Ethiopia Banko Washed

Thought to be the birthplace of the coffee plant, Ethiopia has the perfect conditions for cultivating specialty coffee. This lot comes to us from the Banko Gotiti village in the lush highlands of the Yirgacheffe region in Gedeo, Ethiopia. It was grown on 300 small-holder family farms organized around the Banko Gotiti washing station.

Yirgacheffe is a region of plenty. The thick vegetation is a result of the warm tropical climate, nutrient rich soil, and moderate wet and dry seasons. Most coffee cultivated in the region is shade-grown using organic practices. The highlands range from 1600 to 2400 masl creating a vast variety of micro-regions and unique cup profiles.

This lot is made up of indigenous heirloom cultivars (or landrace varietals) that have been passed down for generations through farming families. These varietals also grow wild, especially in the natural shade of the rainforest canopy.

Grown and hand harvested by individual farmers, this coffee was collected at the Banko Gotiti washing station in the village of the same name. There the cherries were carefully sorted before being fully washed. As per African tradition, the coffee was sun dried on raised beds. African drying beds are made of wood, chicken wire, and plastic netting to promote airflow.

The cup is simply bursting with fresh fruit. Notes of blueberry, white grape, and lemongrass are enhanced by a gentle lily aroma.