BUZZ Coffee Beans
Sumatra Coffee Beans
from $16.00
Sumatran Coffee Beans -
Mandheling Kuda Mas
The best Sumatran coffee beans are highly regarded as one of the world's best. It is one of our best sellers.
This is a coffee for those who love their coffee rich, strong, and very full-bodied. It loves to be with milk in the classic range of coffee drinks; however, as a black coffee, a heady delight awaits you.
Discover why when your order arrives in your post box.
The Region
Most coffee in Indonesia is grown on small-holder farms, a family with anywhere between 100 trees to a few land areas. They pick the coffee and pulp it, which means that they run it through a hand-crank drum with a surface like a cheese grater that peels off the fruit's skin.
Then they will ferment the coffee in any number of ways - either in a polypropylene bag, a plastic tub, or a concrete tank - to get the fruit layer (mucilage) to break down.
After overnight fermentation, the mucilage can be washed off, and you have wet parchment coffee - the green bean inside the parchment layer that encompasses it, still swollen with water.
Since 2016, Sumatran coffees have ended up being more difficult to source because of lower harvest volumes brought on by irregular or extreme climate patterns throughout the expanding and refining periods.
Heavy rainfalls at the incorrect time can spoil plants or ruin coffees that are chosen and drying out in the damp hull approach.
Costs for Sumatran coffees remain to increase. They currently require top dollar on the market, so import brokers and traders are usually downsizing their sourcing, which directly influences what Australia coffee roasters can buy.
It is best as a single origin but will blend with other coffee beans.
Acidity: Low to medium
Body: Bold intensity.
Aroma: Roast caramel, spiced fruit.
Flavour: Intense, earthy, forest berries and smooth.
What is so special about Sumatra coffee?
Sumatra coffee, originating from the Indonesian island of Sumatra, is renowned for its unique processing method called "wet hulling" or "giling basah". This method results in a coffee that exhibits bold flavors and a distinctive earthy taste, which sets it apart from other coffees, including African coffees. The wet-hulled process, coupled with the rich volcanic soil of Sumatra, particularly around Lake Toba, imbues the beans with a flavor profile that is as unique as the region it comes from.
How is Sumatra coffee different?
Sumatra coffee is different due to its wet hulling process, which involves removing the bean’s hull while it's still damp, a method distinct to this Indonesian island. This processing method, along with Sumatra's rich, fertile soil and tropical climate, contributes to the fresh earth and bold flavors that have become a signature of Sumatra coffee. Unlike other beans that are processed using dry or washed methods, the wet hulling method gives Sumatra coffee its unique flavor and low acidity.
What is the difference between Arabica and Sumatra coffee?
While Sumatra coffee is primarily composed of Arabica beans, the term "Arabica coffee" generally refers to coffee made from Coffea Arabica, one of the most widely grown coffee species in the world. Arabica coffee can vary significantly in taste depending on its origin and processing method. Sumatra coffee, on the other hand, specifically refers to coffee grown and processed on the island of Sumatra, utilizing the unique wet-hulled method. Thus, while Sumatra coffee is a type of Arabica coffee, its unique processing and terroir give it a distinctive taste profile that's rich, earthy, and full-bodied.
What is the Flavor of Sumatra coffee?
The tasting notes of Sumatra coffee are quite distinct. It is known for its full-bodied, rich, and earthy flavor, often accompanied by a low acidity and a touch of spice or herbal notes. Unlike the bright and fruity notes found in some African coffees, Sumatra coffee possesses an intense, fresh earth quality that many coffee lovers find intriguing. After roasting, the beans produce a fresh roasted, slightly spicy aroma that is unmistakably Sumatran. The wet hulling process enhances these flavors, providing a depth and complexity that sets Sumatra coffee apart.
Whether you prefer a light roast or a darker roast, Sumatra coffee always brings something special to the cup. It's the taste of the Indonesian island – an exotic, full-bodied brew that is as exciting as it is satisfying. With each sip, you're tasting the product of a unique process, a unique climate, and a unique soil - all of which make Sumatra coffee the treasure that it is.