Indonesia is known for its rich and diverse coffee culture.
huuFrom Aceh to Papua, the archipelago's coffee industry is thriving, providing the world with a wide variety of coffee beans. However, there is a type of coffee that is not well known but widely consumed in various regions of Indonesia.
This coffee is called Kopi Daun Kawa and its main ingredients are made from kawa leaves and roots.
In this article we take a closer look at this coffee, its history, flavors and where to find it.
History of Kawa leaf coffee.
The history of kawa leaf coffee dates back to the time when the Dutch colonized most of Indonesia.
The Dutch brought coffee plants, which were later planted and cultivated in various areas of Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi.
At that time, the Dutch also recognized the kawa plant which only grows in some parts of the Indonesian archipelago.
This plant is mainly used as herbal medicine and as an ingredient in various traditional Indonesian dishes.
However, the locals soon learned that kawa roots and leaves can also be used to make aromatic coffee.
This is where the tradition of processing coffee into kawa leaf was born.
This drink is becoming more popular in various regions of Indonesia, especially Sumatra, Aceh, and North Sulawesi.
The process of making kawa leaves.
The presentation of kawa leaf coffee is not like general coffee, where the coffee beans are roasted and then ground.
Instead, the leaves and roots of the kawa are collected from the plant and sliced thinly. Then slow roasted over low heat until golden brown.
This process gives coffee its unique aroma and flavor.
Kawa leaves and roots that have been roasted are ground into a fine powder.
This powder is then steeped in hot water, similar to how tea is made.
The brewing process takes three to five minutes, and the result is a rich, fragrant coffee with a hint of sweetness and earthiness.
the taste of coffee with kawa leaves.
Kawa Leaf Coffee has a unique and complex flavor that is difficult to describe.
The coffee has a strong aroma that stimulates the senses, with hints of spices and flowers.
The flavor is light and earthy, with a subtle sweetness, making it the perfect after-dinner drink.
The texture of Kawa Leaf Coffee is also different from regular coffee.
It has a soft and smooth mouthfeel that glides on the tongue.
The aftertaste of the drink is slightly bitter, but it is still very tasty and remains in the mouth for a while.
Where can I get coffee with kawa leaves?
Kopi Daun Kawa is not available in cafes or restaurants throughout Indonesia. However, you can still find them at various local markets and roadside stalls, especially in Aceh and North Sulawesi.
Also available at various traditional Indonesian coffee shops or coffee shops that specialize in serving traditional Indonesian coffee.
During your visit to Aceh, you may want to check out Kopi Daun Kawa Palas, a well-known brand of Kopi Daun Kawa in the region.
This brand has been around since the 1950s and is now a household name among the locals.
In North Sulawesi, you can find kawa leaf coffee sold in traditional markets and street stalls.
You can also find them in some traditional cafes like Kopi Duwur Bejo or Warung Kopi Tante Reha.
final thoughts.
Daun Kawa coffee is an excellent example of the richness and diversity of Indonesian coffee culture.
This coffee may not be as well known as other Indonesian coffees, but it has a unique flavor and history worth exploring.
If you are a coffee lover, be sure to try Kopi Daun Kawa on your next trip to Indonesia. Who knows, it might just become your new favorite coffee!
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