Ethiopian Coffee: A Journey to the Birthplace of Coffee

September 30, 2024 by Shruti Purohit

Ethiopia is best known for its green hills, vibrant culture, and delicious coffee! It has the perfect conditions to produce the highest quality coffee beans. Ethiopia is generally called the birthplace of coffee. According to Ethiopian coffee history, Kaldi, an Ethiopian goat herder, made the initial discovery of coffee and its enchanted properties in 850 AD. Here, coffee plants grow naturally, which does not happen generally in other coffee-growing nations. Its rugged terrain, high elevations, and precisely the appropriate quantity of rainfall combined with the acidic soil make it an ideal location for coffee cultivation. 


In this blog, let’s explore more about the distinctive Ethiopian coffee and how Ecotact bags can be the optimum coffee packaging bags and storage solutions for Ethiopian coffee!


Discovering The Unique Ethiopian Coffee 


Until the 1500s, Ethiopian coffee beans were simply picked from plants that grew organically in the wild. However, by the 16th century, coffee was being grown commercially thanks to established growing methods! Trade with neighboring countries like Yemen enabled Ethiopia to share its coffee with the rest of the world. By the 1800s, Ethiopian coffee became a significant industry. Some of the best beans in the world were being produced in the nation and exported for consumption to other nations.


Ethiopian coffee culture expanded along with coffee production and many cities witnessed the emergence of cafes! Today, Ethiopia grows more than a thousand varieties of coffee beans, each with its own distinct flavor. However, the native arabica coffee type still has a dominant position and is among the most well-liked and sought-after varieties in Ethiopia. And that’s exactly why hermetically sealed bags are essential to ensure each coffee type stays as fresh as the day they were harvested. 


Ethiopian Coffee-Producing Regions


Sidamo

Sidamo is a vast region that stretches across the lush hills in the Rift Valley to the south of Lake Awasa. One of three Ethiopia's officially recognized coffee regions, the Sidamo region shares an international reputation for having ideal growing conditions for coffee because of its high altitudes (between 1,500 and 2,200 meters above sea level), abundant rainfall, ideal temperature, and rich soil. The region produces about 60% washed coffee, while Sidamo is also known for producing exceptional sun-dried coffee. 


Yirgacheffe

Although Yirgacheffe is a part of southern Ethiopia's Sidamo region, it has become well known for its great washed coffees that the Ethiopian government has trademarked a micro-region inside it. Much of the coffee grows at 2,000 meters and above in this high, verdant, and mountainous environment. While Yirgacheffe also produces a smaller amount of sun-dried coffee, the majority of the crop is washed.


Harrar

Harrar is the third region from Ethiopia that has been trademarked. The area is very sought-after and well-known for its superior coffee. The majority of the country's Harrar coffees come from wild native trees on tiny farms in the East; these coffees are then dry-processed and typically categorized as Mocha (peaberry), Longberry (big), or Shortberry (smaller). The most popular usage for Harrar coffee is to provide strong, fruity aromas to espresso blends. 


Fun Fact

Ethiopians love coffee! About half of the coffee grown in Ethiopia is exported, and the rest is consumed domestically.  This is unlike its neighbours Tanzania and Kenya which also grow excellent coffee but export almost all of it. 


Ecotact: The Best Packaging and Storage Option For Ethiopian Coffee


The rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia highlights the importance of quality coffee. So, from farms to cups, packaging and storage play a crucial role in maintaining the authenticity of coffee beans. That’s where Ecotact comes in! A specialized storage and packaging solution to keep freshness intact Ecotact brings 9-layer hermetically sealed bags to keep the green coffee beans, cacao beans, and other grains farm-fresh. Offering affordable packaging with hermetic technology for local farmers, small businesses, large farms, and organizations, Ecotact today is present in over 50+ countries and 6 continents. Our coffee packaging bags are 100% recyclable and reusable. With supply processes supported by cutting-edge technology, a dedicated workforce, and multi-faceted R&D, Ecotact Bags aims to redefine food storage and eco-friendly green coffee bags around the world.


If you want to keep your Ethiopian coffee fresh and preserved while supporting the environment, explore Ecotact today!

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