Ethiopia is considered to be the birthplace of coffee. The country has been growing coffee beans for centuries. It has amazing traditions and culture of cultivating coffee that allows achieving excellent harvests and products of premium quality. But is there any special about the best ethiopian coffee? Does it really have an unforgettable taste and aroma? Let’s find out the answers to these common questions asked by thousands of coffee enthusiasts.
Growing Coffee In Ethiopia: The History
The tribes who lived on the territory of modern Ethiopia have started to consume coffee in the form of raw berries, getting all the benefits of their stimulating effects. Since then, the country gained exceptional results in growing coffee and exporting it all the continents globally.
Ethiopia started to develop the industry of growing coffee in the 1950s. During this period, the country’s governments established a unique system for classifying coffee. This measure rocket launched the production and sales of coffee to other countries, stimulated cultivators to grow the top quality beans, and gave the impulse to the entire economy to develop at a steady rate.
Coffee Production In Ethiopia: Present Times
Currently, Ethiopia takes 10th place in the list of the biggest coffee producers worldwide. It occupies around 5% of the world coffee market that is pretty impressive. Moreover, approximately 15 million people in Ethiopia are working in the industries related to producing and selling coffee.
As for the most popular sorts grown in the country, this is top-quality Arabica. It is also worth mentioning that Ethiopia has a mono-economy focused mainly on the coffee industry. The beans are grown in an organic and customer-friendly way with no chemicals or pesticides uses during cultivation. Coffee can also be wet and dry-processed. Most coffee beans are produced for export to the developed countries. What types of coffee are made in Ethiopia?
Forest
This type of beans is grown in the wild forests of South East of the country. Forest coffee is considered to be one of the most eco-friendly cultivating alternatives. The beans are grown in the shade of big trees and bushes. They are gathered by farmers with no harm to the natural environment.
Semi-forest
This method has much in common with cultivating forest coffee. However, it allows minor human intervention into a natural balance. Some bushes might be cut to regulate shade for growing the best beans. This method is commonly used in the southwestern part of the country.
Garden
This type of coffee is grown in the residencies of Ethiopian farmers. The coffee trees might be intercropped with other plants, like a false banana. This is a more controlled and manageable way to grow beans since farmers are choosing only the most productive trees, as well as might add some organic fertilizers. Garden coffee offers better harvests than other popular methods of cultivating beans.
Plantation
This coffee is produced on huge farms, both state and private. Plantation coffee farmers benefit from using the most innovative cultivating methods, including adding fertilizers, mulching, and stumping. Furthermore, only the best seeds are chosen for farming, while the plants’ density is also taken into consideration.
Top Ethiopian Coffee Blends
Yirgacheffe
This is one of the world-known blends of coffee you can easily find in your local supermarket. It contains a high caffeine level and has a rich floral taste. The drinks made from this sort of coffee a very gentle and elegant. Some varieties can also have some citrus and almond flavors.
Jimma
If you try dry-processed Jimma coffee, you will hardly enjoy it. However, the wet-processed blend is simply amazing. It has a cocoa and dark chocolate aftertaste that is considered classical for most caffeine drinks.
Harrar
Unlike most blends on our list, this is a dry-processed coffee that offers a fruity taste and aroma. Some coffee admirers also enjoy drinking Harrarwith a perfectly balanced hint of blueberry.
Limu
This sort is considered to be a gourmet option. It has a very sharp yet unforgettable taste with some acid tones. Some Limu blends might also have spicy hints that are good for those enthusiasts who enjoy drinking unusual and diverse caffeine drinks.
Sidamo
This blend has gained world fame with its outstanding lemon aroma with some wood hints. In case you are searching for a caffeine drink with a soft aroma, Sidamo might be a perfect solution to all your demands.
Lekempti
This sort of blend has a very different taste and aroma. It depends on the cultivating and processing methods. As a rule, it has lower acidity and a fantastic aroma.
Ethiopian coffee blends are very diverse. However, the country always offers premium-quality products that will suit the demands of even the most experienced coffee lovers. Just try different combinations to find the most fitting alternative to your particular taste and needs. Picking up your favorite blend is always easy.
