As we move into the heart of the holiday season, we’re thrilled to share our December Roaster’s Choice release with you – a stunning Ethiopia Sidama Natural. This coffee, grown by smallholders in the fertile highlands of Ethiopia’s Sidama region, brings a delightful burst of flavor and history to your cup. If you’re a Roaster’s Choice subscriber, you’re in for a real treat with this exceptional selection hand-picked by our roasting team.
A Taste of Sidama’s Unique Terroir
The Sidama Zone in southern Ethiopia is one of the country’s most celebrated coffee-growing regions. Nestled at altitudes of 2,100 to 2,200 meters above sea level, the coffee trees here benefit from the cool, high-altitude climate, allowing cherries to ripen slowly and develop deep, complex flavors. The region’s fertile soil and traditional cultivation practices further enhance the coffee’s distinctive profile.
Our December release showcases a natural-processed Sidama, a method that highlights the inherent sweetness and fruitiness of the beans. This process involves drying the ripe coffee cherries whole under the sun, which allows the fruit’s sugars to infuse the beans with vibrant flavors before being hulled. The result? A coffee bursting with juicy fruit notes and a rich, jammy body.
Flavor Profile
We’re excited for you to experience the unique tasting notes that this Ethiopia Sidama Natural has to offer. In each sip, you’ll discover:
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🍓 Strawberry: A delightful burst of sweet berry flavor that makes the cup feel bright and lively.
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⭐ Star Fruit: A subtle, tangy complexity that adds an intriguing twist.
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🍬 Cane Sugar: Sweetness that ties everything together and balances the fruit notes.
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🌸 Floral and Green Tea: Delicate floral aromas and hints of green tea, adding a refined finish to the cup.
This coffee has a medium acidity that enhances the fruit-forward character, and a light, jammy body that makes each sip feel silky and smooth. The aroma evokes black tea and chamomile, creating a sensory experience that is both soothing and invigorating.
The Natural Process Advantage
Natural-processed coffees are a hallmark of Ethiopian coffee tradition, and this Sidama Natural is no exception. This method, which requires fewer resources and less infrastructure than washed processing, involves carefully drying whole coffee cherries on raised beds or patios. The cherries ferment slightly during the drying process, imparting intense sweetness and complexity to the beans.
The result is a coffee that offers bold, fruit-forward flavors, with the fermentation process enhancing the jammy strawberry notes and adding a touch of exotic star fruit tang. It’s a perfect representation of why Ethiopia is renowned for producing some of the world’s most sought-after natural-processed coffees.
A Rich History of Coffee Tradition
Ethiopia is the birthplace of Arabica coffee, and its coffee culture is steeped in history and tradition. For centuries, Ethiopian smallholders have cultivated coffee using sustainable and organic practices, often without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The Sidama region is home to thousands of these smallholder farmers, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Ethiopian coffee.
In recent years, changes in Ethiopian coffee regulations have empowered these farmers, allowing them to export directly and receive fair compensation for their dedication and hard work. This shift supports both quality coffee production and the livelihoods of the communities behind each cup.
Brewing Recommendations
To fully appreciate the vibrant flavors of this Ethiopia Sidama Natural, we recommend brewing it with methods that highlight its clarity and complexity. Here are a few suggestions:
- Pour Over (V60, Chemex, or Kalita Wave): This method emphasizes the bright strawberry notes, floral aromas, and the tea-like body.
- French Press: If you prefer a fuller body, this method captures the jammy sweetness and complexity of the coffee.
- Cold Brew: For a refreshing twist, try cold brewing to bring out the coffee’s fruity and floral notes with a smooth, mellow finish.
Experiment with your brew parameters to find the perfect balance for your palate, and don’t forget to let us know how you enjoy this release!
Celebrate the Season with Sidama
Our Ethiopia Sidama Natural is more than just a coffee – it’s a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and the rich heritage of Ethiopian coffee culture. As a Roaster’s Choice subscriber, you’re part of a journey that brings the world’s finest coffees to your cup, hand-selected and roasted with care.
Thank you for being part of the Lanna Coffee family. We hope this festive release brings warmth, joy, and a touch of Ethiopian magic to your holiday season.
Happy Brewing! ☕🎄