The best soil to grow coffee plants is volcanic soil because it is rich in nutrients. It is therefore no surprise that the Malay archipelago, comprised of Java, Sumatra and Sulawesi, which were formed by volcanoes, would grow some of the best coffees in the world.
The Mandhelding coffee beans are Arabica beans, and they are grown on Sumatra, the second-largest island in the Republic of Indonesia, on the lofty, volcanic slopes of Mount Leuser in the west, and in Acheh its spelt Aceh in the north. The Sumatran Mandheling coffee is a rare coffee that is smooth with a full body, low acidity and exotic flavours.
It owes its specific flavour to a unique traditional Sumatran process, Giling Basah: coffee growers pick cherries by hand only when they are fully ripe, which is the sign of a quality coffee, and the skin of the beans is hulled when they reach around 50% moisture content, when most milling techniques do so at 10-12%. It results in beans of a dark colour, with herbal tones and a spicy finish.
We roast the beans to a medium-strong roast, which is great for filters, cafetières and even a mild espresso, using profiles that let them reveal their complex, rich tastes.
Grown at altitudes of 900-1,600 meters above sea level
Harvested between June and December
Milled by wet hulling and drying in the sun
Has the aroma of herbs, chocolate, clean earthy, woody notes and spices
These beans are suitable for: a mild espresso, filters and cafetières.
Did you know our ordering system allows you to create your own blends? Order each component of the blend separately and than tell us what do do in the special information box. We can then blend it and if required grind it, saving you a potentially messy kitchen worktop
Blending tip: when deciding on a mixed roast blend it usually works better to have more of the milder roast, less of the stronger.
Blending tip: even the strongest roast can be mixed with a normal tasting blend - so long as you use very little. Start by trying one part in four.
