Ethiopia Guji Natural Hambela Tirtira Guyo

This is a remarkable Ethiopian bean from the birthplace of coffee.  It comes from the Tirtira Guyo community in the Hambela district in the Guji zone, just south of Yirgacheffe. It is carefully processed at the Benti Nenka washing station. The beans are a beautiful indigenous heirloom arabica, grown at high elevation.

The term natural refers to the fact that it is dry-processed, or dried with the fruit still intact.  The coffee is carefully placed on raised beds and regularly rotated for even drying. This is traditionally grown coffee, and according to our broker:

“While not certified organic, farming methods among smallholders here have traditionally favored organic and regenerative practices, and all produce subsistence crops for the families who live on site . . . all workers and their families receive educational resources, full daily meals, and on-site lodging during the harvest. They are also pursuing sustainability and social governance certifications to expand their global market (source: Royal Coffee).”

When you open the bag of this Ethiopian coffee, you immediately notice the strong berry aroma, and you’ll find a similar flavor in the cup.  We roasted it light, and it tastes of blueberries and stone fruit, with a lingering walnut flavor.  It’s delicious.