Get to Know What Is Sumatran Coffee and Its Varieties

Hand-Picking Sumatra Coffee Beans

Known for its natural beauty and captivating culture, Indonesia is also celebrated as one of the world’s top coffee producers. From more than 17,000 islands, the country offers a variety of unique coffee specialties.

One of the most loved coffee varieties is Sumatran Coffee. These coffees from Sumatra are sought after for their extraordinary flavor and aroma. This is why Indonesian coffee is one of the best in the world because of high-quality coffee from Sumatra.

The processing methods are also unique, resulting in flavors and aromas that are different from other regions. Before diving deeper, let’s explore what is Sumatran Coffee, its varieties, and how to choose the best quality beans!

What Is Sumatran Coffee?

Sumatran Coffee is a coffee from the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. Generally, this coffee variety has a rich, slightly earthy flavor and thick texture.

Is Sumatran Coffee Arabica or Robusta? Typically, Sumatran Coffee is developed from the Arabica variety. However, you may also find some Robusta varieties. The Arabica coffees from this region are particularly renowned for their high quality and distinctive flavor!

Sumatran Coffee is one of those unique coffees because of its rich and complex flavor profile. This is all due to its unique plantation environment, including fertile volcanic soil and tropical climate.

Also read: What Is Java Coffee: History, Taste, and Brewing Tips

What does Sumatran Coffee Taste Like?

Sumatran Coffee is known for its intense, rich, and complex flavor. If described, it tastes earthy and mixed with a chocolate-spice-tobacco combination. You might find notes resembling dried fruits or caramel that are pretty subtle!

It has a thick texture and low acidity, perfect if you serve it without added sugar or milk. This flavor makes Sumatran Coffee so desirable among intense and specialty coffee lovers.

Is Sumatran Coffee Lower in Acid?

The wet hulling technique makes Sumatran Coffee unique because of its low acidity. With this method, the treated coffee beans lose most of their acidity. It also gives Sumatran Coffee a unique characteristic with a thicker body!

Local farmers there also still maintain traditional processing. The point is to preserve the unique characteristics and aroma of the beans.

Fortunately, the low acid level doesn’t detract from the complex flavors of this type of coffee–in fact, it enhances them!

What Is Sumatran Coffee

Sumatran Coffee Varieties

After getting to know what is Sumatran Coffee, some of the best Sumatran Coffees have been recognized globally. Each of them has its characteristics that reflect its geographical origin. The five notable varieties are Mandheling, Gayo, Lintong, Lampung and Sidikalang Coffee.

1. Mandheling

The first is Mandheling Coffee from North Sumatra. This coffee is known for its rich-complex flavor and good body. Coupled with hints of dark chocolate-tobacco notes, this coffee is often called a full-bodied coffee due to its smooth texture!

2. Gayo

Next up is Gayo Coffee from the highlands of Aceh. Generally, this variant has a fragrant aroma and tastes naturally sweet – similar to caramel or honey. This coffee is very popular among soft coffee lovers as the acidity level is relatively low.

3. Lintong

Lintong Coffee from the Lintong Nihuta region is also known as the best coffee from Sumatra. The flavor is earthy, with a hint of intense herbs and spices. Its thick texture and complex flavor make it one of the most sought-after Sumatran Coffees.

4. Lampung

Lampung Coffee comes from the southern region of Sumatra. It is characterized by a robust, bold flavor with a smoky and earthy profile. This coffee has a slightly higher acidity compared to other Sumatran varieties, making it a unique choice for those who enjoy a more vibrant cup.

5. Sidikalang

Sidikalang Coffee is grown in the highlands of North Sumatra, near Lake Toba. It is known for its smooth and balanced flavor with hints of chocolate and spice. This coffee is highly regarded for its rich aroma and full body, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.

Also read: 8 Types of Coffee Beans in Indonesia, Unique & You Must Try!

How to Roast Sumatran Coffee?

To get the best flavor from Sumatran Coffee, we must pay full attention to the roasting process! Proper roasting can bring out all the unique characteristics of Sumatran Coffee, from the earthy flavor to the rich aroma of spices. Here is a complete guide to roasting Sumatran Coffee to perfection:

1. Choose High-Quality Beans

Choose the best quality Sumatran Coffee beans. To distinguish them, the characteristics include a slightly large shape, a bluish-green color, and a fresh aroma. You can produce a delicious and aromatic cup of coffee with quality beans!

2. Use the Dark Roast Technique

Aside from being the best roasting option, the dark roast process can also emphasize the distinctive flavors found in coffee, including those that resemble chocolate, cinnamon, and tobacco.

If roasted well, the acidity of this type of coffee will also be reduced, and you have a cup of coffee that feels smooth on the tongue. However, it’s best not to roast it too long as it takes away the layers of flavor!

Roasting Coffee

3. Watch the Roasting Temperature

It’s also a good idea to control the roasting temperature. Ideally, it should be between 195°C-205°C.

Please start at the lowest temperature so that your coffee beans can cook evenly, then increase it slowly until you reach a dark roast.

With proper heating, your coffee beans will be roasted evenly inside and out, ensuring a rich and full-bodied flavor!

4. Cool Down Quickly

Cool down as quickly as possible when you’ve reached the desired level of doneness. This effectively stops the roasting process–so these beans will retain their ideal flavor profile.

5. Taste Test Periodically

The last tip is to experiment whenever you can. Between batches of coffee, roasting will inevitably result in slight flavor differences.

Therefore, conduct regular taste tests until your Sumatran Coffee finally produces its best characteristics!

Also read: What Is A Roast Profile: All You Need To Know

Selecting the Best Sumatran Coffee

We know that choosing the best Sumatran Coffee is a challenging task. Therefore, follow this quick guide on how to select the perfect coffee beans.

1. Pay Attention to the Origin

First, make sure to research the region of origin of the coffee–whether it’s Mandheling, Gayo, Lintong, or any other coffee. That way, you can further understand its flavor characteristics.

2. Check the Processing Method

Known for its wet hulling method, Sumatra Coffee usually has a distinctive flavor. This makes it different from other coffee varieties!

3. Choose Organic Products

Although not all Sumatran Coffee is grown using organic methods, the flavor remains pure and free from harmful chemicals, offering a clean and authentic coffee experience.

4. Note the Roast Date

Some coffee producers include the roasting date. Therefore, opt for freshly roasted coffee for a fresher and more complex flavor!

5. Shop from a Trusted Provider

Lastly, always buy quality Sumatra Coffee beans from a trusted supplier. This way, you can trust the quality of their products without any doubts.

Also read: Delicious, These are 5 Sumatran Specialty Coffees that You Must Try

Sumatran Coffee: The Miracle of Flavor from the Land of Indonesia

Now that you understand what is Sumatran Coffee from Indonesia, you also appreciate how its flavor and aroma are unique, making it difficult for other coffee varieties to compete.

With a wide variety of coffee types available, from Mandheling to Lintong, you can enjoy diverse flavors that reflect the richness of nature and local culture!

Make Sumatran Coffee your daily routine. Experience the magic of its flavor by getting the best Sumatran Coffee beans from FnB Coffee! Here, we provide a variety of coffee varieties that you can try, such as Mandheling, Gayo, Lintong, Lampung and Sidikalang Coffee.

What are you waiting for? Order our products now and enjoy the journey of flavors from the land of Sumatra right in your cup!

Interested in buying Indonesian Green Coffee Beans? Call us on WhatsApp anytime at +62 811 6171 777 or email info@fnb.coffee

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