Sidama Coffee

Sidama is a fertile region in southern Ethiopia that spans across the highlands of Lake Awasa in the Rift Valley. The high altitudes that soar beyond 2000 meters above sea level are where Arabica coffee trees grow and ripen slowly in the cool temperatures, resulting in complex flavor profiles and distinct aromas that are characteristic of Sidama green coffee.
The region is home to nearly 8 million people with distinct cultures and traditions among 36 districts that encompass over 50 coffee cooperatives and around 200 washing stations.

How is coffee graded in Ethiopia?

In Ethiopia, coffee is graded based on both its physical quality and cup profile, using a system from Grades 1 to 9, with Grades 1 and 2 representing the highest-quality specialty coffee. Physical grading assesses bean size, shape, color, and defects, while cup quality focuses on sensory attributes like aroma, flavor, acidity, and body. Coffee is also classified by its region of origin, such as Sidama, Guji or Yirgacheffe. The unique terroir of these regions can strongly influence the coffee’s flavor profile. Additionally, coffees are distinguished by processing methods (eg - washed and natural processes) which yield different cup characteristics.

 Natural Process Green Coffee from Ethiopia

Ethiopian green coffee is renowned for its vibrant fruit and floral flavors, characterized by exceptional acidity and sweetness. Among the many coffee-growing districts in the country, Yirgacheffe, Sidama, and Guji are particularly noted for their unique cup profiles. The majority of coffee from Ethiopia is natural processed, which requires fewer resources and minimal infrastructure. Only the ripest coffee cherries are harvested and dried whole, usually on patios or raised beds in the sun, allowing for some fermentation. After achieving optimal moisture levels, the cherries are hulled to separate the fruit from the beans. The natural process results in sweet, intense flavors with a strong fruit-forward profile like the sweet strawberry and star fruit notes found in this Sidama G4 coffee.