ETHIOPIA Yirgacheffe Idido Washed

Processing: Washed; SCA Score: 86 points

Fresh black tea with caramel and cocoa aromas. Fruity sweetness with mild, juicy acidity.

The Idido Washing Station is located at an altitude of 1,950–2,150 meters above sea level in Yirgacheffe. Farmers deliver cherries grown in the surrounding area to the station. The distinct wet and dry seasons create excellent conditions for coffee processing.

Farming methods in the region remain largely traditional. Farmers in Yirgacheffe typically grow their coffee plants alongside other food crops. This practice is common among smallholder farmers, as it maximizes the use of available land while also providing food for their families.

In addition to being traditionally intercropped, most farms are also naturally organic by default. Farmers in Yirgacheffe generally use very little fertilizer or pesticides. Most of the agricultural work is carried out manually by family members.

To make the most of the region's exceptional climate, the washing station provides training to help farmers produce higher-quality cherries. The training focuses on proper cherry harvesting and transportation procedures.

Yirgacheffe is a district in the Sidamo region of southern Ethiopia. It is widely recognized as one of the “birthplaces” of coffee. Washed coffees from this district are so well known and highly sought after that Yirgacheffe is considered a micro-region in its own right.