Coffee Joe Says that on the island of Sumatra, at the highest altitudes, individual land holders grow Arabica coffee. This coffee comes from several regions – Gayo, Lintong and Sidikilang – and is normally processed using the wet hulling method. Wet hulling entails allowing the green seed, with the parchment shell still attached, to be partially dried, then the outside layer is stripped off leaving a white-coloured, swollen green bean. These beans are then patio-dried, the seeds turning a dark green color. Used as a blend rather than offered as a stand alone, the coffee beans are more valuable for adding complexity and character to other coffees due to their heavy body and low acidity.
Also grown, but on the low lying areas, by large commercial plantations, is the robusta coffee. This coffee is used in low grade instant and cheap supermarket brands. Through the years, it has been partially responsible for the deforestation and devastation of the land along with foreign pulp and paper corporations.
During his research, CJ discovered that most of Sumatra used to be covered by a tropical rainforest, but a fast economic expansion, corruption and illegal logging has become a threat. In 2008, areas were put aside for conservation and protection by the ruling government but it has not been a deterrent from wholesale destruction.
According to the statistics published by CNN, the island has lost 85% of its rainforest since 1985, and many of the remaining natural, native species are endangered. A new initiative, is supposed to address the problems and issues facing a disappearing Sumatra.
However, Coffee Joe says experts agree it may be too late.
Tags: coffee beans, organic
