A Glimpse of Simalungun Coffee
In North Sumatra, two famous types of coffee trees stand out:
- Ateng Coffee (Sigarar Utang) or Arabica (Arab)
- Robusta Coffee (Kopi Panjang)
The most widely cultivated variety is Arabica Coffee, known locally as Kopi Ateng. Why is it called Ateng? It’s because the abbreviation of Aceh Tenggara (ATeng)! The coffe originates from Aceh.
Over time, the Batak people started calling this short coffee tree Kopi Ateng. Interestingly, Kopi Ateng is often named after its place of origin.
For example, Kopi Ateng Sidikalang or simply Kopi Sidikalang, as it grows in Sidikalang. Talking about North Sumatra coffee is a long story because the list is extensive.
North Sumatran coffee is internationally renowned, with some varieties celebrated as among the best in the world.
For instance, Kopi Lintong, marketed globally as Sumatra Lintong Arabica Coffee, is a hallmark of quality.
Other notable varieties include Kopi Tarutung, Kopi Mandailing, Kopi Sidikalang, and Kopi Simalungun. Girsang, by the way, is in Simalungun.
Coffee Farms: The Beauty of Simumbang’s Coffee Fields
Visitors can learn about coffee cultivation while enjoying breathtaking views from Bukit Simumbang.
Why Don’t Many Locals Appreciate North Sumatra Coffee?
- Misconceptions about coffee and bloating:
There’s a belief that drinking coffee causes bloating or gas. The truth is, it’s not coffee but consuming it in large quantities that can cause discomfort. Drinking in moderation is key to enjoying it. - Improper timing:
Coffee is ideally enjoyed as a post-meal treat or dessert. Many people drink it before meals, leading to undesired effects like reduced appetite. - Lack of a coffee culture:
Enjoying coffee hasn’t yet become a widespread trend in North Sumatra. However, young people and the middle-upper class are starting to adopt coffee as a social activity. - The dominance of instant coffee:
Instant coffee isn’t real coffee. True coffee is pure, whereas instant coffee contains additives that can harm health.
The Chairperson of the Indonesian Coffee Exporters and Industry Association (AEKI) in North Sumatra, Saidul Alam, once remarked at a coffee event:
“Foreigners know Sumatra Coffee, but they don’t even know where Sumatra is. Meanwhile, our own people are unaware of the quality of our coffee and praise other coffee brands, which are often just instant coffee.”
Health Benefits of Coffee
Enjoying just one small cup of pure coffee can improve blood circulation. It’s also beneficial for preventing seizures in children, as well as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
If you are interested in ordering coffee, feel free to contact me, Damayanti, at 0852-9773-2855. But I recommend buying genuine coffee directly from the farmers—it helps them more. Remember, drinking authentic coffee is good for your health, unlike instant coffee or artificial blends.
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