In the past, the only known ways of processing coffee are by drying the coffee bean while still in the fruit (dry method) and by removing the fruit from the bean before it’s dried (washed or wet method). Sumatra coffee follows a modified process. After picking, the coffee skins are removed then they will be subjected to an overnight fermentation with the absence of water thus calling the procedure dry fermentation. Afterwards, they will be washed in water to remove the pulp and then set for drying. (In a nutshell, Sumatra coffee undergoes the two procedures.) However, not all pulp can be removed by mere scrubbing giving the coffee a ferment taste.The 18th century marked the start of the production of coffee in Indonesia which became first in the northern part of Aceh. The coffee production is widely done in region of Lake Toba and its sub-regions.

Gayo Mountain Coffee

This Sumatran coffee is grown in the Gayo mountain region. The abundance in rainfall, an altitude of 1100-1500 meters and the fertile soil make the region perfect for growing coffee thus making coffee the primary source of income of its people. Gayo Mountain Coffee is best described for being clean and sweet.

Sumatra Mandheling Coffee

Named after an ethnic group in Indonesia, Mandheling is one of the favorites of coffee drinkers all over the world. Hailing from the west coast region of Sumatra at high altitudes, this variety is mildly acidic unlike the other coffee varieties. Truly, Mandheling coffee is Indonesia’s pride because of its complex tastes and flavor.

Kopi Luwak Coffee

Possibly the rarest thus making it really expensive; this coffee is indeed rich, full-bodied with a strong flavor. The way it is produced contributes to its rarity. This coffee originates from Java, Sumatra and Sulawasi. The mammals called Asian palm civets are responsible for the production of Kopi Luwak. They eat the reddest and ripest coffee cherries which will be fermented during digestion by the enzymes in their stomachs. This process reduces their bitterness and leads to the formation of malt. Once excreted by the palm civets, the bean-like waste is collected and processed.

In general, coffee is very rich in taste and aroma. So is, Sumatra which brags of highly coveted coffee varieties which every coffee drinker will surely enjoy.

By: sturat mitchel

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