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Ethiopian Coffee Part 2

Modern-Day Ethiopian Coffee

Today, Ethiopia is still one of the largest and best producers of coffee in the world. Ethiopia enjoys the same landscape with high elevations and mineral-rich volcanic soil that produces the best coffee in the world - living up to its title as the mother of coffee. 

Ethiopia is the 5th largest producer of coffee in the world and Africa’s largest producer (produces about 39% of all African coffee). What makes coffee from Ethiopia unique is that this crop has been growing in the region naturally for centuries. As a native crop, Ethiopian coffee maintains the best natural and original characteristics. 

As the birthplace of coffee, this beverage is truly entrenched within Ethiopia’s culture - visible through everyday life in the country. 

Ethiopian Coffee Features

  • Coffee species: Coffea Arabica 

  • Coffee growing regions: Over 10 regions

  • Coffee growing altitude: 4,922-7,218 feet/ 1500-2200 meters

  • Processing method: Dry (natural) or wet (washed)

  • Coffee profiles: Well-balanced to intense with complex acidity

  • Flavor profile: Typical notes of berry, citrus, fruits, floral, wine, spice, and chocolate

Ethiopian Coffee Growing Regions

Ethiopia primarily grows longberry, shortberry, and mocha beans. Longberry arabica beans have the largest size and are highly valued for their better flavor quality. While still of high value, shortberry arabica beans are small and primarily grown in the eastern part of the country. 

Mocha arabica beans are exclusively grown in the Harrar region and are sometimes referred to as the mocha harrar beans. A type of peaberry, mocha harrar develops some of the best and unique flavors and aromas. 

Blessed with a mountainous landscape, Ethiopia offers just the right conditions for arabica coffee to thrive. Coffee in the country typically grows at 4,922 to 7,218 feet above sea level in over 10 key regions. These include Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, Harar, Bebeka, Teppi, Limu, Jimma, Illubabor, Lekempti, Wellega, and Gimbi. 

You will easily know which region the coffee you buy comes from due to the labeling. Single-origin Ethiopian coffee is treated the same way as Champagne from France or Parmigiano (Parmesan) Cheese from the Reggiano region of Italy. 

Today, coffee from Yirgacheffe, Harrar, and Sidamo is labeled with the region’s trademarked name so you know the origin. But, single-origin coffee from other regions in the country are also labeled with their regional names, although they don't hold an official trademark.

Sidamo 

This southern Ethiopia region features some of the highest altitude-grown coffee, known as SHG or Strictly High Grown coffee. Sidamo coffee has some of the best flavors due to its growing nature. The higher altitude growing conditions mean that the beans take longer to grow and mature. 

As a result, this gives the crop enough time to develop its sugars and in turn, its flavors. Further, the Sidamo region boasts highly enriched soil paired with a perfect climate with low temperatures and average rains. This results in some of the best quality coffee to grow in the region. 

Sidamo coffee boasts a well-balanced body with crisp acidity and a rich mouthfeel. It offers notes of citrus and berry and a bright finish. The best part? Coffee from Sidamo is usually priced much lower than Yirgacheffe coffee.


Guji

The southern Guji region also produces delicious coffee. Guji coffee beans have a medium profile and acidity. They typically develop sweet and fruity flavors, characterized by notes of dark chocolate, nectarine, and peach.

Harrar

Located in the Eastern Highlands of Ethiopia, the Harar province is one of the oldest coffee-growing regions of the country. Harrar is believed to be one of the cradles of arabica coffee. Today, the coffee from the Harrar region still holds reverence. The region is known to produce a unique wild arabica bean varietal that is highly valued on the market. 

Harrar coffee develops a spicy and sometimes fruit or berry-like flavor and wine-like texture with medium acidity and a full creamy body. On the other hand, the region Mocha Harrar coffee also develops a distinctively delicious profile with notes of spice, chocolate, and citrus.

*Harar coffee farmers dry process the coffee and have an interesting use for its by-products. Shells from the beans are usually collected and used to make a local tea delicacy, known as hasher qahwa.

Limu

Located in the southwestern Oromia region, Limu is another prominent coffee-growing zone in Ethiopia. Like Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, and Harrar, Limu is a highly sought-after gourmet coffee. 

This is because of its good cup and balanced body with a nuanced sweet and tart flavor profile. Typically rounded medium-sized, Limu coffee has a mix of sweet, fruity, and citrus flavor notes with a tart, wine-like acidity.

Other Coffee Growing Regions 

As the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia boasts a wide range of other coffee-growing regions - each with its unique stories and equally delicious coffee. Less commonly known coffee-growing regions in Ethiopia include Bebeka, Teppi, Jimma, Illubabor, Lekempti, Wellega, Gimbi, Genika, and Kaffa.

Grab Your Supply of the Best Single-Origin Ethiopian Coffee from Coast2Coast Roasters

Are you ready to grab your supply of the best Ethiopian coffee? Coast2Coast Roasters offers the Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, and Limu coffee you can get your hands on. The roaster carries some of the best coffee beans from these regions with the following unmatched profiles:

  • The delicate Sidamo Coffee beans offer a sweet and spicy flavor and aroma profile with undertones of berry, baker’s chocolate, pink peppercorn, peach, and fresh-cut cedar. 

  • Yirgacheffe Coffee beans have a medium body that works great for beginners and experienced coffee lovers. The coffee also boasts a uniquely pleasant floral flavor and aroma profile. 

  • The premium Limu Coffee beans have a rich, aromatic, and balanced profile with a blend of green apple, cantaloupe, lime, spice, and floral flavors and aromas.

In addition to the premium choices, Coast2Coast Roasters stand out among other roasts with perks that make them worthy suppliers for your caffeine liquid gold. 

Coast2Coast roasters guarantee:

  1. A fresh batch that has not been sitting on shelves for months

  2. Small batch roasting to ensure freshness and quality

  3. Ethically sourced and traceable single-origin coffee to ensure fair pay supply chain - reflected in their pricing

  4. Whole bean and different grind level options -including coarse, espresso, and drip



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