ETHIOPIA - YIRGACHEFFE - "GRADE 2" - WASHED

OVERVIEW:
Discover the elegant complexity of Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Grade 2 Washed coffee — a celebrated example of Ethiopia’s world-renowned coffee heritage. Grown in the highlands of Yirgacheffe, a subregion of Sidamo considered a micro-region in its own right, this washed lot is a testament to the meticulous farming and processing practices handed down through generations. Known for its bright, clean cup and floral-fruity notes, this coffee showcases why Yirgacheffe remains a darling of the specialty coffee world.

PRODUCER:
This lot is sourced from smallholder farmers in the Yirgacheffe district. The majority of producers in the region are smallholders with farms under 5 hectares, many of whom practice traditional farming methods that are organic by default. The coffee is grown under shade, often intercropped with food crops, and cultivated without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

ALTITUDE AND LOCATIONS:
Coffee in Yirgacheffe is grown between 1,700 and 2,200 meters above sea level, where cool mountain temperatures allow cherries to ripen slowly, enhancing sugar development and flavour complexity. The region’s fertile soil and high elevation, combined with local landrace and JARC cultivars, produce a cup full of vibrancy and clarity.

PROCESSING:
All cherries are hand-picked and selectively harvested, then delivered to washing stations for careful processing. After depulping, the coffee undergoes wet fermentation for around 24 hours, then is washed, graded by density, and soaked in clean spring water for up to 24 hours. It is then slowly dried on raised beds under shade for 10–14 days, with constant turning and hand-sorting to ensure optimal quality.

FARMING TRADITION:
The majority of work on these farms is done manually, and mechanisation is minimal. Processing stations work closely with growers to maintain traceability and consistent quality, contributing to exceptional washed lots like this one. Thanks to recent changes in Ethiopian regulations, this coffee is fully traceable back to its producing communities.

We recommend roasting this coffee to a light or filter level to preserve its delicate florals, sweet citrus notes, and the juicy, silky texture that makes Yirgacheffe coffees truly special.