Ethiopian Sidamo Coffee is one of our most popular Gourmet Coffees. From Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, specifically the old Sidamo Province.
Our Ethiopian Sidamo is “medium roast”. Roasted on our latest Neuhaus Neotec fluidised air-bed system. We pack fresh to order.
Famous for its unique flavor profile and history. The beans from this region are strictly high grown in the Ethiopian highlands where the climate and soil is perfect for growing high quality coffee. The beans are wet processed which brings out the complex acidity and bright citrusy notes.
Whether medium roast or green bean, Sidamo takes you on a journey through the landscapes of Ethiopia.
Where is Ethiopian Sidamo Coffee from?
Ethiopian Sidamo Beans are legendary in coffee history, one of the first known to humans—and goats. The story goes that a goat herder noticed his flock was full of energy after they had eaten an unknown plant.
He tried it himself and felt the same burst of energy. The news spread quickly and was met with scepticism and attributed to mysterious forces. In reality it was the magic of caffeine in coffee.
Today the Sidamo region, formerly Sidamo Province, is still producing exceptional coffee. The coffee industry employs around 15 million people in Ethiopia, many of whom work at 1,500 to 2,200 meters above sea level.
These Ethiopian beans make up around 3% of the world’s coffee and are trendy and highly sought after.
History of Coffee in Sidamo
The Sidamo region is in the heart of Ethiopia and is the birthplace of coffee. It is one of the places where coffee was first discovered, and its origins go back to ancient wild coffee forests. These forests are rich in biodiversity and have been growing coffee for centuries, giving birth to what we now know as Ethiopian coffee.
The highlands of Sidamo have fertile volcanic soil, plenty of rainfall and high elevations from 1,500 to 2,200 meters above sea level. Perfect for growing strictly high grown coffee beans that are known for their bright acidity, floral aroma and complex flavor profile. The beans are often wet processed which brings out the citrusy and floral notes and has a medium body with a rich and vibrant taste.
Traditional farming practices in Sidamo have been preserved and passed down through generations. Coffee is deeply rooted in the culture of the region and coffee ceremonies are an integral part of social and cultural life. These ceremonies show the community’s strong connection to coffee and its role in social bonding and tradition.
Today Sidamo coffee is celebrated around the world and attracts coffee aficionados and connoisseurs who want to experience its unique sensory journey. The region’s reputation for producing high quality gourmet coffee is growing and contributes to Ethiopia’s economy and the world’s coffee market. This legacy makes Sidamo synonymous with premium coffee and is famous for its flavors and
Ethiopian Sidamo vs Yirgacheffe
Many people think that Ethiopian Sidamo Green Coffee Beans and Yirgacheffe Coffee are two separate entities. The truth is a little more complicated.
Yirgacheffe is actually within Sidamo so it’s part of the bigger Sidamo province. However the microclimates and soil conditions in Yirgacheffe are different which is why the flavor and character of the two coffees are different.
it’s known for its full bodied brew with rich and complex profile, bright acidity, floral aroma and citrusy notes. It’s often described as a medium bodied with vibrant taste that lingers on the palate. This is mainly due to the high elevations and fertile volcanic soil in the Sidamo region which is perfect for growing coffee.
On the other hand Yirgacheffe coffee is grown at high elevation but is lighter on the palate. It’s known for its delicate and tea like qualities, with the tasting of jasmine, bergamot and stone fruit. Yirgacheffe beans are wet processed which brings out their clean and crisp flavors and is different from the full bodied Sidamo coffees.
Both Sidamo and Yirgacheffe Coffee is wet processed, a method that enhances their complex acidity and bright flavor profile. This involves removing the coffee cherry’s outer pulp before the beans are fermented, washed and dried on raised beds. This is the best way to bring out the best in Ethiopian coffees and let their flavors shine.
In the end Yirgacheffe is part of Sidamo but its unique growing conditions and processing methods make it a coffee that stands on its own and offers a different sensory experience from the robust and flavorful coffee. Coffee aficionados love both for its distinct qualities, each a taste of the Ethiopian coffee heritage.
Does Ethiopian Sidamo Coffee have Caffeine?
Ethiopia Sidamo Coffee is famous not only for its taste but also for its high caffeine content. A shot of espresso has around 100mg of caffeine, perfect for a morning pick me up.
When brewed as filter coffee the caffeine content may vary, generally between 80-120mg per serving, depending on the brewing method and strength of the coffee. For those who want a bigger cup, a 12 oz drip coffee made with the beans has around 120-180mg of caffeine.
Whether you like its flavor, energising properties or its Single Origin status, Ethiopian Sidamo is a great choice. Try it out with us at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company.
Ethiopian Sidamo Taste Profile
Ethiopian Sidamo is all about its flavor profile. Coffee aficionados describes its bold tasting notes of blackcurrant and red cherry which is a perfect balance of smooth, aroma and fruity. Each sip is a sensory delight that’s as satisfying as it is complex.
Summary
Ethiopian Sidamo Coffee is a reflection of Ethiopia’s rich cultural and agricultural heritage. Medium roast profile, complex acidity, floral aroma and bright citrus notes. Beans are grown only in the Ethiopian highlands where the local climate and soil conditions give it its unique flavor. Strictly high grown beans are wet processed which brings out its vibrant taste and medium body.
The Sidamo region with its legendary history and traditional farming methods still produces some of the world’s most sought after coffees. The coffee’s body and flavor profile is a favourite among coffee aficionados who love the balance of chocolate, citrus and floral notes. Whether you drink it as a fresh brew or roasted to perfection Ethiopian Sidamo Coffee is a sensory journey of Ethiopia’s coffee heritage.
And the use of raised beds and washing stations in the processing of these beans ensures they absorb the nutrients well and produce strictly hard beans. This attention to detail in cultivation and processing is why Sidamo is a mainstay of the global coffee market and famous for its unique flavors and aromatic richness. When you drink Ethiopian Sidamo you’re not just drinking a coffee you’re experiencing a part of Ethiopia’s coffee heritage.