ETHIOPIA - SIDAMA

Tasting Notes: Black Tea, chamomile, Lemon

Origin: Ethiopia

Varietal: JARC Selection 74158

Process: Washed

The story behind the cup...

Sidama, Ethiopia

Sidama, in southern Ethiopia, is celebrated for its fertile soils, high altitude, and ideal climate for producing exceptional coffee. Formerly known as Sidamo, the region officially became a state in 2020 following a referendum.

In the rich area of Shantawene, around 940 small producers bring their cherries to the Buncho Washing Station, run by Daye Bensa. Despite challenges such as limited electricity, water, and road access, Daye Bensa is making real improvements - installing transformers, building roads, and offering advanced training to farmers.

Sustainability is central to their work: water is sanitized and reused, while leftover cherry pulp is turned into natural fertilizer. Processing begins with handpicking only the ripest cherries, removing floaters, then de-pulping with eco-friendly machinery before fermentation. The beans are then rested for up to two weeks before being transported to the dry mill.

The result is a vibrant, beautifully processed coffee that showcases why Ethiopia is world-renowned for its coffee quality.