Introduction to Arabica Coffee Varieties: Is Mandheling a Typica? Uncovering the Surprising Truth

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FrontStreet Coffee - Mandheling Variety Introduction

Coffee beans worldwide are mainly divided into two major categories - Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans grow in temperate climates at altitudes of 600-2,000 meters, featuring rich and delicate flavors, aromatic fragrance, higher acidity, and smooth texture that brings rich aroma and refreshing smoothness to coffee.

Mandheling was an Arabica variety introduced by the Dutch to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and Indonesia in the 17th century. Indonesian coffee began supplying the European market in 1711, making Indonesia the first country to cultivate coffee on a large scale outside Africa and Arabia. By the 1780s, it had become the world's largest coffee exporter, and Java coffee gained widespread fame during this period.

In 1877, coffee leaf rust disease destroyed Arabica trees, after which Indonesia switched to large-scale cultivation of Robusta coffee trees (a variant of the Congo species). Robusta coffee beans are typically grown at altitudes between 200-600 meters.

Due to coffee leaf rust disease causing decreased production, Indonesian coffee beans rank third in output, behind Brazil and Africa.

Indonesian coffee is divided into three growing regions: Sumatra (civet cat and Mandheling), Java (Arabica), and Sulawesi. Currently, 90% of Indonesia's coffee bean production is of the Robusta variety.

Indonesian Sumatran Mandheling coffee has moderate acidity with an extremely rich and intense aroma; Java coffee belongs to the Arabica variety, along with the renowned Aged Mandheling coffee, also known as Monsooned Coffee; Sulawesi island coffee features full-bodied beans and rich fragrance.

The Bitter and Rich Mandheling

Therefore, some people also refer to Mandheling as "Sumatran coffee," belonging to the Arabica variety (with some Timor varieties). This beautiful island has endowed Mandheling coffee with a very special flavor, significantly different from African coffee flavors. It features rich bitterness and aroma, excellent body, and often carries chocolate flavor notes.

Compared to African beans with citrus acidity and refreshing taste, Mandheling is more like a mature man who has experienced life's vicissitudes, with many stories and profound depth. It's no wonder that many mature men enjoy drinking Mandheling.

Knowledge Point: Typica old variety - excellent flavor, good taste, distinct aroma, but weak disease resistance.

In Brief

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