Explore Bali Coffee: From Bean to Brew Process
Bali is known for its scenic beauty, rich culture, and delicious coffee. The island has an ideal climate and soil that is well-suited for the growing of coffee beans. In this piece, we will delve deeper into the details of the coffee making process in Bali, along with addressing common questions regarding the same, right from where it is grown to where it is brewed.
What is Bali Coffee?
Coffee that is grown and produced in Bali, Indonesia is referred to as Bali coffee. The most widely sought out variety of balis coffee is Arabica, a type of coffee known for its mild taste and aroma. Balinese coffee is mostly grown in the Kintamani region where the beans benefit from a favorable climate and rich volcanic soil that enhances their flavor. Many small coffee farms on the island still use natural farming methods which ensures the quality of the coffee being produced.
Bali coffee has made a name for itself in the coffee industry, and attributes its productive growth to the islands diversity in climate as well as it’s volcanic soil. Bali too, is an island of great history, coffee was brought by the dutch from Indonesia mainland and first started being grown on Java island until it then transitioned to other islands such as Bali in the 17th century.
The Growing Process of Bali Coffee
1. Finding The Location
It is important to note that the process begins with determining the area which is deemed suitable for growing coffee. Rainfed agriculture is ideal for coffee growing, and so are high altitude regions that have volcanic soil. Central Bali which is the Kintamani area has a cool climatic conditions further qualifying it as a good location for growing coffee.
2. Preparing the Seed
The seeds are planted in shaded areas so as to shield them from being directly exposed to sunlight. It takes a couple of months for the seedlings to be ready for transplanting into the fields, which is the next step, so that coffee cherries can develop after a few years.
3. Maintenance and Cultivation
The use of pesticides and fertilizer is purposely avoided ensuring the environment is not harmed. In addition to this, the use of fertilizers enhances the taste of the coffee. Regular activities such as pruning, watering and pest control significantly boost growth.
4. Picking Coffee Cherries
Coffee cherries are picked when their color turns bright red which indicates that they have matured completely. This is the first steps taken in the coffee cherry picking process. In Bali this process is done manually which ensures that good quality coffee cherries are picked.
The Processing of Bali Coffee
1. Washing and Fermentation Process
Coffee cherries are put through a washing process immediately after being picked to remove any dirt or other foreign barricades. After the washing, the cherries are put through a fermentation process that is used to remove the mucilage from the beans. The beans can be soaked between 12 to 48 hours in for a particular level of flavor.
2. Drying the Beans For Bali Coffee
Once the fermentation has been completed, there are two ways the beans can be dried. One is to dry the beans in the sunlight, and the other is by using mechanical dryers. In this method, coffee beans sometimes take a few days to dry completely, and throughout the process, coffee beans are constantly flipped over.
3. Hulling and Grading of Bali Coffee
Hulling is the first step that comes after the drying sequence. It is a stage where the outer husks of the coffee beans are taken off. The beans are then sorted according to weight and size.
The Roasting Process
1. Choosing the Right Roast
Roasting tends to be an integral step in the coffee-making process due to its influence on the aroma and overall taste of the final product. Depending on one’s taste preference, coffee beans from Bali can be roasted from a lighter to a darker shade. A lighter roast usually focuses on the beans’ flavours, whereas a darker roast gives it a stronger and more full-bodied taste.
2. The Roasting Method
There are a number of ways in which beans can be roasted, the drum and air roasting techniques being among the most common. Air roasting uses hot air to cook beans while Drum roasting allows the beans to be rotated and cooked in a hot drum.
3 Cool And Preserve
Once the roasting is done, coffee beans are cooled to prevent further cooking. After that, they are put in airtight containers to keep them fresh. When coffee beans are not stored properly, they tend to lose their freshness, aroma, and taste.
Brewing Bali Coffee
1. The Perfect Brewing Method
Bali coffee can be brewed in various ways, which include french press, pour over, and espresso. Each single method uses a different way to enjoy the sip of aroma and each type brews a different flavor. It is common to have a preference to a liking and the brewing method is one of the things that varies.
2. Grinding the Beans
Finer beans and rougher beans play a role when it comes to brewing the coffee because both require different level of coarseness. The size of the beans however affects the way they are extracted and eventually the taste of the coffee.
3. Techniques Of Brewing Coffee
a. French Press
Coarse ground coffee sits on hot water for a few minutes until the plunger is pressed to separate coffee grounds and the liquid resulting in a thick rich and well-bodied coffee.
b. Pour-Over
The water is splashed and allowed to drape over the coffee filter which extracts the coffee’s essence and this coffee’s filtering method is known as Pour-Over, as the water automatically seeps through it creating greater consistency, resulting in coffee with a strong and unique flavor like the one made in Bali.
c. Espresso
The espresso preparation method involves propelling water through dark coffee. This results in a thick, powerful shot of coffee, carefully brewed to highlight the essence of Bali coffee.
Frequently Asked About Bali Coffee
What is the best method to brew Bali coffee?
As it depends on the coffee drinkers’ preference it is hard to pinpoint a method as the best way to brew Bali coffee. The French press, pour over and espresso are very common as well. Each method brings out certain elements of the coffee’s flavor profile.
Is Bali coffee organic?
There are many Bali coffee industries that refine their product through organic procedures avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. The coffee not only tastes better but the organic process is also eco friendly.
What can be the flavor notes of Bali coffee?
Bali coffee has an island distinctive flavor with hints of chocolate, caramel and fruits alongside the blend is a smooth rich texture.
Where can I find Bali coffee?
Specialized coffee shops, online retailers and local farms present in Bali sell Bali coffee, look for local brands that sell the coffee at a competitive price, but emphasize sustainable farming guiding principles.
Conclusion
Instead of thinking of Bali coffee as a simple drink, treat it as a representation of the stunning islands’ culture and nature. The entire process of preparing the drink is extremely complicated varying from manufacturing the beans, to brewing to pouring the drink. Hence Bali coffee is not for regular consumers, but for the average person this coffee takes you on a journey which shows the beauty of this island. A single sip is enough to tell the story from beans to brew.
People Also Read:
This article is made by:
TRIANG VILLAS ADMIN
We offer stunning Bali villas for short or long stays, manage your property seamlessly, and help you find your dream Bali villas. With Triang Villas Bali, every stay feels like home.
