028, Indonesia, Sumatra, Grade 1, Lintong Raja Toba, semi-washed

Source / Processing / Story:

Coffee cultivation in Indonesia holds a 300 year old story which has been significantly influenced by the Dutch colonization. After the obtained independence the plantations were controlled by the government or closed. Today Indonesia is the fourth largest coffee producer in the world. Approx. 92% of the coffee production is in the hands of small producers using traditional techniques. Lintong coffes are named after the region „Lintong“ on the island Sumatra, which is located in the north east of lake Toba. The coffees have an unique dark greenish colour due to the special processing, the so called semi washed method: Directly after harvesting the farmers separate the fruit pulp with hand operated pulper machines from the bean and let them ferment overnight. Due to the fermentation process the fruit pulp is now detached from the bean and can be washed away by hand. Afterwards the farmer dries the remaining pergamino beans carefully for a couple of hours in his garden until a humidity content of approx. 50% is reached. After the transport to a mill and a further drying process for 1 -2 days, the swollen beans go through a special machine that removes the sticky pergamino skin by strong friction. In Medan the coffee is being dried a last time down to 12% and afterwards ready for grading and classfication for the Export.