Is Ethiopian Coffee not Popular Enough?
Ethiopian coffee is one of the most popular coffee in the world. I mean…It should be!
Ethiopia is where coffee was discovered in the first place. You might have heard about the Nomadic Goats Herder Myth.
Also, are you not one of the fans of Ethiopian coffee beans yet? Because, Gesha is one of Ethiopian coffee beans. Yup! the highest priced one.
Nomadic Goats Herder Myth
Everything in the world has its origin. So as coffee beans. There is a myth about how coffee fruit is discovered in the first place. It is a myth because no one can confirm it.
Once upon a time in Ethiopia, there was a goat herder named Kaldi. He noticed that his goat looked more energized than usual. He found that the goat was eating berries from a plant that he had never seen before.
He soon joined them (eating the berries) and noticed the same effect. After guessing some economic potential (i guess), he eventually brought some of the berries to some local sufi monks.
Sufi monks known for their all nighter praying believe that the berries would give them some use. Later, for their own benefit, they always brought these “magic” cherries everywhere so then coffee finally distributed everywhere they went and soon became popular.
Coffee Producers Region in Ethiopia
In 2004, the Panama Gesha bean became one of the most expensive beans in the world. The beans are named ‘Gesha’ which is from Ethiopia. The coffee plant originated from Gori Gesha Forest, Kaffa region, Ethiopia. Then it was exported to Costa Rica.
After being researched and studied, it finally found its way to Panama and produced by a farm called Hacienda la Esmeralda. It soon became popular with the remarkable taste notes and had high demand so it became the most expensive bean.
Beside Kaffa, there are Sidama, Harrar, Guji, Illubabor, Amaro, Tepi, Welayta, Bebeka, Borena, Arsi and Bale that are known as coffee producers regions from Ethiopia. Each region has their own variety of beans. However, the top three regions are Kaffa, Sidama and Harrar.
Ethiopian Coffee Tasting Notes
From each of many regions, coffee plants produce coffee beans that have its special tasting notes.
For example, Sidamo beans have a rich mouthfeel, complex and full body of flavor.
Harrar beans from the eastern region of Ethiopia have fruity or winey tones, complex blueberry notes, bright (sometimes brilliant) acidity, and with a medium to heavy body that has a dry edge to it.
The western region of Ethiopia produces the Ghimbi coffee beans distinguished by their rich, sharp acidity and complexity of flavors and aromas. (source : espressocoffeeguide.com)
From this many varieties with its own tasting note, everyone can choose based on their own preferences.
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
Just like Finland Coffee Culture, Ethiopia has their own culture which features coffee as the main part of it. From roasting then brewing until serving, they have a special tradition.
The coffee is brewed by first roasting the green coffee beans over an open flame in a pan.
After it is roasted, the fresh roasted beans are placed on an Ethiopian special plate then carried around so the guests may enjoy the fragrance, using their hands to waft the vapors towards themselves and savor the aromas. (source : espressocoffeeguide.com)
Then the beans are crushed using their special pestle and mortar called Zenezena and Mukecha. After grinding, the coffee is put through a sieve several times.
Then it is brewed in a ‘jebena’ then added with some spices that include cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. The boiling pot (jebena) is usually made of pottery and has a spherical base, a neck and pouring spout, and a handle where the neck connects with the base.
The host pours the coffee for all participants by moving the tilted boiling pot over a tray with small, handleless cups from a height of one foot without stopping until each cup is full.
The grounds are brewed three times: the first round of coffee is called ‘awel’ in Tigrinya, the second kale’i and the third ‘baraka’ (‘to be blessed’). (source : Wikipedia)
So, from this story about the culture, producers and the products, Ethiopian coffee beans are indeed one of the most popular in the world.
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