Ethiopia is known around the world as the birthplace of coffee, and it’s no surprise that the country is home to some of the best coffee in the world. In recent years, Ethiopia has been gaining a reputation for producing some of the finest specialty coffees, coveted by coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. In this article, we’ll take a dive into the world of Ethiopian specialty coffee and discover some of the treasures that lie within.
The History of Coffee in Ethiopia
Coffee has been an essential part of Ethiopian culture for centuries, with the country’s coffee culture dating back to the 9th century. Local legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi discovered the power of coffee after noticing that his goats became energized after eating the berries of a particular plant. From there, the use of coffee spread throughout Ethiopia and beyond.
Ethiopia grows a variety of coffee cultivars, including heirloom varietals that have been passed down from generation to generation. This diversity of beans allows for a range of flavors and profiles, making Ethiopia a unique coffee-growing region.
Ethiopian Specialty Coffee beans that have been rated 80 points or above out of 100 by a certified coffee taster. Specialty coffee is often produced in small batches, with a focus on quality and sustainability.
In Ethiopia, specialty coffee has become a major industry in recent years. This is in part due to the country’s rich coffee heritage and the unique flavor profiles that Ethiopian coffees offer.
Ethiopian specialty coffee is often known for its floral and fruity notes, with flavors like jasmine, lemon, and blueberry commonly found in Ethiopian coffees. These distinct flavors are a result of the country’s unique terroir, as well as the use of traditional processing methods.
The Three Regions of Ethiopian Coffee
Ethiopian specialty coffee can be divided into three regions: Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, and Harrar.
Sidamo coffee is grown in the southern region of Ethiopia and is known for its earthy and spicy notes. Coffee from this region is often medium-bodied and has a bright acidity.
Yirgacheffe coffee is grown in the central region of Ethiopia and is often described as having a floral and citrusy flavor profile. Yirgacheffe coffee is known for its bright acidity and fruity overtones.
Harrar coffee is grown in the eastern region of Ethiopia and is known for its winey, fruity, and chocolatey notes. Harrar coffee is often characterized as having a full body and a complex flavor profile.
Conclusion
Ethiopian specialty coffee offers a unique and dynamic range of flavors, with distinct floral and fruity notes that are highly sought after by coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs around the world. With a rich coffee culture dating back centuries, Ethiopia is a treasure trove of specialty coffee that is just waiting to be discovered.