Description
Chelbesa coffee from Ethiopia comes from one of the best coffee-producing areas in the Gedeb district, in the Gedeo area. This region is known for its dense, semi-natural forest vegetation, including banana trees and shade trees, creating an ideal environment for growing high-quality coffee.
Description and Production Process of Chelbesa – Ethiopia
- Region and Producers:
- The Chelbesa washing station in Ethiopia is leased and managed exclusively by Ephath. It employs 17 people year-round, increasing its number to 150 during the harvest season.
- The grains come from small farmers organized around the Chelbesa mill, with more than 760 producers contributing to the harvest.
- Cultivation and Harvesting:
- The farm covers 2 hectares and has 150 beds for drying coffee beans.
- The cultivation altitude varies between 1950 and 2200 meters above sea level, which contributes to the quality of the coffee
- The harvest takes place between November and January.
- Washing Process:
- The finest coffee cherries are selected, floated, and polished before being fermented in waterless tanks.
- Drying is carried out for 10-15 days on raised beds, allowing optimal air circulation and temperature control for proper drying.
- After reducing the moisture to 11.5-12%, the grains are stored in Addis Ababa at Moplaco, Gerji, before being transported to Djibouti by train for export.
Characteristics and Tasting Notes of Chelbesa – Ethiopia
- Varieties: Wolisho, Dega, and Kurume, all of them native varieties of the Gedeo area.
- Flavor Notes: It stands out for its notes of tropical fruits, blackberry, mandarin, starfruit, and a hint of wine. It also has a light body and bright acidity.
- Roasting ProfileA light to medium roast is generally recommended to maintain its fruity and floral notes. If roasted too dark, it can lose its freshness and complexity.
Improvements and Innovations
- SNAP Specialty Coffee's washing station in Chelbesa uses ceramic fermentation tanks, which helps improve the clarity of the processed coffee and speeds up fermentation by maintaining heat inside the tanks.
This coffee from Chelbesa – Ethiopia, is a excellent An example of the quality that can be obtained from the Gedeb region of Ethiopia, combining traditional farming methods with modern innovations in coffee processing.