The Origins of Flores Bajawa Coffee

Experience the chocolatey richness and floral notes of single-origin Arabica Flores Bajawa Coffee from the volcanic slopes of Mount Inerie.

---

Introduction: What is Flores Bajawa Coffee?

The Land of the Dragon and the Volcano. Flores Island, located in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Indonesia, is famous for the Komodo Dragon, but its true hidden gem lies in the highlands of the Ngada Regency. Here, in the town of Bajawa, coffee isn’t just a crop; it is a way of life.

Grown at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 meters above sea level (masl), Flores Bajawa coffee thrives in the fertile, volcanic ash soils (Andosol) of Mount Inerie. The combination of high altitude, cool climate, and mineral-rich soil creates the perfect environment for Arabica beans to develop complex sugars and dense flavors.

---

A History of Cultivation

While coffee was introduced to Indonesia by the Dutch colonialists centuries ago, the specific cultivation in Bajawa has evolved into a community-driven masterpiece. Unlike the large plantations of Java, Bajawa coffee is grown on smallholder farms, often passed down through generations, ensuring that every bean is handled with personal care.

The Processing Secret

Most Bajawa coffee undergoes the “Wet-Hulled” (Giling Basah) or “Fully Washed” process. This unique method reduces acidity and boosts the body, resulting in that thick, creamy texture coffee lovers crave.

---

The Farmers & Sustainability

Grown by Families, Not Factories

The Shade-Grown Difference
In Bajawa, coffee trees grow under the shade of huge Erythrina (Dadap) trees and Bamboo. This “shade-grown” technique mimics the forest’s natural ecosystem, allowing the coffee cherries to ripen slowly. This slow maturation locks in flavor.

Organic by Tradition
The farmers of the Ngada Regency rarely use chemical fertilizers. The volcanic soil is naturally fertile, and the shade trees provide organic compost. While not all farms carry the expensive “Certified Organic” sticker, the farming practices are almost exclusively organic and sustainable.

Community Cooperatives
The coffee industry in Bajawa is supported by cooperatives (Unit Pengolahan Hasil). When you buy Flores Bajawa coffee, you are directly supporting the livelihoods of the Ngada people, helping to build schools, infrastructure, and a sustainable future for the region.

---

The Taste Profile: Flores Bajawa Coffee

A Symphony of Flavors

If you find Sumatran coffee too earthy or African coffee too acidic, Flores Bajawa Arabica is your perfect middle ground. It is widely regarded as one of the most balanced coffees in the world.

The Cupping Notes:

• Aroma: Intense and fragrant, often smelling of flowers, wood, and spices.
• Body: Medium to Full. It has a velvety, syrupy mouthfeel.
• Acidity: Medium-Low. It is much smoother than typical high-altitude coffees, making itgentle on the stomach.
• Flavor Palette: The signature profile includes strong notes of dark chocolate, Nutty, caramel, and vanilla, often finished with a hint of nuttiness or tobacco.

---

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Flores Bajawa Coffee

To unlock the chocolate and caramel notes, we recommend the following methods:

1. V60 / Pour Over (The Purist’s Choice)
   • Grind: Medium-Fine
   • Ratio: 1:15 (Coffee to Water)
   • Result: Highlights the floral aroma and clean caramel sweetness.
2. French Press (The Bold Choice)
   • Grind: Coarse
   • Result: Maximizes the heavy body and dark chocolate richness.
3. Kopi Tubruk (The Traditional Indonesian Way)
   • Method: Put fine grounds in a cup, pour boiling water, stir, and let it settle.
   • Result: An immersive, unfiltered experience.