Sumatra has a long history of producing coffee of exceptional quality. The story of how coffee growing reached Sumatra, is a charming tale of legend, and opportunity.

It is generally believed that the coffee plant originated in the Yemen formally called Arabia where travellers and explorers from Europe visiting the area as early as the late 15th century and early 16th discovered a developed and growing coffee industry.  They were amazed and delighted, enjoying the hospitality of the well-established coffee houses.

Naturally they wanted to take and establish coffee in their spheres of influence but it was forbidden by the authorities to take raw coffee beans, the seed of the coffee tree, out of Arabia. Coffee belonged to Arabia.

Legend has it that Baba Budan, a Sufi Saint, successfully smuggled coffee beans concealed in his beard or clothes while returning from a pilgrimage to Mecca. He took them to his home in Chikmagalur in India, where he successfully grew them.

The Dutch East India Company had a large influence in spreading coffee throughout the world. The Dutch governor of Malabar, India, sent coffee beans to Java and Sumatra in the late 17 Century. Soon after, seedlings were sent to the botanical houses in Amsterdam where they were propagated and coffee growing began to spread around the world. Eventually reaching Central and South America.

Sumatra Hutan is an organic, Fairtrade coffee from the north of Sumatra in a rainforest area known for its rich biodiversity and home to many endangered species. We medium roast it to reveal its fine delicate and fruity tropical notes. I think it makes a perfect finish to salads enjoyed as part of a Summer Time Menu following a desert or biscuits and cheese and fruit. I recommend it drunk black.

It will prepare well by all coffee making methods. I hope that you will enjoy this delicate, subtle, fruity variety.

With my very best wishes                      

Tony Higgins