Ever wondered what is so special about Ethiopian heirloom coffee varieties? Why do roasters, cafe owners, and coffee exporters keep asking for it? If you have sipped an Ethiopian heirloom coffee, then you might know the difference. Ethiopian coffee varieties are unique in flavour and rich in quality.
Let us understand why Ethiopian heirloom coffee varieties are in high demand. It is known for its complex flavours, floral notes, and rich history. The term heirloom indicates a wide range of native varieties that make the coffee unique. These beans are from wild native coffee plants in Ethiopia that have been grown for centuries.
What is the Ethiopian Heirloom variety?
Ethiopia is home to thousands of indigenous coffee varieties. The buyers and organic coffee exporters source the beans from washing stations that buy cherries from local farmers. The farmers grow different varieties of indigenous coffee plants. So heirloom variety is a term that shows that the coffee bean is not from a single or identified coffee plant. It consists of many different local varieties that give it a unique flavour profile.
Ethiopian Heirloom variety is a mix of different indigenous coffee beans and not from a single variety. This makes Ethiopian coffee different. There are thousands of coffee varieties in Ethiopia. As genetic testing of all those varieties hasn’t been done, it is hard to distinguish coffee varieties. Moreover, cross-pollination in the wild adds complexity in varieties of beans. The term Ethiopian heirloom describes all the varieties of coffee in Ethiopia.
Why do buyers love Ethiopian Heirloom coffee?
If you have ever had an Ethiopian heirloom coffee, then you might know how it is different from normal coffee. Its bright, fruity, and floral flavor is something extraordinary. The beans from wild indigenous plants that grow naturally in the Ethiopian highlands make it special. On top of that, it is grown traditionally by the local farmers, which gives you a quality cup. The Ethiopian heirloom coffee is also about the tradition and culture of the Ethiopian land. Buyers love it for its exceptional flavors and high-quality Arabica varieties grown in ideal conditions.
Rich and Diverse Ethiopian Coffee Regions
Ethiopia is a country that has a distinct climate and fertile soil that make it the best place to grow coffee. Its diverse terrain produces excellent coffee. It has an environment that is ideal for coffee and has many native varieties of coffee. Saying that each region in Ethiopia is different from the others in terms of culture, language, and coffee.
As the climate, soil, altitude, and traditional farming practices change from region to region, the country has coffee with a variety of flavors.
Sidamo: It is a region in southern Ethiopia where coffee with sweet and citrussy notes is common. The high altitude and volcanic soil are the factors that contribute to the complex flavours that fascinate speciality coffee lovers.
Yirgacheffe: The coffee profile of Yirgacheffe is bright, citric acidity, and well-balanced. The washed coffee processing method is predominant in the region.
Guji: This region produces coffee with a bright and fruity flavour. Both washed and natural processing methods are preferred in this region.
Limu: Coffee of the Limu region is sweet, smooth, and clean with subtle acidity.
Organic Coffee of Ethiopia
As more people care about the region where the coffee grows and how it is grown, organic coffee exporters in Ethiopia are gaining much more attention. Organic and ethically sourced coffee beans are always in demand. The traditional farming methods and the fertile soil of the region ensure that the coffee is free from chemicals. Ethiopian coffee is in high demand as it is organic, and coffee exporters of Ethiopia source the beans from the local farmers.
In most of the regions, the coffee is grown under shades, and the coffee cherries are handpicked. Then the coffee is naturally processed using traditional methods. And it is grown by farmers who have been cultivating coffee for generations. The Ethiopian heirloom coffee is also about sustainable farming methods.
Why Coffee Exporters Prefer Ethiopian Heirloom Beans
While choosing the best beans to ship around the world, coffee exporters prefer Ethiopian heirloom beans. It offers all those unique, flavourful profiles to the coffee lovers around the world—from fruity to bold and earthy.
The Ethiopian heirloom beans are a part of Ethiopia’s rich coffee culture and tradition, unique to the region. The variety of indigenous coffee offers a wide range of flavours for different coffee markets in the world.
With rising demand for speciality coffee, which stands apart from mass-produced coffee, more buyers want coffee that offers unique flavours grown at higher altitudes and harvested by local farmers.
Conclusion
For those who truly appreciate coffee, Ethiopian heirloom coffee is more than just a beverage. It connects them to the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia. It represents centuries of tradition and knowledge passed to generations. With its flavourful profiles, it is no surprise that it is in high demand among the coffee exporters and buyers all around the world.