What Variety is Java Mocha Coffee? How is Java Coffee? Java Coffee

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Indonesia: A Notable Coffee-Producing Nation in Asia

Among the coffee-producing countries in Asia, Indonesia stands out as one of the most noteworthy nations. Located in the Indian Ocean, Indonesia comprises numerous islands distributed on both sides of the equator, with Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi being the most famous. These islands play a crucial role in the global coffee production industry.

Historical Development and Coffee Cultivation

In the mid-17th century, the Dutch brought coffee trees to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and Indonesian Java (1699). However, by the 19th century, coffee leaf rust from Ceylon had spread to Indonesia. By 1877, most coffee on the Indonesian islands was infected with leaf rust, prompting the Dutch to introduce other coffee varieties from Africa (Robusta beans). While these were more resistant to pests and diseases, their quality was relatively inferior. Today, 90% of Indonesian coffee is Robusta, with Arabica production accounting for less than 10%. Subsequently, through the trade development of the Dutch East India Company, Indonesian coffee began to be exported to Europe, which also influenced the expansion of coffee cultivation within Indonesia. Sumatra, Bali, Sulawesi, and Timor became important coffee-producing regions in Indonesia.

The Legacy of Java Coffee

In its early years, Arabica coffee produced on Java Island gained widespread renown for its rich aroma, low acidity, and smooth texture. People often paired it with Mocha to create "Java Mocha," which became a popular synonym for premium coffee. At that time, Java coffee exported to Europe was considered exceptionally special because coffee was primarily transported to European and American countries via sailing ships. Due to the long distances and slow sailing speeds that required considerable time, the coffee developed a unique flavor as if it had undergone special fermentation. Later, when steamships replaced sailing ships, coffee from these islands faced the same problem as Mysore coffee from India—consumers had become accustomed to coffee affected by long journeys and were unwilling to accept the taste of this "fresh" coffee.

The "Old Government" Coffee Solution

To solve this problem, the Indonesian government made great efforts to imitate coffee affected by long journeys by "storing" coffee beans for up to a year. However, disappointingly, this wet-processed coffee was not widely accepted in taste, affecting its good reputation. Today, Indonesia's "stored" coffee or "journey" coffee is still produced, typically sold under brands such as "Old Government," "Old Brown," and "Old Java."

Premier Coffee Growing Regions

The cultivation of Java Arabica coffee centers around the Ijen volcano in eastern Java, with an average altitude of over 1,400 meters. Coffee is primarily grown in large plantations established by the Dutch government and landlords in the early 19th century. The best coffee plantations in Java include Blawan, Jambit, Kayumas, and Pankur.

FrontStreet Coffee's Brewing Recommendations:

V60/90°C/Medium grind/1:15 ratio/2 minutes brewing time

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