Quality and grade greatly affect the selling price of coffee. The advantages of high-grade coffee have become a benchmark for the type of coffee that is widely exported abroad, including from Indonesia. Various types of high-grade coffee can be found in this country.
In determining the quality standards for coffee beans, the Indonesian government has regulated them since 1978 through the Minister of Trade Decree No. 108/Kp/VII/78 dated July 1, 1978. In Indonesia, the quality standards used to follow the triage system, but since October 1, 1983, Indonesia has been using the Defects Value System.
Types of High-Grade Coffee Advantages
Indonesia is a country with a good geographical location and soil structure suitable for coffee cultivation. Coffee plantations are spread across several regions in Indonesia, each having different characteristics and uniqueness. Among the many types of coffee in Indonesia that are sold in the market and exported abroad, only two main varieties dominate Arabica and Robusta. These two types of coffee have their own uniqueness, and here are some of their advantages.
1. The Best Coffee Types
Robusta and Arabica coffee do not only dominate certain regions, like in Indonesia but are also widely consumed around the world. This is due to the scientific classification of both types of coffee. Both Arabica and Robusta belong to the Rubiaceae family under the Coffea genus.
In terms of species, Arabica coffee has the scientific name Coffea Arabica, while Robusta is known as Coffea canephora. Robusta coffee is a variety of Coffea canephora, specifically Coffea canephora var.
2. The Best Cultivation Process
Capable of producing the best coffee flavors, Coffea Arabica plants grow best at altitudes of 1000 to 2000 meters above sea level, although they can still grow at lower altitudes.
However, the growth will not be optimal at low altitudes, resulting in poor quality, and this applies to other types of coffee beans as well. To achieve the best results, these plants require 1500 to 2500 mm of rainfall annually.
Additionally, the ideal air temperature for obtaining the best coffee beans is between 15-25 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Coffea canephora is planted at an altitude of 0-900 meters, with the ideal range being 400 to 800 meters above sea level.
Robusta coffee is grown at temperatures between 24-30 degrees Celsius, with annual rainfall ranging from 1500 to 3000 mm. This is what makes Robusta coffee of high-grade quality.
3. Pest Resistance
All types of plants are vulnerable to pest attacks, including grade-one Robusta coffee. However, this type of coffee has fairly good resistance to pests and diseases during its development.
Additionally, it is easier to care for and harvest. The fruit is picked using modern methods, so the shape of the fruit is preserved, which helps protect the coffee beans from contamination.
4. Richer Aroma and Flavor
Arabica coffee has a unique aroma and flavor, which is another advantage of this type of coffee. It has a sour taste, and the brewed color is not too dark, making this coffee a popular export.
Because of its richer aroma and flavor, Arabica coffee is widely cultivated, with different tastes produced in different regions. Farmers typically utilize various factors such as weather, soil, and climate.
These factors are used by coffee farmers to create a variety of flavors, and this advantage is one of the reasons why Arabica coffee is often imported by many countries, including Indonesia.
5. Higher Caffeine Content
Robusta coffee has a higher caffeine content, which is reflected in the bitter taste produced by the coffee. Many researchers believe that the caffeine content of Robusta coffee is twice as much as that found in Arabica coffee.
6. Widely Produced Worldwide
The two types of high-grade coffee, Arabica and Robusta, are the most widely produced coffee in the world. Arabica accounts for 60 percent of global coffee production, while Robusta accounts for 40 percent (ICO, 2021).
The rest is taken by other coffee types, such as Liberica, Excelsa, and others. Indonesia is one of the largest and best producers of Robusta coffee in the world, along with Vietnam.
The brief explanation above highlights some of the advantages of high-grade coffee exported to many countries worldwide, including Indonesia. Additionally, there are still many other advantages of high-grade coffee produced by Indonesian farmers.
Interested in Indonesian coffee beans? check our green coffee beans product. Contact us at info@specialtycoffee.id or WhatsApp to place your order.
