A New Commodity in Asia

When we think of coffee, we normally think of South America. But few people are aware of coffee from Asia, more specifically Southeast Asia. The plant was first introduce to Asia in the late 1600s by an India Sufi saint named “Baba Budan”. And by the 17^th century the plant spread into the rest of Asia. From India to Indonesia.

 Coffee was first introduce in Indonesia by the Dutch during colonization in the late 17^th century. There are many varieties from the Indonesian Archipelago. The word Java derived from when Europe and America’s coffee was grown in Java. As a result, Indonesia has become one of the world’s largest coffee producer, mostly for exporting.

 The climate and soil conditions in the Philippines makes the country suitable for all four varieties of commercially viable: Arabica, Liberica (Barako), Excelsa, and Robusta. Thus, making the Philippines one of the few countries that produces all four variety of coffees. In 1740 a Spanish monk introduce the first plant to Lipa, Batangas. From there the plant spread to Ibaan, Lemery, San Jose, Taal, and Tanauan. Therefore, much of Batangas wealth was from the coffee plantations in these areas. Lipa would become the coffee capital of the Philippines.

According to 2005 statistics, Vietnam is one of the world’s main coffee exporters. The first imported variety from Vietnam is was Arabica in 1857. The first planting was in the northern part of the country. And then spread to the central highlands of Vietnam. Therefore, the central highland of Vietnam is now recognized as the ideal place for growing. French colonist imported two variety in 1908. They were Robusta and Liberica, only after they found that Arabica was not viable. They would bring Congo coffee into the central highlands. Here the plant would flourish. The central highlands would be the prime area to grow in Vietnam.

In conclusion, South East Asia have added another valuable commodity other than herb and spices. Although Asia mostly export their coffee to Europe, the rest of the world will now be able to enjoy a cup of morning brew from mountains of Asia.  This special little bean has become an important part of the economy in Asia.  The next time you’re in this part of the world. Have a cup of locally grown coffee with that view from your cottage.