History and Characteristics of Kopi Flores Bajawa
Have you ever tasted the delicate and unforgettable coffee from Flores Bajawa? Imagine tasting a sweet, chocolate, caramel, floral flavor in one cup of coffee with a distinct slight tobacco aroma.
These characteristic creates one of the most sought-after Indonesian coffee beans that is shipped and traded all over the world. With a limited production output, demands are often difficult to fulfill due to many restricted areas and a few farmer groups farming the coffee beans. With the support of the local government, Flores coffee tends to yield quality products. By providing incentives and aid to closely monitor progression it ensures that export quality and output are maintained.
Bajawa coffee beans are also in high demand on the local market, being one of Indonesia's most popular beans. The unique taste of Kopi Flores Bajawa is also influenced by the way it is organically cultivated and planted in soil containing volcanic ash. Kopi Flores Bajawa is widely available in cafés and specialty coffee shops, either as a single origin or as part of a house blend.
Here are some fun facts of how Flores Bajawa came about, its origin, characteristics, and where you can get your hands on them.
History of Kopi Flores Bajawa
Flores has two types of coffee that are quite delicious, namely Manggarai and Bajawa. Flores Bajawa Arabica coffee comes from the highlands of Ngada district, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), east of Indonesia.
When did coffee first come to the land of Flores?
In the 1920s, the Dutch colonial authorities used a forced cultivation strategy to bring coffee to Manggarai, Flores. The greatest coffee plantation in Manggarai Raya arose soon as a result of this approach.
On the other hand, Bajawa Arabica coffee has been cultivated by the government since 1977, through coffee seeds originating from Jember, East Java. During the reign of Regent Matheus John Bey (1978-1988), coffee plantations were developed in Golewa and Bajawa sub-districts. These two sub-districts are located >1,000 meters above sea level, which matches the nature of Arabica.
Bajawa is a beautiful location in the high-altitude Ngada district, where Arabica coffee beans are grown under shade trees on the hillsides and plateaus at a height of 1,200 to 1,800 meters above sea level. The coffee plants are cultivated without the use of fertilizers or pesticides. The coffee beans are hand-picked and wet-processed right on the farm, much as in Sumatra, utilizing a traditional processing method known as "giling basah" or wet-hulling.
Because of its enormous potential, the government takes Flores Bajawa coffee very seriously. This coffee is not only admired by people in many areas of Indonesia but also covered by European and American coffee companies.
Also read: Coffee Grind Size: Why Is It Essential For The Perfect Cup
Characteristics of Kopi Flores Bajawa
What are the characteristics of Flores Bajawa that are loved by many people? Here's the list for you:
1. Aroma
You will smell the strong floral, nutty, and caramel aroma of Kopi Bajawa. The hint of tobacco makes this coffee even more tempting to taste. Not all Indonesian coffees have this kind of blend.
2. Flavor
The unique flavor of Kopi Flores Bajawa is what makes it loved worldwide. You can experience a distinct sweetness with balanced or medium acidity, caramel, and dark chocolate-like finish.
3. Acidity
Flores Bajawa has a medium-level acidity, making it a suitable blend for everyone.
4. Quality
Bajawa coffee farmers are experts in caring for and processing coffee beans carefully. The goal is that Flores Bajawa will always be the coffee that has the highest quality (specialty coffee).
Arabica Bajawa coffee is cultivated organically, which means the farmers use natural fertilizer and no pesticides. With organic cultivation, Flores Bajawa is able to produce a very distinct aroma and taste.
5. Body
Arabica Bajawa has a viscosity range that varies from light to heavy. Giving you more free choice according to taste.
Also read: Kopi Aceh Gayo: History, Characteristics, and Variety
Curious About Flores Bajawa?
With all the fun facts above this is why Kisaku choose these two coffees into a unique blend we call Yatagarasu that consist of 50% Aceh Gayo and 50% Flores Bajawa.
Can’t get enough of it? Check out our products here.