Indonesian Coffee & Avocado Smoothie Recipe

Indonesian Coffee: A Journey Through Flavor and Tradition

Nestled in Southeast Asia, the Republic of Indonesia lies between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This largest island country is renowned for its infamous coffee regions such as Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Java. The island of Java was home to the earliest coffee plantations established by the Dutch East India Company. Indonesia’s proximity to the equator and its unique microclimates make it an ideal location for coffee cultivation, imparting distinctive flavor notes of cedar, cinnamon, and cocoa to its beans.

Historical Significance of Indonesian Coffee

Indonesia's coffee history dates to the 17th century when the Dutch introduced coffee cultivation. Java, the most famous of Indonesia's coffee islands, became synonymous with high-quality coffee. The legacy of these early plantations continues today, making Indonesian coffee a staple in the global coffee industry.

Unique Coffee Regions of Indonesia

- Sumatra: Known for its rich, full-bodied beans, Sumatran Coffee often features earthy, chocolatey notes with hints of spice. The region's wet-hulling process, known as "Giling Basah," contributes to its distinctive flavor profile.

- Sulawesi: Coffee from Sulawesi, particularly the Toraja region, is celebrated for its smooth, balanced taste with vibrant acidity and complex notes of dark chocolate, fruit, and spice.

- Java: Java Coffee is renowned for its smooth, clean profile with a bright acidity and subtle fruity and nutty undertones. It is one of the oldest coffee-producing regions in Indonesia.

Kopi Luwak: The World’s Most Expensive Coffee

The Asian palm civet, a small, cat-like creature found in the forests of Indonesian islands like Sumatra, Java, and Siberut, plays a crucial role in producing this exclusive coffee. The civet’s diet includes small insects, mango, and rambutan, but they struggle to digest coffee cherries fully. After consuming the cherries, the civet excretes the undigested portions, which are then collected, washed, dried, and roasted to create kopi luwak. Due to the rarity of these cherries, a single cup of civet coffee can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 USD.

Indonesian Coffee Avocado Smoothie Recipe: Es Alpukat

Es Alpukat is a delightful Indonesian coffee drink known for its creamy texture and refreshing taste, thanks to the avocado. Typically served over ice in Indonesia, we prefer it blended for a smoother consistency. This recipe serves 2.

Ingredients:

- 1 ripe avocado (or 1/2 if your avocado is super-large)

- 1 cup strongly brewed Sumatra Coffee, chilled

- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

- 2 cups Coffee Ice Cubes

- 2 teaspoons vanilla or chocolate syrup (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Scoop out the avocado flesh with a spoon and discard the seed and skin.
2. Add the avocado, coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice to a blender.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Drizzle lines of chocolate syrup along the sides of two glasses.
5. Pour the blended mixture into the glasses and top with additional chocolate syrup.
6. Optional: For a decorative touch, create a spiral shape on top with chocolate syrup and use a toothpick to pull lines from the center outward, forming a flower motif.

Notes:

-Coffee-Free Version: Replace the coffee with milk for a non-caffeinated version of this smoothie.

Discover the rich flavors and unique history of Indonesian coffee with this Es Alpukat recipe. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just looking for a refreshing new drink, this Indonesian Coffee Avocado Smoothie is sure to impress.

What is Sumatra Coffee?

Sumatra Coffee and Women Coffee Farmers

Java Coffee

Indonesian Coffee: A Brief Tale of Java