What is the Sulawesi coffee varietal?
Sulawesi coffee is a type of coffee grown on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, formerly known as Celebes. It is known for its low acidity and full body, as well as its deep, brooding cup profile, which is similar to that of Sumatran coffee. It is available in two processing methods: semi-washed (or wet-hulled) and washed.
The semi-washed method, also known as Giling Basah in Indonesia, is the most common processing method for Sulawesi coffee. This method involves removing the outer skin of the coffee cherry and some of the pulp, then drying the parchment layer of the coffee bean. This method is known to produce heavy body, low acidity, and intense foresty or earthy flavors, as well as chocolate roast notes.
However, this method also carries some risks. If the coffee is not dried quickly enough, it can develop musty off notes. Additionally, the fruity mucilage layer can ferment and produce an undesirable off cup flavor. To avoid these risks, it is important to take care when processing Sulawesi coffee and to use a rigorous cupping regimen to distinguish between positive and negative flavors.
Overall, Sulawesi coffee is a unique and flavorful type of coffee that is known for its low acidity and full body. It is important to take care when processing this type of coffee to ensure that the best flavors are achieved.