Ethiopia is widely accepted (although not undisputed) as the birthplace of coffee. Still to be found growing wild in forested areas, our favourite brew was originally enjoyed in a raw, unroasted state, ground and mixed with animal fats.
Ethiopia is the largest producer of coffee in Africa. Production is somewhere inbetween 4 and 5 million bags per annum. A wide range of coffee is grown, with each region’s production having its own distinctive characteristics.
Very favourable growing conditions are found throughout the country, with altitudes ranging from 1200 to 2750 masl, yearly rainfall of around 2000 mm and temperatures fluctuating between 15 and 25C.
Well known coffee producing regions include Harar, Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, Limu, Djimmah, Lekempti and Bebeka. Ethiopian coffees remaine some of the best and most sought after in the world.
