The Guribea, Guji Guribea Natural Grade 1 coffee originates from the highlands of Ethiopia's Guji Zone, specifically the Uraga district. This region is renowned for producing some of the country's most distinct and expressive coffees, characterized by fruit-forward, floral, and clean cup profiles.
This particular lot is cultivated by smallholder farmers in the Guribea kebele, many of whom manage plots averaging less than 2 hectares. These farmers handpick fully ripe cherries and deliver them to a local washing station. At the station, the coffee undergoes meticulous sorting and is then sun-dried in its fruit on raised African beds for up to three weeks. This careful processing imparts a vibrant, fruit-driven character to the coffee, with tasting notes of fresh berry compote, ripe yellow peach, delicate florals, and a finish of raw sugar and black tea. The body is syrupy, the acidity bright, making it suitable for both filter brewing and single-origin espresso.
The washing station plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of the coffee. While specific details about the ownership and management of the washing station in Guribea are not readily available, it's common in the Guji region for washing stations to be operated by local cooperatives or private entities that work closely with the smallholder farmers. These stations often provide training and support to farmers, ensuring that the cherries are processed under optimal conditions to produce high-quality coffee.
This coffee not only showcases the unique terroir of the Guji highlands but also reflects the dedication and expertise of the local farming communities who cultivate it.
