Day 11 of the RISE Coffee Countdown Calendar - Ethiopia, Sidamo
Origin: Ethiopia
Location: Sidamo, Oromia
Altitude: 1,900 masl
Bean: Arabica
Varietals: Bourbon
Process: Natural (naturally dried in the sun)
Tasting notes: Chocolate, berries and citrus
Why Alice and Ben love it: This medium body coffee doesn't have the same boldness of the coffees in the calendar so far, but we wanted to show off some of the delightful flavours natural fermented coffees have to offer. With its distinctive, sometimes boozy taste, natural coffees can be an acquired taste—but we absolutely love this one!
About the coffee:
Sidamo is a popular coffee growing region in southern Ethiopia, and is renowned for producing some of the finest specialty coffees in the world. This high-altitude region, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,200 meters above sea level, provides the perfect conditions for coffee farming. Sidamo coffee is primarily of the Arabica variety, celebrated for its complex flavour profiles and vibrant acidity.
The region's rich, volcanic soil, coupled with a temperate climate, enables coffee plants to thrive. Farmers in Sidamo predominantly use traditional, organic farming methods, and the coffee is often shade-grown, which enhances its quality. Most of the coffee is intercropped with (farmed alongside) banana, papaya, tea and avocado plants.
Sidamo coffee is distinguished by its unique flavour notes, often described as a harmonious blend of citrus, floral, and berry undertones. These flavours are complemented by a medium body and bright acidity, making Sidamo coffee highly sought after by coffee connoisseurs. Like all of our countdown coffees, this coffee is single origin, meaning it comes from one distinctive origin, showcasing the specific beans and flavours from that region.
Beyond its exceptional taste, Sidamo coffee embodies Ethiopia's rich coffee culture. Known as the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia holds a deep connection to this crop, and Sidamo stands out as a gem among its diverse coffee-producing regions.
