Ethiopia

What Is Ethiopian Coffee?

Did you know that the word “coffee” comes from “Kaffa," the region in southwest Ethiopia where the Coffea plant was first discovered? As the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia is revered for its beans' exquisite quality and unique flavour notes, which is why Ethiopian coffee is amongst the top in the world. Read more >

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Ethiopian Coffee

Did you know that the word “coffee” comes from “Kaffa," the region in southwest Ethiopia where the Coffea plant was first discovered? As the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia is revered for its beans' exquisite quality and unique flavour notes, which is why Ethiopian coffee is amongst the top in the world.

Ethiopia's high elevations and mountainous regions provide the ideal growing conditions for the coffee plant. Moreover, coffee plants grow naturally in Ethiopia, primarily under shade, among other plants, without using agricultural chemicals. Essentially, they are organically grown (whether or not they are certified as such). Also, because of Ethiopia’s altitude, coffee beans grow slower, allowing them to take in far more nutrients and offering more robust health benefits, including a hefty dose of antioxidants.

There are between six and ten thousand varieties of coffee beans grown in Ethiopia, which are usually distinguished by their region, altitude, and cupping score. For the uninitiated, a cupping score (or cup score) is assigned to a cup of coffee based on a cupping evaluation of the brew. It's no wonder Ethiopian coffee is liked by many.

Characteristics of Ethiopian Coffee

Ethiopian coffee beans are perhaps best known for their complexity, spicy, winey qualities, and distinct acidity. They are graded 1 through 9 by visual inspection for defects and cup scores. 1-2 denotes specialty grade, while 3–9 is reserved for commercial-grade coffee.

Ethiopian coffee is grown in various parts of the country, most notably:

  • Sidamo—coffee here is grown in the highlands between 4,920 and 7,220 feet above sea level. Sidamo’s coffee beans have citrus, berry, and lemon notes and a more acidic taste.

  • Yirgacheffe—coffee here is grown at roughly 2,000 meters and is wet-processed. Considered among the best coffees in the world.

  • Guji—from southeastern part of the country, this Ethiopian coffee produces full-flavoured, strong coffee. Guji coffee has dark chocolate, floral notes, and sweetly tart acidity.

  • Harar—one of the oldest coffee beans, is cultivated in the Eastern Highlands and sorted and processed by hand. Balanced and full-bodied coffee that gives off fruit, wine, and mocha notes.

  • Genika—grown in the Bench Maji region, they have a distinct chocolate flavour with hints of spice and wine.

  • Limu—the beans are wet-processed, and the coffee is known for its low acidity.

 

Ethiopian Coffea Arabica beans are classified into three categories:

  • Longberry: the largest beans and the highest in quality.

  • Shortberry: smaller coffee beans, but still considered high quality.

  • Mocha: small beans offering a complex flavour profile and various notes.

Brewing Ethiopian Coffee

Ethiopian coffee beans can be brewed in the same ways as beans from different regions of the world. In Ethiopia, however, coffee is brewed distinctively as part of the Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

Indeed, Ethiopian coffee is central to the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, a cultural custom in Ethiopia and Eritrea. It involves serving coffee to relatives, neighbours, or other visitors during gatherings. The ceremony is typically performed by the woman of the house and is considered an honour.

To prepare the beverage, green coffee beans are roasted over an open flame; the beans are then ground, added to hot water, and left to steep over an open flame for about 10 minutes. People typically add sugar to their coffee, and incense may also be burned during the ceremony.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a coffee lover, you have got to try Ethiopian coffee!

From rich and fruity flavours to bright floral notes, the unique characteristics of Ethiopian coffees make them some of the most sought-after premium coffees in the world. Which will you try?

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