Indonesia is a tropical country with a stable temperature and humidity, making it an ideal place for tea plants to thrive. Tea production in Indonesia began in the 1700s as a decorative plant and has since become the seventh-largest tea producer in the world. Here are the top 6 most famous Indonesian teas to try on your visit to Indonesia.
History of Indonesian Tea
In 1828, the tea tree was planted in Wanayasa and Raung, and the expected success of the tea industry led to the cultivation system by the Netherlands for the Indonesian people. In the early twentieth century, Indonesians began exporting tea to Europe, gaining popularity for its high premium quality. In 2018, Indonesia produced 144,015 tonnes of tea, much of which was exported.
- Indonesia Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea is a delicious scented tea made from jasmine flower petals. The fragrance of jasmine tea can help reduce stress and give a sense of relaxation to the body and mind. To make jasmine tea, pick jasmine flowers early in the morning, choose the flowers whose petals are still closed, and let the petals dry to produce maximum scent. Alternatively, pour hot water over the flowers to make the water fully scented.
- Indonesia Black Tea
Black tea is the most popular tea in Indonesia and is made from large-leaved tea trees. The process of making it is similar to any other normal tea, with the chosen tea leaves withered by water, rolled, and fermented before being heated. Fermentation is the key process determining black tea’s quality, and the unique scent and flavor of the tea will then be formed, lasting for years.
- Indonesia Breadfruit Leaf Tea
Breadfruit only grows in tropical regions like Indonesia and contains a lot of nutrition, including fosfor, calcium, protein, vitamin A, B1, B2, and antioxidants. Making breadfruit leaf tea is similar to making typical tea: Choose the good leaves, rinse them with water, and let them dry in the sunshine. Drinking tea made from breadfruit leaves helps reduce hypertension, keep cholesterol levels in control, cure arthritis, diabetes, maag, and prevent colon cancer.
- Indonesia Rose Tea
Rose tea is made by choosing the best pesticide-free petals and pouring water over them for several hours to wait for the fragrance. Drinking rose tea can relieve anxiety and depression, thanks to the essence and aroma of the roses, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, D, C, B3, and citric acid. This tea is also helpful in preventing constipation and weight loss.
- Indonesia Daun Kopi Tea
Daun kopi tea is made from coffee tree leaves, which contain more antioxidants than black tea, helping prevent free radicals and reduce the risk of diseases like cancer. Drinking this tea can also lower the sugar level in the blood, hence reducing the risk of diabetes.
- Indonesia Daun Jati Tea
Daun jati tea is made from teak tree leaves, known for their numerous benefits, including containing an anthranoid compound that stimulates intestinal contraction, cleanses toxic and dirty blood, and lowers cholesterol levels. Drinking this tea is highly recommended during your visit to Indonesia.