Ethiopia isn’t labeled as the coffee farm region for nothing. A trip to Africa will lead you to this beautiful country that is world-renowned for its coffee. Whether or not you’re a coffee enthusiast, this is a tour that you shouldn’t miss in your life. Coffee first originated in Ethiopia thousands of years ago, so in this country, you’ll experience the culture and history of coffee like no other. Bring home the best Ethiopian beans and brew the finest coffee with the help of your trusted coffee maker.
Looking to learn more? Continue reading for more information about Ethiopia’s coffee farming industry.
Coffee Is Grown In Three Major Regions
Ethiopia produces so much coffee that it’s done in three major regions: Harrar, Ghimbi, and Sidamo, where some of the best coffee in the world come from. The great thing about coffee farming in Ethiopia is that the coffee is cultivated in small farms. Only large estates are run and managed by the government. This gives smaller coffee planters the chance to maintain their own livelihood and not put the industry at risk of monopoly. Because the coffee comes from smaller farms, the products are also chemical-free and are grown and processed naturally.
Coffee From Ethiopia Has Distinct Characteristics
Apart from being one of the best in the world, Ethiopian coffee is also distinct, as it comes from centuries of coffee-making practices. Some of the distinct characteristics of Ethiopian coffee include the following:
- Ethiopian coffee is one that produces different variations in flavor, such as having either a fruity taste or a wine-like acidic taste
- Ethiopian coffee is also one of the healthiest, as the production process is kept simple and organic, and free of chemicals
- Ethiopian coffee from the Harrar region has a fruity and earthy aroma that has given the world Mocha-flavored coffee
Learn more about the distinct characteristics of Ethiopian coffee through this article via homegrounds.co.
Coffee From Ethiopia Has Different Types
Aside from having distinct characteristics, Ethiopian coffee also has different types in terms of flavor, taste, and variety. Some of these include:
- Volcanica Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Coffee: Comes from wild trees found way above sea elevation. The trees produce coffee with fruity flavors.
- Coffee Bean Dark Ethiopian Yirgacheffe: Gives off a dark roast flavor, as it’s roasted slowly for excellent freshness.
- FTO Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Coffee: Is the type of coffee commonly made by smaller farmers. The flavor is also very distinct, as it is a middle point between light and medium, with a dash of citrus flavors.
- Single Origin Ethiopian Harrar Organic Coffee: Is roasted to be a little bit darker than medium roast. The flavor that you’re to expect is between a floral and citrusy one.
- Ethiopian Queen City Harrar Grade 4 Coffee Beans: Are prepared meticulously, as they have to be sun-dried. The process of curing the coffee gives out a unique berry-like flavor.
Coffee Farming In Ethiopia Is Also Highly Cultural
As mentioned, coffee in Ethiopia isn’t just a recent trend. It has been around for centuries, thus, making coffee a part of every Ethiopian’s way of life. The practices, traditions, history, and culture involving coffee have been passed down from generation to generation to ensure that it doesn’t fade, and that the abundance of coffee in the country doesn’t go to waste.
Ethiopia has an ancient proverb that runs across every family: “Buna dabo naw.” When translated in English, this means, “Coffee is our bread.”
Coffee Farming Is Also A Part Of Ethiopia’s Tourism Industry
If you are a coffee enthusiast traveling to the country, no visit to Ethiopia is ever complete without going on a coffee plantation tour. In fact, there are numerous tours that you can take depending on your preferences. There are tour options that take you on a day tour to these plantations, similar to those you can experience from a winery. If you have a little bit more time and you want to relax, you can even spend days in a coffee plantation just relaxing and waking up to beautiful views—and the comforting smell of the best and purest coffee that you can have.
Conclusion
“Kaffa” is the native name for what is known today in English as “coffee.” This term originated from the southwestern region of Ethiopia, its birthplace. Thousands of families in Ethiopia make a living out of coffee, and wherever you may be right now reading this, your coffee might just be from them. If you ever find yourself around Africa one day, give yourself the chance to hop on a coffee tour in Ethiopia, and bring home the best coffee beans as gifts for your family.
Article Submitted By Community Writer