the world. It's a nice break from standard coffee flavors. Earth tones and low acidity canrepel someBut when prepared properly, it can make for a complex and enjoyable drinking experience.
What do you think of Sumatra coffee, love it or hate it?
How about Kopi Luwak? What do you think of their unique harvesting methods?
Are there other coffee-related regions you'd like us to talk about?
Let us know in the comments below.
Café Kawa Premium Sumatran Mongoose
- To produce this coffee, Luwak cats eat coffee beans. In the stomachs of these animals...
- Notably unbitter, Kaya Kopi Luwak is full-bodied and has a complex flavor profile that is...
- Kaya Kopi Luwak started her life at an altitude of 1,200 meters...
$13,00
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FAQs
What is so special about Sumatra coffee? ›
Sumatra coffee is known for its unique and complex flavor profile, which is often described as earthy and spicy with notes of dark chocolate, and tobacco. Coffee from Sumatra is also known for its low acidity and full body, which makes it a great choice for those who prefer a bolder, richer coffee.
Why is Sumatra coffee so expensive? ›“Indonesia is a unique origin with a unique profile and is difficult to replace with other origins. So, when Sumatra or Java is not available, there's not really another choice for substituting it. This leads to increased prices as people battle it out for the coffee they need.”
What does Sumatra mandheling coffee taste like? ›Sumatra Mandheling Coffee is a rare Indonesian coffee that is delightfully smooth with a rich, heavy body, low acidity, exotic flavor with an intense syrupy aftertaste, and earthy richness.
Is Sumatra coffee high in caffeine? ›Sumatra Coffee K-Cups range 75-100 mg of caffeine per cup depending on the roaster. Light roasts typically are more caffeinated than dark roasts, so the Cambio Roasters Sumatran K-Cup contains the most caffeine of the three.
What is Sumatra best known for? ›Sumatra island is the part of the Indonesian archipelago, popularly known for its rugged tropical terrain and numerous active volcanoes. The secluded beaches and opulent natural wealth are a great pull for Sumatra Island Tourism.
Which coffee is better Sumatra or Colombian? ›Sumatran coffee beans have low acidity which gives them a very grounded and robust flavour, whilst Colombian coffee has higher levels of acidity which creates a lighter, fresher taste. These contrasts in flavour and body mean these coffees will likely appeal to different audiences.
What is the No 1 expensive coffee in the world? ›Kopi Luwak is the world's most exclusive and expensive coffee. The reason behind its high price is how it is made. Notably, the name Kopi Luwak is not the name of the coffee but the method of production.
What is the difference between Arabica and Sumatra coffee? ›Coffee from Sumatra is mostly from the arabica species. This means that the caffeine level is pretty standard. Arabica coffee has less caffeine than robusta, but on the other hand it tastes better.
Does Sumatra coffee have less caffeine? ›Even so, the coffee bean is frequently sought after by those who are sensitive to acidic coffee, due to its low acidity. Sumatra coffee also contains less caffeine since it is primarily Arabica species. This means that its level of caffeine is rather standard.
What is Sumatra coffee best paired with? ›Sumatra Mandheling
Known for its rich and complex flavor profile, this coffee has an earthy aroma and sweet taste. As a less acidic coffee, the Sumatra Mandheling is best paired with dairy, meats, quiche, crème brûlée, and milk chocolate.
Why is it called Sumatra coffee? ›
Sumatra Mandheling coffee is named after the north Sumatran Mandailing people and is considered one of the world's top specialty coffees. It grows at elevations up to 5,000 feet and as low as 2,500 feet above sea level near Padang in West Central Indonesia.
What does Sumatra coffee pair with? ›Thanks to its spicy, herbal flavor and smooth texture, Sumatran coffee pairs extremely well with sweet and creamy deserts. Try drinking a cup with some cheesecake, creme brûlée, banana bread, or anything involving cinnamon or maple syrup.
How would you describe Sumatra coffee? ›Instead of being known for their notes, Sumatran coffees are typically characterized by their full bodies and low acidity. The aromas and flavors they do feature tend to be funky: earthy, spicy, wild, mossy, mushroomy.
How acidic is Sumatra coffee? ›Coffee from Sumatra is one of the least acidic ones – usually it's earthy and has more body than and mouthfeel compared to African or Central American coffees. Remember, that you also want to make sure that the roast is medium to dark if you're going to ensure a non-acidic experience.
What are some fun facts about Sumatra? ›Sumatra is the world's sixth largest island. The islands' tropical climate and diverse ecoregions have created habitats that house thousands of unique species and the world's last remaining Sumatran tigers, orangutans, Bornean elephants, and Sumatran rhinos. Massive rivers cut across the landscape.
What does Sumatra mean in English? ›Sumatra. / (sʊˈmɑːtrə) / noun. a mountainous island in W Indonesia, in the Greater Sunda Islands, separated from the Malay Peninsula by the Strait of Malacca: Dutch control began in the 16th century; joined Indonesia in 1945.
What is Sumatra called now? ›The northern region of Aceh was brought only grudgingly under Dutch control in the early 20th century after 30 years of fighting. During World War II Sumatra was occupied by Japan (1942–45), and in 1950 the island became part of the Republic of Indonesia.
What is the old name for Sumatra? ›In ancient Indonesia, the name Suvarnadvipa is used to designate Sumatra island; as counterpart of neighbouring Javadvipa or Bhumijava (Java island).
Who makes Kirkland Sumatra coffee? ›The primary source of Kirkland Signature Organic Sumatra is The Koperasi Produsen Petani Kopi Gayo coop, known as Kopsen PKG, located in Central Aceh, Takengon, an ideal location for growing coffee.
How strong is Sumatra coffee? ›Sumatra coffee is harvested from Arabica coffee beans which have around 1.5% caffeine content. Robusta coffee beans typically contain 2.7% caffeine, so generally Sumatra coffee has slightly less caffeine than Robusta varieties.
Is Sumatra coffee bold? ›
Our Sumatra Coffee is bold in flavor and mouth-feel but low in acidity (easy on the stomach). We find this coffee to be on the earthy side with a syrupy flavor and a unique spicy aroma.
What is the rarest coffee in the world? ›With a 2023 approximate allocation of 225 kg (495 LBS), Black Ivory Coffee is the world's rarest coffee and is sold primarily to select five star hotels.
What is the most sold coffee in the world? ›With annual revenues of $23.52 billion, Starbucks tops the list of best coffee brands in the world. The world's largest coffee retailer, headquartered in Seattle, US, was founded in 1971. At present, its operations span across more than 33,800 stores in 80 countries.
What is the most expensive coffee brand in the US? ›Genuine Molokai coffee is primarily grown on the island of Molokai in Maui County, Hawaii. Coffees of Hawaii is the company responsible for meeting global demand for Molokai, which is one explanation for its exuberant price tag.
What kind of roast is Sumatra coffee? ›Sumatra Mandheling coffee is widely known for possessing a smooth chocolate flavor with earthy undertones. This bold and medium roasted Sumatra coffee is perfect for those who prefer Indonesian coffees with low acidity and full mouthfeel.
What is a Sumatra blend? ›Copper Moon Coffee Sumatra Premium Coffee Blend is a bold blend with herbal and almond notes mixed with a smooth, smoky character and pleasant earthy aroma. We source these beans from the remote reaches of Indonesia and roast them to a full-bodied, robustly rewarding blend. 4.95.
What variety of coffee is Sumatra? ›There are three main varieties of coffee beans sourced from the growing regions of Sumatra: Mandheling, Lintong, and Gayo. Mandheling is grown in the north and is considered by many to be the best coffee beans that Sumatra produces.
What is the difference between Java and Sumatra coffee? ›Java coffee goes through the washed coffee [RW1] process. This method gives the coffee a cleaner, sweeter taste as opposed to the earthier flavor of Sumatra. Java coffee is also known for its low acidity, full-body, and notes of molasses, clove, and figs.
Which coffee has the strongest caffeine? ›Devil Mountain Coffee boasts of being the strongest coffee in the world. The Black Label has 1,555 mg of caffeine per 12 oz cup, which is more than three times the FDA's recommended daily amount.
Is Sumatra a light roast coffee? ›Many tend to roast Sumatran coffee towards the medium to dark side of the spectrum, as this tends to bring out more sweetness and body.
What cheese goes with Sumatra coffee? ›
Asian and Pacific Coffees: Sumatra
These robust, earthy and sometimes floral coffees pair well with: Foods: Foods containing maple, cinnamon, butter and herbs. Cheeses: Pavarti, smoked mozerella or gruyere.
December typically marks the beginning of Indonesia's dry season, but now Sumatra's farmers and cooperatives are witnessing major interruptions to their operations, threating a critical Sumatra coffee shortage.
Where is Starbucks Sumatra coffee from? ›Coffee from Indonesia provides the earthy flavors that anchor many of Starbucks blends, and are compelling enough to be sold as single-origin coffees. Sumatra is the source of one of the most popular Starbucks single-origin coffee. “Sumatra's flavor profile cannot be replicated anywhere in the world.
What does Sumatra coffee taste like Starbucks? ›MORE ABOUT THIS COFFEE
Full-bodied with a smooth mouthfeel, lingering notes of dried herbs and fresh earth, and almost no acidity. Our roasters love transforming these unpredictable beans from dark coral green to tiger-orange to a rich, oily mahogany, revealing bold flavors that many of us can't live without.
Sumatran green coffees are known for being very forgiving for home roasting, taking a great medium roast but also going well into dark roasts thanks to their robust, spicy flavor that lingers well into darker roasts.
Can you use Sumatra for espresso? ›In fact, espresso can be made using virtually any type of coffee bean from any country – Sumatra, Kona, Kenya, or a blend of beans from different countries like our own Classic Italian Blend, which is composed of Arabica beans from Brazil and Ethiopia.
What makes Indonesian coffee special? ›Indonesia's unique coffee process
Yielding a full-bodied, rich, and not very sour brew, the beans undergo unique processing to produce such a delicious product, according to Espresso & Coffee Guide. Known as giling basah, or a wet-hulled process, this complicated technique is only practiced in Indonesia.
Dark roasts
Dark roast coffees tend to be less acidic because they contain fewer compounds that cause stomach cells to produce acid.
When you take a sip of Sumatra Adsenia, you experience notes as varied and complex as the region itself. These certified organic beans come from the all-female Ketiara Cooperative in the coffee-rich region of Aceh.
What coffee has the highest PH level? ›Light roast, medium roast, and dark roast coffee beans will have varying levels of acidity, dark roast having the lowest acid coffee, and light roast the highest acid level.
Is Sumatra worth going to? ›
Sumatra is a travel haven for nature-lovers, with surfing beaches and 11 national parks sheltering tigers, elephants and orangutans. There is also memorable Danau Toba, Southeast Asia's largest lake, along with impressive architecture, and ancient megaliths. Allowing enough time here is the challenge.
What happened in Sumatra? ›The tsunami and its aftermath were responsible for immense destruction and loss on the rim of the Indian Ocean. On December 26, 2004, at 7:59 am local time, an undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1 struck off the coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
Who discovered Sumatra? ›The first European to visit Sumatra was Marco Polo, who was there briefly c. 1292. Following the Portuguese, who came in 1509, the Dutch arrived in 1596 and gradually gained control of all the native states including Achin. The British had brief control over parts of the island in the late 18th and early 19th cent.
What does Starbucks Sumatra coffee taste like? ›Full-bodied with a smooth mouthfeel, lingering notes of dried herbs and fresh earth, and almost no acidity. Our roasters love transforming these unpredictable beans from dark coral green to tiger-orange to a rich, oily mahogany, revealing bold flavors that many of us can't live without.
What is the smell of Sumatra coffee? ›Instead of being known for their notes, Sumatran coffees are typically characterized by their full bodies and low acidity. The aromas and flavors they do feature tend to be funky: earthy, spicy, wild, mossy, mushroomy.
Which is better Java or Sumatra? ›Java have always been the most developed and most populated than its surrounding. The Javanese also to an extent have been developing a far more depth tradition. Even in building technique we could observe the Javanese ancient monuments are superior compared to those built in Sumatra.
How do you drink Sumatra coffee? ›Thanks to its spicy, herbal flavor and smooth texture, Sumatran coffee pairs extremely well with sweet and creamy deserts. Try drinking a cup with some cheesecake, creme brûlée, banana bread, or anything involving cinnamon or maple syrup.
Which coffee is most expensive in the world? ›Kopi Luwak is the world's most exclusive and expensive coffee. The reason behind its high price is how it is made. Notably, the name Kopi Luwak is not the name of the coffee but the method of production.
Is Sumatra coffee dark or light? ›Is Sumatra Coffee a Dark Roast? No, this is entirely up to the roastmaster who's roasting the beans. It can be light, medium, or dark. However, quite often Sumatra is on the darker and more full-bodied side.