Did you know that Ethiopia is considered the ‘birthplace of coffee‘? Yes, the first Arabica coffee bean plant was discovered in this country, and by an accident, nonetheless! It is said that the goat herder named Kaldi found the Coffea arabica coffee plant in 850 AD. However, only after a few centuries did this drink become popular in the world.
There are a variety of beans found in the world of expresso, but the Ethiopian coffee beans are the best among all. And there are several reasons why so many people want only the best Ethiopian beans 2023.
Top 7 Ethiopian Coffee Beans: Comparison Chart
| Brand | Roast | Growing Region | Flavor Notes | Caffeine Content | Volume |
| Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC | Medium | Yirgacheffe | Bright citruses, sweet lemon tea | Caffeinated | 2lb |
| Volcanica Coffee | Medium | Yirgacheffe | Lemon, blueberry, blackberry | Caffeinated | 1lb |
| Barrie House | Medium | Yirgacheffe | Citrusy, lemon zest, floral | Caffeinated | 2lb |
| Cooper’s Cask Coffee | Light | Yirgacheffe | Lemon tart, raw honey, floral nectar | Caffeinated | 12oz |
| Cubico Coffee | Medium | Yirgacheffe | Citrusy, floral, sweet chocolate | Caffeinated | 1lb |
| Marley Coffee | Medium | Yirgacheffe | Exotic, berry | Caffeinated | 10oz |
| Civilized Coffee | Medium | Sidamo | Wild blueberry, mocha, lemon zest | Caffeinated | 12oz |
Overview of Ethiopian Coffee Beans
The caffeine industry is of high economic value to Ethiopia because it accounts for almost half of its foreign income. In fact, in 2017 Ethiopia earned $900M on coffee export alone, and this number only continues to grow due to the increased popularity of Ethiopian coffee. Therefore, maintaining premium quality has always been in the best interest of this country.
Ethiopia is fifth in the world for coffee production and is famous for exporting around 3.5 million bags in the International market. The total production counts to be 7.5 million bags, out of which Ethiopia keeps half for its domestic use.
And, according to a lot of the Ethiopian coffee beans reviews, this country produces premium quality, the best coffee beans in the world. Any espresso lover who has tasted its fine flavor cannot deny the claim.
The other important factors in the production of the best Ethiopian coffee beans are:
- Altitude – 1500 to 2200 meters above the sea level
- Harvest season: November to February
- Yearly production: 7.5 million bags
- The language spoke: Amharic
- Plant varieties: Arabica and other heirloom varieties
- Avg. Farm size: Small to medium plantations
Ethiopian Coffee Taste
There are so many Ethiopian coffee beans types, and all of them offer a unique experience.
For example, Sidamo beans have a bright and rich flavor. They are also a bit less expensive than the Yirgacheffe variety. Ethiopia’s eastern region is famous for its dry-processed beans. They are complex, whiney, and full of Blueberry acidic notes. This espresso variety is popularly known as Harrars.
The Western region produces Ghimbi beans which are popular with their sharp and rich acidity, and also the complex aromas and flavors.
So basically, when tasting Ethiopia coffee beans you can expect:
- Complex and rich flavor
- Bright acidity
- Fruity essence
- Intense aroma
And if you are wondering is Ethiopian coffee good for you, then yes! Because in addition to the rich taste and heavingly aroma they also are very beneficial for your health. So trying only the best Ethiopian coffee will not disappoint you!
Growing Regions
The most popular Ethiopian coffee types are:
- Yirgacheffe
- Sidamo
- Harrars
The southern zone is famous for the wet-processed method. It produces the The southern zone is famous for the wet-processed method. It produces the finest Yirgacheffe known for its citrus notes and floral aroma. The other popular growing regions of the best Ethiopian coffee beans are:
- Djimmah
The production here takes place in Kaffa and Illubabor regions at the The production here takes place in Kaffa and Illubabor regions at the altitude of 4400 to 6000 feet above sea level. It produces excellent beans.
- Limu
Here, beans grow at an altitude of 3600 to 6200 feet above sea level in the south-west of Ethiopia. It follows the wet-processed method that helps the beans to retain low yet sharp acidity. It has a tinge of spicy flavors and sweet essence.
- Ghimbi
Ethiopian beans at Ghimbi also come through wetly processed and grow in the western part of the country. These beans are heavier and harder. Also, they have a more balanced and long-lasting quality. They are well known for the rich and complex flavor and also for their sharp acidity.
- Lekemti
This variety grows in the Wollega and Ghimbi regions at an altitude of 4900 to 5900 feet above sea level. It is healthy as well as has a pleasant acidity similar to Kenyan coffee. It also has a unique fruity flavor fit for green coffee.
The other less popular Ethiopian beans growing regions are:
- Guji
- Illubabor
- Amaro
- Kaffa
- Tepi
- Welayta
- Bebeka
- Borena
- Arsi
- Bale
Popular Ethiopian Beans Brands
Ethiopian espresso comes from Harrar, Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, and so on. There are also certain brands that sell blending of two or more varieties.
Brands avoid stocking bulk packets because their freshness expires even before the customer picks it up from the shelf. According to the Ethiopian coffee beans reviews, some of the best brands are:
- Volcanica
- Fresh Roasted LLC
- Cooper’s Cask
- Cubico
- Marley
Best Brewing Ways for Ethiopian Coffee
The best brewing ways for Ethiopian espresso are:
- Cold Brew: This is the best brewing method to experience the exact flavor. Just make sure that you either use an immersion or drip-style brewing so that you can control the crisp intensity.
- Automatic Drip: If you prefer to enjoy the complexity of flavors by keeping the body light, then this is this brewing style is perfect for you!
- Pour Over: This is a great brewing style if you like the classics. Much like a drip method, pour over one also comes with a paper filter.
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
Coffee holds so much importance in Ethiopia that there is a whole ceremony dedicated to it. It is a social culture where only friends, family, and respected individuals take participation. The ceremony lasts from 2 to 3 hours 3 times per day.
Traditionally, a young woman prepares the coffee and the children serve it. There is no milk in the drink. First, the eldest member receives his drink, or invited guests. The ceremony requires a lot of dedication and patience
Verdict and Recommendations 2023
And that’s everything you need to know about the best Ethiopian coffee beans in 2023! If you are an espresso lover and yet have not tasted this variety of caffeine, then these beans are a perfect option to try: between a rich, unique flavor, that ranges from winey to fruity, to enchanting coffee aroma. With the help of the best Ethiopian coffee beans, you get to experience your java like never before!
Or perhaps you’ve already tried some Ethiopian espresso before? If so, what are your thought? How did you like it? Make sure to let us know in the comments!