Sulawesi is a coffee-growing island in Indonesia, one of the leading coffee producers in the world. The variety of coffee that comes from Indonesia sits along all ends of the scale! From coffee that tastes like grapefruit, to pepper, to old shoes - it's all from the same country!
Sulawesi coffee is unique in its own right. Its warm, bold flavor and slightly different processing methods set it apart from the rest. The coffee splits into two main varieties; Toraja and Kalossi. So, what is it about Sulawesi coffee that has coffee lovers running towards it?
The Origin of Sulawesi Coffee
The Dutch were the first people to bring coffee plants to Indonesia, way back in 1696. The rest of the world is still enjoying the produce they brought!
When the Portuguese reigned, Sulawesi was known as Celebes (a very mountainous island in Sulawesi). You may hear some people refer to it using the old name. Sulawesi sits to the north of Flores.
Sulawesi beans grow among the Sesean Mountains of Sulawesi. The region is a perfect haven for growing quality coffee beans and quantities are limited. The high demand for the beautiful coffee all over the world reflects this.
Sulawesi is the fourth largest island across Indonesia. As with many regions in Indonesia, production of the coffee beans is most successful when grown in small plots. Only about 5% of the overall production comes from larger estates.
Different Types of Sulawesi Coffee
Why do we hear different names for Sulawesi coffee and what are they referring to?
Sulawesi Toraja Coffee
Toraja is the most well-known region for growing Sulawesi coffee beans, a region near the center of the island. Coffee growers still respect the old, traditional processing methods. The cherries are hand-picked and this guarantees that they only select the best quality fruit.
The trees grow on a mountainous terrain and growers are only able to yield 300 kilos of coffee per hectare. Because of this, supply cannot always meet the demand of thirsty coffee drinkers.
Sulawesi Toraja coffee has a clean taste with a hint of caramel. Its flavor is largely influenced by the earth on which it grows. The Japanese are a lover of the taste, and most of the export makes its way to Japan.
Sulawesi Kalossi Coffee
Sulawesi kalossi coffee is also not grown on big, commercial plots of land. Instead, small plot owners grow it in their backyards. This ensures that pickers only choose the best coffee cherries and the coffee has a unique taste.
Kalossi is a small village, covered in volcanic soil at high altitudes. Combined, this is a perfect growing climate for the coffee plants. It produces a coffee with low acidity and earthy, berry notes.
A Brief History of Sulawesi Coffee
Year | Event |
|---|---|
1605 | The production of Sulawesi coffee beans was controlled by the Dutch. |
1696 | A Dutch company took ownership of the trade in the region of Sulawesi. |
1750 | A high-quality Arabica was introduced to Sulawesi. |
1905 | The Dutch was able to control the entire island and it became part of the Dutch State Colony of the Netherlands. |
Late 1980's | The annual crop was 400 tons of Toraja. |
We know that the people from Toraja settled in the Sulawesi highlands and many of them became farmers. The ethnic group has managed to maintain their unique cultural identity to this day. This means there is a piece of history in every cup of Sulawesi Toraja coffee you drink.
Although it was difficult to produce high volumes of coffee at first, production has grown hugely. This is great for you and me, because it brought the price down. The coffee still remains the high quality, highly cultural drink it always was.
What Makes Sulawesi Coffee Different?
Sulawesi coffee has a warm, spicy flavor that makes it a great option for some new, unique blends. You can taste smoke, cinnamon and even black pepper from a sip. It's a creamy coffee with a somewhat heavy texture.
We can compare it to other coffees that are grown nearby. It has a more earthy tone than Java coffee and is more acidic than Sumatra coffee.
Ancient traditions influence the production of the coffee. These traditions were passed on by the people of Toraja and are still honored to this day. The coffee is processed using the wet-hulling ("giling basah") method. Many other coffee growers wouldn't dare to use this method.
However, some processers in Sulawesi prefer to use the dry method.
The Bottom Line
Sulawesi coffee is harvested organically since it began. It's growing and processing methods are rich in interesting traditions and this translates to the flavor of your cup. It allows you to taste the earth the coffee was grown on, as well as a mix of other delightful flavors.
With such an exciting history and ideal growing conditions, consumers love this variety. It is a high quality and affordable cup, and you have the ancient people of Toraja to thank!
