Coffee in Ethiopia

Coffee in Ethiopia has a long and rich history that goes back to the origins of the coffee plant itself. Ethiopia is often referred to as the Country of origin of the coffee The legend says that the coffee plant was discovered in the Kafa region in the 9th century, which gave the drink its name.

The legend of coffee

A goatherd named Kaldi lay down to sleep one day, and while he was resting, his goats ran away. When the shepherd woke up, he blew his bamboo flute, which would normally cause the animals to come running back, but this did not happen. So Kaldi went in search of his herd. He did not find them resting in the undergrowth as he had expected, on the contrary, they were jumping around alertly. The shepherd saw how the animals had red Berries from a tree and tried them himself. He quickly felt the stimulating effect and began to walk up and down next to his goats.

He took some of the berries home and showed them to his wife, but she did not trust the berries and sent him to the nearest monastery with them. The abbot seemed unimpressed and threw the berries into the fire. Those berries began to roast and the scent attracted the monks. Out of curiosity, they took the roasted beans out of the embers and made a drink out of them.
After consuming the drink, the monks showed unusual attentiveness during their late-night prayers, and so the origin of the Coffee as a drink justified.

The Kafa region

The Kafa region in Ethiopia is a historically and culturally significant region that is closely linked to the origin of coffee. This is where the coffee plant is believed to have originated. The Kafa region is located in the southwest of Ethiopia and mainly comprises the area of the present-day administrative regions of Kafa and Sheka.

The coffee ceremony in Ethiopia

The Coffee ceremony plays a central role in Ethiopian social and cultural life. It is a ritual event that celebrates hospitality and community. The ceremony involves roasting the coffee beans over an open fire, grinding the beans and brewing the coffee in a traditional coffee pot called a Jebena. The aromatic scents of freshly roasted coffee fill the room as participants gather around the ritual and take the opportunity to chat and spend time together.

The coffees

Ethiopia is known for its wide variety of coffeeswhich are often harvested by hand and carefully processed. Most coffee plants in Ethiopia grow wild and are cultivated by small farmers. This traditional cultivation process contributes to the unique flavor profiles that make Ethiopian coffee famous. From the fruity and floral aromas of Yirgacheffe to the deep and spicy notes of Sidamo, Ethiopian coffee offers a wide range of flavor experiences for coffee lovers around the world.

3 Production systems

In addition to the varieties, coffee beans from Ethiopia can also be distinguished by the way they grow.

-       Forest coffeeThe beans grow on wild cocoa trees, so they are often a mixture of different coffee varieties. This type of cultivation is particularly common in the southwest of the country. The trees thrive so well because other plants provide them with shade. As they are really wild standing plants, they are not designed for profitability and the yield is moderate.

-       Garden coffeeSimilar to forest coffee, garden coffee is also grown on wild bushes, but these are located near villages and therefore receive intensive care from the farmers. The majority of coffee from Ethiopia is cultivated in this way.

-       Plantation coffeeThis means exactly what the name promises. The coffee is grown on large plantations and farms. The trees are pruned and fertilized in order to maximize profits.

Economic role

Coffee also plays an important economic role in Ethiopia, as it is a major source of income for the country. Source of income for the country. The export of Ethiopian coffee helps to strengthen the economy and offers farmers an opportunity to earn a living.

Importance of coffee in Ethiopia

Overall, coffee in Ethiopia is widely More than just a drinkIt is a symbol of hospitality, community and cultural identity. The rich tradition and unique flavor profiles make Ethiopian coffee a commodity that is appreciated by people all over the world.

If you would like to be part of a coffee ceremony or take a look at the wild shrubs, then come with us on an unforgettable Ethiopia Adventure!

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