No matter if you’re a coffee connoisseur or just beginning your java journey, you likely know that where your coffee comes from can have a major impact on its flavor. And while South American countries are often the first that come to mind for coffee production, today we’re going to shine the spotlight on where your favorite morning beverage originated from; Ethiopia.

Read on to learn more about Ethiopian coffee types and maybe even discover your new favorite flavor.

Ethiopian Coffee History

Coffee has a rich history - after all, it’s one of the few beverages that has been enjoyed globally for thousands of years. However, Ethiopian coffee history is where it all began. Experts agree that coffee grown worldwide can trace its heritage back to the ancient coffee forests that were once found on the Ethiopian plateau in the Horn of Africa.

While the true story of how coffee was discovered will never be known, it’s said that a goat herder first found coffee berries and shared them with a local monastery that made a drink with them. From there, the rest is history as word moved east to the Arabian peninsula and beyond.

Types of Ethiopian Coffee

When it comes to Ethiopian coffee taste, the flavor of your cup of joe ultimately depends on the specific region it’s from. While there are thousands of different varieties of Ethiopian traditional coffee, we’re focusing on the Ethiopian coffee types from the six main coffee regions in the country.

Sidamo

When it comes to Ethiopian coffee history, the Sidamo region is believed to be where it all originated from. These beans are strictly grown thousands of feet above sea level which results in a distinct flavor profile that includes blueberry mixed with citrus and a mild nuttiness.

This Ethiopian coffee type is best enjoyed with a morning pastry that complements these flavors and adds sweetness since this coffee is more acidic.

Yirgacheffe

While similar to Sidamo coffee, Yirgacheffe is widely considered to be one of the best beans in the world due to its clean, balanced, and mild flavor profile that has notes of berries, nuts, chocolate, lemon, and wine.

This clean Ethiopian coffee taste is achieved by growing the berries at roughly 2,000 meters above sea level and wet-processing them, also known as washed processed.

Guji

Guji coffee is also made using the wet process that brings out fruity, floral, and all-around darker notes. It’s known for being a strong coffee that is great for giving you the caffeine boost you might need in the morning. Its strong acidity means it also pairs well with baked goods for added sweetness.

Genika

This Ethiopian coffee type is exclusively grown in the Bench Maji Zone. These beans are unique since they are small and are a greyish color. When brewed, you’re left with a cup of coffee that has an appealing aroma and hints of chocolate, spice, and wine that make it a great accompaniment to dessert.

Harar

Hailing from Ethiopia’s Eastern highlands, Harar coffee is still sorted and naturally processed by hand. Its flavor profile includes hints of fruit and mocha but also has strong wine-like characteristics that make for a savory one-of-a-kind cup that can be enjoyed any time of day.

Limu

While certainly not the last Ethiopian coffee type to exist, we’re ending our list with Limu coffee. This coffee comes from the Limmu Sakka district and is wet-processed. It’s known for being low in acidity so it might be the best beverage to start your day with if you prefer less acidic drinks.

Find Your Favorite Flavor Today

So, is Ethiopian coffee good? Why don’t you decide for yourself!

Coffee Blenders offers Washed Yirgacheffe Ethiopian Specialty Pour-Over Coffee so you can savor for yourself some of the most special coffee found on the planet. From the climate and altitude to the soil and processing methods, this Ethiopian coffee is like no other and a breeze to make no matter if you’re enjoying it in the morning or as a midday pick-me-up.

From this cup of coffee, you can expect a floral aroma and medium roast with notes of bright citrus, chocolate, and red berries. These flavors are a perfect match for baked goods like blueberry scones, fruit cakes, and cheese biscuits that you might enjoy any time of day!

In addition to this Ethiopian coffee type, Coffee Blenders also offers pour-over coffee from some of the other best coffee-producing regions in the world.

Try our coffee today!