Ethiopia – Beshasha

The story of the farm and station

Beshasha is a standout microlot from Mustefa Abakeno, farmer and exporter based in the highlands of Jimma, western Ethiopia. At over 2000 masl, he cultivates resilient local varieties selected by the Jimma Agricultural Research Center, known for their disease resistance and cup potential.

In 2018, Mustefa built his processing station, Beshasha, where he handles not only the harvest from his 18-hectare farm but also cherries from neighbouring smallholders. These partnerships are central to his approach: he supports farmers with fair prices, shares know-how, and works together with the community to raise the overall quality of coffee in the region.

How is the coffee processed?

This lot is washed processed – a method that highlights the coffee’s brightness and fruity complexity. The process starts with flotation, where freshly picked cherries are submerged in water to remove unripe or damaged ones. The selected cherries are then pulped and fermented in tanks for 8–12 hours, followed by thorough washing and sorting in channels. The beans are dried in two stages: first under shade, then on raised beds. Total drying time is around 7–10 days.

Agronomist Harun has worked closely with Mustefa since 2021. Together, they experiment with new techniques in harvesting, fermentation, drying, and farm management, resulting in noticeable quality improvements year after year.

Social impact and investment

Mustefa continually reinvests in both infrastructure and community. He has built a modern warehouse in Agaro, operates an on-site lab, and collaborates with over 250 local producers. In 2022, he expanded his network by adding four additional cherry collection sites, strengthening his direct sourcing model and contributing to local economic growth.

Variety

Beshasha is based on Ethiopian cultivars 74110 and 74112 – selections developed in the 1970s by the Jimma Agricultural Research Center. These varieties are prized for their disease resistance and expressive aromatic profiles.