Day 2 of the RISE Coffee Countdown Calendar - Ethiopia, Yirgacheffe
We hope you enjoyed Day 1 and glad to see you back for Day 2! Today we move from Central America over to East Africa. Ethiopia is known for its organic, pesticide free coffee that is generally grown under shade trees.
Did you know? Ethiopia is widely considered the birthplace of coffee! Legend has it that a goatherd named Kaldi first discovered the beans when his goats developed a taste for the red berries...
Origin: Ethiopia
Location: Yirgacheffe
Altitude: 1,700-2,200 masl
Bean: Arabica
Varietals: Ethiopian heirlooms
Process: Hand picked, fully washed (this means the fruit on the outside of the cherry is removed and the bean then washed, to give a cleaner taste!)
Tasting notes: Red Berries, jam, nutmeg, chocolate, bergamot and sugar cane
Why Alice and Ben love it: This coffee is a shade grown coffee and is cultivated under the canopy of native trees and plants, mimicking the coffee plant's natural environment. This traditional farming method provides numerous benefits, both environmentally and in terms of coffee quality. The shade helps regulate temperature, conserve soil moisture, and promote biodiversity by supporting birds, insects, and other wildlife. It also reduces the need for chemical inputs, as the diverse ecosystem naturally controls pests and enriches the soil. Shade-grown coffee often produces beans with enhanced flavour complexity due to slower maturation. It's also handpicked, and having visited Uganda where the coffee is also handpicked, we appreciate how much effort goes into picking each and every bean!
About the coffee:
Ethiopia Yirgacheffe coffee is one of the most celebrated coffees globally, renowned for its distinct flavours, rich heritage, and unique growing conditions. Sourced from the Yirgacheffe region in southern Ethiopia, this coffee is a staple in the specialty coffee world, often considered a benchmark for quality and complexity. Yirgacheffe is located in the Gedeo Zone of Ethiopia’s Southern Nations, and this coffee is grown at around 1,700 to over 2,200 metres above sea level, creating ideal conditions for coffee cultivation.
The Perfect Coffee Growing Conditions
- Altitude: High elevations contribute to slower coffee cherry maturation, enhancing flavour complexity.
- Soil: Rich, fertile volcanic soil provides essential nutrients for coffee plants.
- Climate: Mild temperatures and consistent rainfall create an environment conducive to producing high-quality coffee beans.
The region’s dedication to traditional farming methods further enhances the unique qualities of Yirgacheffe coffee. Many farmers grow coffee on small plots, intercropped with native plants, and use organic practices that have been handed down through generations of coffee farmers.
Coffee farming is a way of life in Yirgacheffe, with most coffee grown on small, family-owned farms. Cooperatives play a vital role in supporting farmers, providing access to resources, education, and fair-trade opportunities. Many Yirgacheffe coffees are certified organic and fair trade, ensuring both environmental sustainability and a better livelihood for farmers.
