Toraja Coffee is a famous specialty coffee bean from Indonesia. The popularity comes from the coffee’s unique taste and quality, making it a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts and businesses who purchase wholesale green coffee beans from Indonesia. So if you’re a coffee fan interested in the subtle taste of coffee, try to taste this coffee from Toraja, Sulawesi!
Together with Sumatra Coffee and Java Coffee, Toraja ranks among the ten best coffees in the world. The coffee is particularly famous in Europe and Japan due to its unique tasting note. It’s no surprise since in the region, the coffee trees are planted in lush soil surrounded by various spice plants.
The Origin of the Word Toraja
The region of Toraja was called Celebes during the Portuguese colonization in the 16th century. Back then, the locals couldn’t speak the Portuguese language. So, when the Portuguese people asked about the area’s name, the locals thought they were asking about the things in hand.
It was the Sele Bessi, a traditional weapon. This misunderstanding led the Portuguese to attach the word Celebes as the region’s name. That’s why Sulawesi Toraja Coffee is also known as Celebes Coffee.
“Toraja” originates from the Bugis language, “To Riaja.” It refers to the locals who take residence in the highlands. Hence, it’s the name of the local tribe that resides in the northern part of South Sulawesi.
Also Read: History of Coffee: How Coffee Origin Starts From Goats and Monks
Where Does the Coffee Come From?
Sulawesi Toraja coffee trees are planted in the hilly areas of Sesean Mountain in Toraja, South Sulawesi. The mountainous region has a high altitude of 700 to 2,100 meters above sea level. Usually, the coffee trees are planted at an altitude of 1,700 meters. The surrounding areas are lush with spice plants.
Types of Toraja Coffee
1. Robusta
Many Indonesian and Japanese people favor Robusta Toraja because of the coffee’s aroma and taste. Although the fragrance is subtle, you can still smell the aromas of nuts, dark chocolate, and earth. In addition, the coffee has low acidity, a bitter taste, and a thick body with a darker color than the Arabica counterpart.
Due to its bitter taste, many coffee shops in Indonesia use Robusta Toraja as one of the ingredients for iced coffees. Another fact, the trees of Robusta Toraja are durable. They can produce a large number of beans in warm temperatures.
2. Arabica
Due to the suitable altitude and lush soil, many farmers cultivate Arabica Toraja. They must plant the coffee trees at altitudes of 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level. These trees are also resistant to leaf rust disease, which can produce high-quality coffee beans.
The taste note of Arabica Toraja is different from that of Robusta. Since the coffee contains less caffeine, the taste is mild and less bitter with low acidity. Examples of Arabica Toraja are Toraja Sapan, Toraja Yale, and Toraja Pulu-Pulu.
Each Arabica Toraja might produce different taste notes depending on the coffee process. This coffee generally has floral or herb, spiced flavors with low acidity and a sweet aftertaste.
The Characteristics of Toraja Coffee
The coffee is low in acidity, with a hint of citrus. Also, it has a whole body which will leave a heavy sensation on the tongue. Most coffee beans are processed with the wet hull method in Indonesia. This processing method gives the coffee the characteristic of Toraja Coffee. In addition, the coffee taste can be earthy, fruity, or floral, yet rich in spices.
Coffee Toraja is an excellent choice if you are eager to taste one of the best Indonesian coffees. If you want to roast one of the two types of Toraja Coffee (Robusta or Arabica), visit Indonesia Specialty Coffee‘s website to get your green coffee bean!
