Ethiopia - Gelana Abaya - Washed coffee

Roast Profile:- Light

Gelana Abaya is a district in the Borena zone, in the Oromia region of Ethiopia, just on the border with the SNNP region and close to the town of Yirgacheffe. Over a number of years, the region has developed a distinguished reputation for fine coffees, producing some of the most sought-after micro-lots in the world.

The combination of high altitude (up to 2,200m in some areas), fertile soil, consistent and plentiful rains, and an abundance of local knowledge are all contributing factors to the high status of Yirgacheffe coffees.

The indigenous ‘heirloom’ varietals - which grow wild in Ethiopia - are responsible for the unique flavour notes which make for an unusual but beautifully refined cup, characterised by strong citric acidity, sweet chocolate and floral/herbal notes of lavender, jasmine, bergamot and thyme. 

How it's produced:

Ripe cherries are delivered to the wet mill for careful sorting and pulping, before fermentation for 36-48 hours, depending on the climatic conditions. After this point the parchment coffee is thoroughly washed and graded by bean density before being dried in the sun on raised African beds for 12 - 15 days (until the ideal moisture level has been reached). In the daytime, the parchment needs to be raked and turned periodically to ensure a consistent drying process. The coffee is also covered between 12pm and 3pm to protect it from the hot sun, and at night time to protect it from rainfall and moisture. Once the coffee has dried to the right level it is transported to Addis Ababa for dry-milling, grading, intensive sorting and handpicking, before being bagged for export.  

Variety | Indigenous heirloom

Process | Washed

Altitude | 1750 - 1900 MASL

*Our coffee is freshly roasted each Tuesday and orders are dispatched on Wednesday and Friday. Due to COVID-19 Royal Mail are still experiencing delays which means your coffee may arrive a few days later than normal. Apologies for any inconvenience.