Ethiopian Coffee: A Unique Flavor from the Land of Coffee's Birth
Ethiopia is known not only for its coffee, but also for its embrace of coffee as a cultural heritage.
Instead of the quick coffee consumption common in America, Ethiopians consume coffee throughout the day with pleasure and conversation. Ethiopian coffee beans are considered to be among the finest in the world, and coffee is an integral part of Ethiopian society. To emphasize the importance of coffee, Ethiopians call it “Buna bofta,” which means “coffee is a ceremony,” and shows how special Ethiopian coffee culture is.
If you are a coffee lover, trying Ethiopian coffee should be at the top of your list! You can search for “best Ethiopian coffee beans” or “places that sell Ethiopian coffee” to try this coffee that has become popular all around the world.
So, would you like to learn more about Ethiopian coffee? In this guide, you will discover everything you need to know about Ethiopian coffee’s history, varieties, flavor profile, prices, roasting methods, and growing regions. You will also learn how to brew Ethiopian coffee!
What is Ethiopian Coffee?
Ethiopian coffee is a type of coffee grown and produced in Ethiopia, located in eastern Africa. Ethiopia, considered the homeland of coffee, has a deep-rooted history in coffee production.
Ethiopian coffee plants are usually of the high-quality Coffea Arabica variety. The country's diverse climates, fertile soils, and high altitudes provide excellent conditions for coffee growing. Coffee beans grown in different regions of Ethiopia have unique flavor profiles.
Ethiopian coffee is often known for its bright acidity, fruity and floral notes, and complex flavor profile. The flavor profile can range from citrus, berries, chocolate, and winey notes. The flavor and aroma of the coffee varies depending on many factors, including the region where it is grown, altitude, soil type, and processing method.
Coffee culture has existed in Ethiopia for centuries. Coffee is an important part of social life and the traditional "buna" coffee ceremony has great meaning for Ethiopians. This ceremony involves roasting, grinding and brewing coffee beans in a special pot called jebena. The coffee ceremony is a ritual that strengthens the bond between people.
History of Ethiopian Coffee
The discovery of coffee in Ethiopia is a fascinating story in which history and legends intertwine. In Ethiopia, which is considered the only original source of coffee in the world, the discovery process is told with many legends.
One of the most famous legends is that of the goat herder Kaldi. Kaldi noticed that his goats became more energetic after eating the berries of a certain tree. Curious, he took these berries to the local monks. The monks suspected that the berries might be harmful and threw them into the fire. However, the delicious aroma from the burning beans attracted them and they mixed the roasted beans with water and drank them. Thus, the tradition of drinking coffee began.
Although Kaldi is considered a legendary figure, historians believe that coffee was discovered by the Galla tribe of Ethiopia. Since then, coffee has become Ethiopia's most important export, now accounting for approximately 60% of the country's total exports.
Ethiopian Coffee Varieties
Ethiopian coffee is known for its distinctive fruity and floral flavors. The light to medium-bodied coffee varieties have a pronounced acidity. The final flavor profile of Ethiopian coffee depends on the processing method used.
Ethiopian coffee comes in three main types:
- Longberry: It has larger sized beans and is considered the highest quality Ethiopian coffee.
- Shortberry: Smaller in size than Longberry but still offers high quality and flavor.
- Mocha: It is a type of coffee with various aromas, with cocoa, spice and acidic taste notes.
These different Ethiopian coffee beans offer coffee lovers a variety of flavor profiles, creating a wide range of experiences.
How Are Ethiopian Coffee Beans Processed?
Ethiopian coffee beans are prepared using two main processing methods:
1. Sun Drying Method: Coffee fruits are dried in special drying beds under the sun for several weeks. After drying is complete, the outer shell is removed and the beans are packaged.
2. Wet Processing Method: Coffee fruits are soaked in water and separated according to their density. Then, the outer shell is peeled off and fermented for a few days, and then the process is completed by drying.
How to Make Ethiopian Coffee?
To make Ethiopian coffee at home, you can use the following brewing methods:
- Pour-over (V60): You can brew filter coffee using finely ground coffee.
- French Press: You can obtain an intensely aromatic coffee by using medium-coarse ground Ethiopian coffee beans.
- Espresso: You can make an intense and aromatic espresso using finely ground coffee.
- Cold Brew: You can obtain a refreshing coffee by mixing coffee and water and brewing it for 12-18 hours.
Where to Buy Ethiopian Coffee?
If you are looking to buy Ethiopian coffee beans in Dubai, there are many coffee suppliers and roasters. Traum Kaffee is one of the popular coffee spots in Dubai that offers the best Ethiopian coffee. You can either buy directly from our store or order online and have it delivered to your door.
Contact us to discover the unique taste of Ethiopian coffee!
