Coffee plants in Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia
ORIGIN
Tone EditorialJanuary 22, 2024

Ethiopian Yirgacheffe: The Birthplace of Coffee

7 min read

In the birthplace of coffee, the Yirgacheffe region produces some of the world's most distinctive and sought-after beans, celebrated for their floral, tea-like character.

Ethiopia is where it all began. According to legend, a goatherd named Kaldi discovered coffee when he noticed his goats becoming unusually energetic after eating the red berries from a certain tree. Today, Ethiopia remains one of the world's most important coffee origins.

Yirgacheffe, a small region in the Sidamo zone, produces coffees that are unlike any other. The region's high altitude, consistent rainfall, and fertile soil create ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. Most Yirgacheffe coffees are heirloom varietals, passed down through generations.

"Our coffee has been grown here for centuries. We know each tree, each season, each harvest. This is not just agriculture - it is our heritage."

Alemayehu Bekele, Yirgacheffe Coffee Farmer

The processing method in Yirgacheffe is typically washed, which produces a clean, bright cup with pronounced floral and citrus notes. The result is a coffee that is delicate yet complex, with a tea-like body that makes it perfect for filter brewing.

When we serve Yirgacheffe at Tone, we're honoring the tradition and craftsmanship that has been refined over centuries. Each cup tells the story of a region that gave the world coffee.

Coffee processing in Yirgacheffe
"Our coffee has been grown here for centuries. We know each tree, each season, each harvest. This is not just agriculture - it is our heritage."