Sweet & Funky Ethiopia, Chelbesa

100% Ethiopia, Chelbesa 

VARIETALS: Heirloom

PROCESSING: Dry fermentation

ALTITUDE: 2000-2100

Sweet & Funky

Notes: nectarine, black tea, lime zest

Chelbesa, located in Gedeb, is a vital coffee sourcing area where Ephtah exclusively rents and manages the washing station. The washing station in Chelbesa (Kebele), Gedeb (Woreda), plays a crucial role in processing high-quality coffee. The region is predominantly Christian, with both Protestant and Orthodox followers.

The farm spans 2 hectares and is situated at an elevation of 2150-2200 MASL. It employs 17 permanent staff and 150 additional workers during the harvest season from late November to January. The farm features 150 drying beds and cultivates Heirloom coffee varieties.

The Chelbesa, Gedeb coffee lot, grown at an elevation of 2200 MASL, encompasses a total parcel size of approximately 38400 kg. The best cherries are chosen, floated, and pulped. The coffee is then fermented in fermentation tanks without water and dried for 10-15 days. This processing method ensures the highest quality of coffee. Once dried and stored, the coffee is transported to Moplaco in Gerji, Addis Ababa, and then moved to Djibouti via train for export.

The primary challenge during this crop cycle was managing the fermentation and drying processes to maintain the coffee's high quality. Despite these challenges, the site remains committed to producing exceptional coffee and contributing to the local economy. Future plans include improving processing infrastructure and expanding support for local farmers.

In addition to coffee, the farmers also produce other crops, though specific details are not provided in this lot's information. The Ephtah site in Chelbesa is a significant contributor to the region's coffee production, underscoring the company's commitment to quality and capacity in coffee production.