Sidikalang Kopi: An Indonesian Coffee Variety
You have likely heard of one of the world’s most well-known specialty coffees, Sumatra coffee. Sumatran coffee comes from the Indonesian island and region of North Sumatra, where it was first grown. But did you know that there is another iconic coffee from this region grown in the volcanic highlands of Sidikalang? This coffee, or kopi, is particularly unique in its taste.
Let us delve into the Indonesian coffee variety known as Sidikalang kopi.
What Is Sidikalang Kopi?
Sidikalang kopi, aka Sidikalang coffee, is a Robusta coffee. It’s an Indonesian coffee variety staple that thrives in volcanic lands at high altitudes. Sidikalang kopi is as iconic as Typica coffee in the collective coffee community.
Sidikalang is an Indonesian town and region in North Sumatra, or Sumatra Utara, a province with Medan as its largest city and capital.
There are seven types of coffee in Indonesia as the largest export commodities; one of them is Sidikalang coffee which comes from North Sumatra.
The Dairi Sidikalang area is known for growing Robusta coffee beans like Sidikalang kopi. However, farmers also started growing Arabica coffee beans as a Sidikalang kopi signature (1). Now this region offers both types.
The main coffee plantation in the Dairi Sidikalang is situated in the Dairi Regency of the city of Sidikalang in North Sumatra.
Due to the micro-climates of these nutrient-dense volcanic highland soils and the region’s cool climate, Sidikalang kopi beans are of high quality (2). They are arguably some of the best Sumatran coffee beans.
For a peak at the town of Sidikalang, check out this video.
Also, take a look at our article detailing the 4 main types of coffee beans if you are interested in delving deeper into the world of coffee and its varieties.
Health Benefits Of Sidikalang Kopi
Sidikalang coffee beans have a higher polyphenol content than other types of coffee (3). Polyphenols are a category of natural compounds that function as antioxidants to decrease inflammation and work to bolster the body against numerous chronic illnesses. They may even reduce the risk of heart disease, blood sugar levels, blood clots, and cancer, as well as increase the health of digestion and brain function (4).
Sidikalang Kopi Flavors
Sidikalang coffee is reminiscent of Brazilian coffee. However, it has its distinguishing characteristics. It has a bold prevailing earthiness with spicy notes, sweetness, and hints of milk caramel. Each sip is low in acidity, with a pronounced mouthfeel and a nuanced flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Sidikalang kopi is an Indonesian coffee variety located in Sidikalang, North Sumatra. This Robusta coffee grows in nutrient-dense volcanic soils at high altitudes at cool temperatures with unique micro-climates. It is full of health benefits with its high polyphenol content that improves the health of coffee drinkers with its antioxidant properties and more. Each sip of this dark brew yields a full-bodied earthiness with sugar, spice, and everything nice, plus a hint of milk caramel.
FAQs
Indonesian coffee is made special due to being grown in nutrient-dense volcanic soils. Grown in this volcanic ash, Indonesian coffee is reputable for its velvety mouthfeel, rustic, earthy tones, and variety of characteristic flavors depending on which specific region it is grown in.
No, Sumatra coffee is not higher in caffeine than any other standard Arabica coffee. Most Sumatra coffee is Arabica, which has just more than half the caffeine content of Robusta coffee. The processing method and level of roasting involved when handling green coffee beans both play a role in influencing the amount of caffeine in roasted coffee beans.
Some of the most prominent regions in Indonesia that produce the best coffee include Sumatra, Sulawesi, Flores, Java, and Bali. In Sumatra, popular sub-areas include Lintong, Aceh, and Gayo. The most popular types of Indonesian coffee beans are Arabica, Robusta, and Luwak (5).
References
- Yusibani, E., Putra, R. I., Rahwanto, A., Surbakti, M. S., Rajibussalim, & Rahmi. (2022). Physical properties of Sidikalang robusta coffee beans medium roasted from various colors of coffee cherries. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/2243/1/012046/pdf
- Andrew. (2022, April 21). Sidikalang Coffee. Retrieved December 3, 2022, from https://indocomtrade.com/sidikalang-coffee/
- Cheong, M. W., Tong, K. H., Ong, J. J. M., Liu, S. Q., Curran, P., & Yu, B. (2013, April). Volatile composition and antioxidant capacity of Arabica coffee. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996913000185
- Petre, A. (2019, July 8). What Are Polyphenols? Types, Benefits, and Food Sources. Retrieved December 3, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/polyphenols
- Halim, C. (2022, February 4). 5 Regions That Produces The Best Indonesian Coffee Beans. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://www.kisaku.co/blogs/coffee/indonesian-coffee-beans
