Biodynamics is a holistic, ecological and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food and nutrition. Biodynamic agriculture has been practiced for nearly a century on every inhabited continent on Earth. Its principles and practices are based on the spiritual insights and practical suggestions of Dr. Rudolf Steiner and have been developed through the collaboration of farmers and researchers since the early 1920’s. Today, the biodynamic movement encompasses thousands of regenerative gardens, farms, ranches orchards and vineyards in a wide variety of climates, ecological contexts and economic settings.
Biodynamic farmers strive to create a diversified yet balanced ecosystem in their farms that generates health and fertility as much as possible from within the farm itself. Preparations made from fermented manure, minerals and herbs are used to help restore and harmonize the vital life forces of the farm and to enhance the nutrition, quality and flavor of the food being raised. Biodynamic practitioners also recognize and strive to work in cooperation with the subtle influences of the wider cosmos on soil, plant and animal health. Bali, the island of gods and land of exceptional vibrations, is very well synced with the concept of biodynamic farming.
It is our vision to continue to expand in the field of education, as it gives great meaning and joy in sharing and spreading this concept of farming to those who are interested. We also hope to share our wholesome and naturally grown produce so that more people can benefit from the taste and nutrition of untainted real foods.
OUR COFFEE
We start our coffee making process by treating the most important and basic aspect – soil healing and nourishing. Balancing the microorganism of the soil and understanding how our ecosystem work is of utmost importance. Here at Batukaru coffee estate, we make our own probiotics to feed the soil. Rico bacterium is a type of bacteria that not only protects our seedling from bacteria attack but promote healthy and vibrant plant growth. Healthy bacteria such as Trichoderma and Gliocladium also naturally provide nutrients to the seedlings. This power nutrition is made from fermented fruits where a balanced ecosystem can absorb at its optimal. The process from seedling to harvest takes 2.5 years and our first harvest was in June 2016. The majority of our coffee making process is manual, from picking the best Arabica berries to sorting, washing and drying.
We are committed to the concept of biodynamic farming and by doing so we are able to deliver naturally grown premium grade Arabica coffee beans. The light roasting of our beans allows a slow release of the coffee aroma. Experts have told us from the taste of our coffee there is a hint of berries, turmeric and cacao. Come, taste and see if you agree.
OTHER PRODUCE
Besides our coffee plantation, a host of wild grown fruits and vegetables can be found on our estate. There are well over 50 varieties of fruits and vegetables growing on our estate.
Avocados, bananas, jackfruits, cacao, morninga, passion fruits, durians, noni, soursop, mangosteens, green mangoes, mulberries, blackberries, strawberries, elderberry, kaliasem, green beans, beetroot, carrot, cucumber, celery, parsley, green and purple aubergine pumpkins, chillies, limes, sweet potatoes, labu Siam, pakis, bitter gourd, mint, basil, rosemary, thyme, dill, sugar cane, cassava, pandan, local rubharb, small potatoes…to name some.
We believe in eating with the seasons, and very often we harvest these wild growns for garden-to-table meals, prepared in home cooked manner, and has always been a special treat for our guests. Surpluses such as palm nectar and red rice are packed and sold in organic fine foods markets.
BATUKARU PALM NECTAR
Our palm nectar is sustainably tapped and wild harvested, ensuring the ecological balance of the natural environment.
We use traditional methods to process the sap by hand, cooking down the nectar until it thickens, producing a thick syrup that has a smoky caramel and coffee finishing.
Palm nectar has some amazing health benefits :
1. Nutritional Benefits
Palm Nectar is an excellent source of minerals and vitamins such as vitamin B1, vit. B2, vit. B3 vit. B6, vit. B12, zinc, potassium, iron and amino acids. It also comprises of fructose, sucrose and glucose.
2. Oral Rehydration Solution
Palm nectar is an excellent substitute for making oral rehydration solution, which is used for the maintenance of the electrolyte balance within the body cells. Oral rehydration solution is very useful for people suffering from vomiting, diarrhea as the dehydration caused by fluids leaving the body can be replenished by supplying fluid electrolytes for energy.
3. Low-caloric Content
Although the palm sugar is sugary in taste, it has a low GI (Glycemic Index) of less that 41. GI level below 55 is generally believed to be a low one and more beneficial for health.
JATILUWIH RED RICE
The Jatiluwih rice terraces are said to be some of the best-preserved in the Balinese subak system, as profiled in the UNESCO inscription.
The subak is an intricate management system of water distribtuion, demonstrating close interaction between man and nature. Water for irrigation comes from numerous natural springs, that flow out from various points, throughout the subak system. Natural springs, earmarked with special water temples, or “tirta bhet gedong”, contribute to the volume of irrigation water for the rice paddies, flowing through small water channels called “parit”. Farmers give respect to the springs through a variety of offerings and rituals, recognizing the continuity of life and food production, and demonstrating the unified spirit of cooperation and preservation for this ancient water management system.
Our red rice is a non genetically modified seedling and is a yearly harvest crop. These real foods are hard to come by, as we are well aware of the full threats of indiscriminating commercial farming and modified seedlings monopolised by large corporations.
Benefits of red rice :
1. Rich in fiber
Red/brown rice, red/brown rice or black rice has a high fiber content. complex carbohydrates that are good for health.
2. Controlling blood sugar levels
Red/brown rice has a low glycemic index. The glycemic index is a number that indicates the potential for increased blood sugar that comes from carbohydrates. With a low glycemic index, red/brown rice has a part in regulating blood sugar levels and insulin production. In addition, red/brown rice is a good source of energy that the body needs.
3. Makes one feel full faster
A study conducted in the British Journal of Nutrition found that eating complex carbohydrates, such as oatmeal, red/brown rice and potatoes, will make you full faster for hours hence aids in lesser caloric intake.
4. Contains antioxidants to counteract free radicals
Red/brown rice is a good source of iron or manganese. Mangan, which is instrumental in producing energy for the body is an essential component of the enzyme and is an antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals. In addition, red/brown rice is rich in zinc, a mineral that helps accelerate wound healing and maintain the body’s immune system to function properly. Similar to iron or manganese, zinc is also rich in antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals that can damage cells and tissues in the body.
5. Containing Vitamin B6
By eating just one serving of red/brown rice, one can meet 23 percent of vitamin B6, the amount needed for the optimal functioning of organs. This vitamin is needed to help balance the formation of serotonin, red blood cells and helps the production of DNA cells.
6. Lowering bad cholesterol levels
Red/brown rice is known to help lower bad cholesterol. By eating red/brown rice, it will help increase the level of good cholesterol. Therefore red rice can be a staple food and a good source of carbohydrates for health.
CACAO
Benefits of Cacao :
Raw cacao powder has more than 300 phytochemicals and nearly four times the antioxidant power of regular dark chocolate, and contains protein, calcium, carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, magnesium, and sulfur. These properties can be destroyed by high heat, so it’s important to know just what type of processes your cocoa powder and baking chocolate have undergone.
Cacao can improve heart health, cholesterol, stress levels, and inflammation, to list just a few physical advantages. Fringe benefits of cacao is that when consumed it releases anandamide, endorphins, phenylethylamine, and serotonin into the brain, all sparking descriptives like “blissful” and “euphoric.” All this satisfying goodness comes from a frothy mug of hot cocoa or a creamy bar of unadulterated chocolate. It’s no wonder the Spanish called it “black gold.”