The 6 Best Ethiopian Coffee Beans

Considered by many to be the birthplace of coffee, it is no surprise that Ethiopia produces some of the finest coffee that the world has to offer. We believe that simply trying some Ethiopian coffee beans will validate this bold claim to any coffee lover. 

Accounting for more than half of Ethiopia's foreign income, coffee is of extreme importance to the Ethiopian economy. The reliance on coffee export has lead to a a high standard of quality throughout every step of the production process.

You've probably heard of Ethiopia Yirgacheffe coffee, which is considered by many to be one of the best coffees in the world. While this may be (and definitely is) true, it is also true that Ethiopia has a lot more to offer than just one coffee growing region. We've done our best to include great coffees from a variety of different areas throughout Ethiopia.

There are countless Ethiopian coffee brands to choose from, making it hard to know where to start. We have compiled a list of 6 of the best Ethiopian coffees that we think any coffee lover will enjoy.

Having trouble deciding? If we absolutely had to pick one, it would be Volcanica's Yirgacheffe!

Ethiopia is the heavyweight of African coffee, and one of the top coffee producing countries in the world. Several distinct coffee growing regions exist within Ethiopia, each of which carry their own reputations and trademarks.

Perhaps the most well known Ethiopian coffee region is the district of Yirgacheffe. If you've heard of any specific Ethiopian coffee, it's probably this one. Yirgacheffe coffee beans are considered to be some of the best in the world by coffee connoisseurs.

Sick of hearing about Yirgacheffe yet? You'll be happy to know that the Sidamo region has plenty to of other wonderful options to explore, and there are also a number of other lesser known regions of Ethiopia that produce worthy coffee beans. You'll find a varied selection in our list below!

Ethiopian coffee offers a healthy variety in the taste department. You can expect your Ethiopian coffee to be something like this; 

Each coffee growing region offers up their own unique spin on this expected Ethiopian profile.

If you are a coffee person, you’ve probably already tried Ethiopian coffee, and you probably already love it.

If you haven’t tried Ethiopian coffee, we think it’s time that you stop denying yourself some of the best coffee in the world.

Ethiopia has a rich and ancient history with coffee, as it is widely regarded as the birthplace of coffee. The history of coffee in Ethiopia dates back centuries and is deeply ingrained in Ethiopian culture and traditions.

Legend has it that coffee was discovered in Ethiopia by a goat herder named Kaldi. According to the story, Kaldi noticed that his goats became energetic and lively after consuming berries from a certain plant. Curious about this effect, he tried the berries himself and experienced a similar invigorating sensation. This discovery is said to have led to the cultivation and consumption of coffee.

Coffee cultivation in Ethiopia can be traced back to the 9th century, and it played a significant role in Ethiopian society. The plant, known as "Buna" in the Amharic language, became an integral part of Ethiopian rituals, social gatherings, and daily life. Coffee ceremonies, where freshly roasted and brewed coffee is served, became an important cultural tradition that continues to this day.

In Ethiopia, coffee was traditionally grown in small-scale farming systems. Coffee plants thrived in the country's diverse and fertile landscapes, which offered ideal growing conditions. The highlands of Ethiopia, with their volcanic soils and favorable climate, became renowned for producing exceptional Arabica coffee.

Historically, coffee was traded in local markets and consumed domestically. It was often brewed in a traditional coffee pot called a "jebena" and served in small cups to guests during coffee ceremonies. Coffee held significant cultural and social importance, fostering community bonds and serving as a symbol of hospitality.

During the colonial period, Ethiopia faced challenges as European powers sought to control and exploit the country's coffee resources. In the late 19th century, with the establishment of coffee plantations in other parts of the world, Ethiopian coffee faced competition and declining prices in the international market.

In the 20th century, efforts were made to revitalize and promote Ethiopian coffee globally. The Ethiopian government recognized the value of their unique coffee heritage and established the Ethiopian Coffee Export Corporation (later known as the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority) in the 1950s to regulate coffee exports and ensure quality standards.

Ethiopia has embraced the specialty coffee movement, with a growing focus on sustainable practices and direct trade relationships. The country's coffee industry supports numerous smallholder farmers who cultivate coffee on small plots of land. Efforts are underway to preserve traditional farming techniques and improve infrastructure to enhance coffee quality and increase farmer incomes.

Ethiopian coffee continues to captivate coffee enthusiasts worldwide, and its cultural significance as the birthplace of coffee remains deeply rooted in Ethiopian identity and heritage.

Regardless of your coffee drinking experience, here are 6 Ethiopian coffee recommendations that we think both seasoned veterans and amateurs alike are sure to enjoy.

And there you have it, our 6 best Ethiopian coffees. We highly recommend each one of these options to anyone that has yet to try them. 

We’d also like to stress one more time that if you haven’t tried Ethiopian coffee, you really should. You’ll understand after you've had some.

What's your favorite Ethiopian coffee? Have any recommendations for us? Let us know!