The two main types of coffee grown in Indonesia are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica coffee is known for its smooth, mild flavour, while Robusta coffee has a stronger, more bitter flavour. Indonesia also produces a small amount of Liberica coffee, which is known for its unique, fruity flavour.
Arabica Coffee
Arabica coffee is grown at higher elevations in Indonesia, typically between 900 and 1850 meters above sea level. Some of the most popular Arabica coffee varieties grown in Indonesia include S 795 Line, Catimor, Ateng Jaluk, Sigararutang, Kartika, Komasti, Abesenia, USDA, Bourbon, and Yellow Caturra.
Arabica coffee from Indonesia is known for its sweet, light to medium body, and medium to high acidity. It can also have a variety of flavour notes, including floral, fruity, spicy, orange, chocolate, and caramel.
Java Coffee
Java coffee is a type of Arabica coffee that is grown on the island of Java in Indonesia. It is known for its smooth, rich flavour and complex aroma. Java coffee is also highly versatile and can be used to brew a variety of different coffee drinks.
Java is Indonesia’s most populated Island and home to the country’s capital, Jakarta. The name Java is also a well-known synonym for coffee in many parts of the world. It is in Java that the VOC (Dutch East India trading company) first succeeded in growing coffee in Indonesia, starting a fruitful trade that put the Indonesian Island at the heart of coffee trading for over a century. Java quickly became the world biggest coffee producer besides with Mocha. By 1726, Java dominated 90% of the coffee trade in Amsterdam.
In the late 19th century, a disease called Hemileia vastatrix wiped out most of the Arabica coffee plantations in Java. This led to a shortage of Java coffee in the global market and an increase in prices. However, Java coffee remained highly prized, and its reputation for quality and flavour continued to grow.
Today, Java coffee is still considered to be some of the best coffee in the world.
Robusta Coffee
Robusta coffee is grown at lower elevations in Indonesia, typically between 400 and 800 meters above sea level. This makes it more tolerant to its environments, including its resistance to Hemileia vastatrix disease.
Robusta coffee has a bitter taste, and a medium to full body with low acidity. It can also have a variety of flavour notes, including chocolate, tobacco, cloves, and nuts.
Liberica Coffee
Liberica coffee is a relatively rare type of coffee that is grown in Indonesia. It is known for its unique, fruity flavour, which is often described as being similar to jackfruit or banana. Liberica coffee is also known for its full body and high caffeine content. It is often used in blends to add complexity and flavour.