THE GREAT ETHIOPIAN COFFEE
Ethiopia is known to be the birthplace of coffee Arabica. Now, more countries grow and export this type of coffee along with other types. The age-old tradition of brewing coffee in Ethiopia dates centuries back. I know that by now, every coffee lover knows the story of Kaldi, the young goat herder that discovered coffee, or even the coffee ceremonies that are observed to date. If you are interested in getting to know a little bit about Ethiopian coffee, read on.
Many coffee producers will attest to the fact that there are different types of coffees depending on the production process and the origin (because of climatic conditions and soil components). Coffee from Ethiopia is famous, and for good reason. It is said that this type of coffee is grown slowly allowing it to absorb enough nutrients in the soil, creating rich and delicate flavors in the beans.
The places that grow coffee in Ethiopia are Harar, Yirgacheffe, and Limu regions- each with varying delicacies. The most common of these places is Yirgacheffe. The good news is, that you do not have to travel to Africa to get this coffee, coffee shops like Brownycoffee proudly help you get to experience coffee from this region in the comfort of your home.
What is even more fascinating is the simplicity that comes with producing the famous Ethiopian coffee. After being plucked from the shrubs, the bright-colored berries are sorted, dried, washed, and then roasted. The high acidity that comes with this coffee makes it mild and delicate on the palate. These beans are also characterized by the complexity of fruity, winey flavors and a strong floral aroma.
Fun fact number 1; the ripe berries can be eaten raw. They have a sweet and sour taste allowing them to be used as a snack, some Ethiopians mix them up with other spices and nuts. Fun fact number 2; unlike other African countries that produce and export coffee, Ethiopia consumes a high percentage of coffee grown (50% -55%). That says a lot about their coffee culture. Doesn’t it feel nice to consume a product that the producers love so much?
If you are more adventurous than most people, you could get whole bean roasted coffee from Brownycoffee and grind it in the comfort of your home. You can enjoy a good cup of coffee or use it to bake muffins, biscuits, and cakes for dessert.