Bali grows wonderful coffee. Kopi Bali (Bali coffee) has a distinct flavor compared to other coffee grown in the Indonesian archipelago. The most famous is Kopi Bali Kintamani. This is an officially certified Geographical Indication since 2008, which means that Kopi Bali Kintamani already fulfills the international standards of quality. It has a rather soft and light taste compared to other coffee grown in Indonesia. It also has a citrusy after-taste that results from the way the trees are cultivated.
Kopi Bali Kintamani grows in the Kintamani area in Bangli Regency, Bali, where tropical plants such as pine, citrus, and many kinds of vegetables grow well. What makes the coffee taste unique is that the farmer lets the coffee grow with other plants, including fruits and vegetables. As it grows with other plants, the coffee bean is said to absorb the nutrition and the taste of the fruits as well. The fertile volcanic soil produces a high quality coffee plant.
Kopi Bali Kintamani has much in common with Java coffee. Yet, Kopi Bali Kintamani has a stronger aroma compared to Java coffee, which has the aroma of spices.
Unlike in Java or Sumatra, the coffee plantation in Bali was not imposed by the colonial Dutch. The Kopi Bali Kintamani stock was brought by farmers from the neighboring island, Lombok, around the beginning of the twentieth century. They brought Robusta Coffee, as it is resistant to pests and contains a high amount of caffeine. These days, Arabica Coffee is preferred by farmers because of its higher selling price.
So, if you are in Bali, be sure to try Bali Kopi. You can try it at all Komaneka restaurants, including Seneng Kitchen at Komaneka at Bisma.
See you there and thank you for reading!
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