Ethiopia – Gotiti

PRODUCER

Ephtah Specialty Coffee, the producer of Gotiti coffee, focuses on building sustainable supply chains and empowering women in the coffee industry. The village of Banko Gotiti, located in the heart of the Gedeb area in the Yirgacheffe region, is renowned for its community-based coffee cultivation and the production of high-quality microlots that receive recognition on international markets.

Ethiopia’sThe country’s three main seasons significantly shape Ethiopia’s coffee production. The Bega season (October–January) is a long dry period crucial for coffee harvesting and processing. The Belg season (February–May) brings the first rains, which are essential for coffee flowering and early fruit development. The Krempt season (June–September) is marked by heavy eastern storms, vital for the later fruit development and maturation stages. By the end of September, the rains suddenly cease, allowing the coffee cherries to ripen, leading to the busy harvest season in November. Ethiopia, considered the birthplace of coffee, has a long history of coffee cultivation dating back to the 9th century. Here, coffee farming is more than just agricultural activity; it is deeply embedded in the culture and traditions of local communities.

PROCESSING

Natural coffee processing is a traditional method used in Ethiopia for centuries. In this process, whole coffee cherries are sun-dried, typically on raised “African beds,” for one to two months, depending on the weather conditions. The cherries must be regularly turned during drying to prevent mold and undesirable fermentation. The dry husks are mechanically removed once the cherries reach an optimal moisture level of around 10–12%. This processing method gives the coffee a distinct fruity profile with heightened sweetness but requires careful management to avoid flavor defects.

VARIETAL

Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and its coffee production accounts for nearly 10% of the country’s GDP. It is estimated that thousands of yet-to-be-documented coffee varieties grow in Ethiopia, making it the region with the most incredible coffee biodiversity in the world. Due to the country’s historical traditions, cultivation practices, and political environment, it is almost impossible to find single-variety lots. Although this has slowly begun to change in recent years, Ethiopian coffee varieties are typically labeled as “Ethiopian heirloom varieties.” Ethiopian coffee beans are often small (most sizes range from 13 to 14), reflecting the high altitudes where the coffee is cultivated.