Description

Bajawa Forest Coffee – Natural is a specialty coffee grown on the volcanic slopes of Bajawa, on the island of Flores (Indonesia), where the plants grow within agroforestry systems that preserve biodiversity and terroir. Hand-picked and processed using a natural method (dry process), this microlot produced by JYN Group Indonesia delivers a rich and captivating sensory profile in the cup: dark chocolate and vanilla blend with nuances of ripe fruit such as plum, lychee, and berries, while delicate floral notes, a hint of exotic pineapple, and light spices complete the aromatic profile. The body is medium-full and velvety, the acidity soft and bright, and the finish is rounded, persistent, and enveloping.

The Bajawa "forest coffee" tradition emphasizes sustainable practices that protect the environment: growers preserve native trees, allow for spontaneous hybridization, and use traditional sun-drying methods. After hand-picking the ripest cherries, the fruits are spread out on bamboo patios and constantly turned for even drying, which can last up to four weeks. During this time, the pulp slowly ferments and imparts a rich, complex sweetness to the beans. Only at the end is the pulp removed, revealing blue-gold beans ready for sorting.

In the Bajawa region, Arabica reigns supreme: the dominant varieties are Tipica and Line S, grown between 1,200 and 1,500 meters above sea level. Here, the volcanic soils, enriched by the eruptions of three active volcanoes—Inerije, Wolobobo, and Ebulobo—offer ideal conditions for growing exceptionally high-quality beans. The area dedicated to Arabica remains limited, less than 10,000 hectares in total, often fragmented into small, community-managed plots. Many of these lands, called "tanah adat" (ancestral lands), are collectively owned and cannot be sold or used for purposes other than those established by the community. In other areas, however, coffee is grown within protected forests, with the obligation to keep the tall trees intact to ensure a balance between humanity and nature.

This coffee is more than just an agricultural product: it is the expression of a profound connection to the land, its traditions, and the community that preserves it. An integral part of the Slow Food Coffee Coalition network, Bajawa Forest Coffee represents a model of a transparent, ethical, and sustainable supply chain, capable of combining sensory quality, history, and environmental protection in a complex, elegant, and memorable cup.

Product Details