Chelbesa – Ethiopia

Country
Ethiopia

Region
Gedeb

Producer
Chelbesa

Arabica variety
Heirloom

Altitude
2200 masl

Process
washed

Tasting notes
lemon tea – elderflower – passion fruit

Suggested for
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Origin and Harvest

Ethiopian coffee production is profoundly influenced by the country’s three main seasons. The Bega season (October-January) is the long dry period, crucial for coffee harvesting and processing. The Belg season (February-May) brings the first rains, essential for coffee flowering and early fruit development. The Krempt season (June-September) sees heavy rainstorms from the east, crucial for the later stages of coffee fruit development and ripening. By the end of September, the rains cease abruptly, allowing the coffee fruits to ripen, leading to a bustling harvest period by November.

About Ephtah Specialty Coffee

Ephtah Specialty Coffee is dedicated to building sustainable and collaborative supply chains that benefit customers, farmers, and their communities. The company emphasizes promoting the role of women in the coffee industry, recognizing their pivotal role in driving social and economic change in Ethiopia. Ephtah ensures quality at every stage of the shipment process, focusing on providing the highest quality green coffee beans and maintaining satisfaction among all stakeholders in the supply chain.

Chelbesa, Gedeb

Chelbesa, located in Gedeb, is a vital coffee sourcing area where Ephtah exclusively rents and manages the washing station. The washing station in Chelbesa (Kebele), Gedeb (Woreda), plays a crucial role in processing high-quality coffee. The region is predominantly Christian, with both Protestant and Orthodox followers.

The farm spans 2 hectares and is situated at an elevation of 2150-2200 MASL. It employs 17 permanent staff and 150 additional workers during the harvest season from late November to January. The farm features 150 drying beds and cultivates Heirloom coffee varieties.

Lot Information

The Chelbesa, Gedeb coffee lot, grown at an elevation of 2200 MASL, encompasses a total parcel size of approximately 38400 kg. The best cherries are chosen, floated, and pulped. The coffee is then fermented in fermentation tanks without water and dried for 10-15 days. This processing method ensures the highest quality of coffee. Once dried and stored, the coffee is transported to Moplaco in Gerji, Addis Ababa, and then moved to Djibouti via train for export.

Economic, Social, Governance

Ephtah has not specified additional social or environmental projects associated with this lot. However, the company remains committed to supporting local communities and ensuring fair compensation for coffee producers.

General

The primary challenge during this crop cycle was managing the fermentation and drying processes to maintain the coffee’s high quality. Despite these challenges, the site remains committed to producing exceptional coffee and contributing to the local economy. Future plans include improving processing infrastructure and expanding support for local farmers.

In addition to coffee, the farmers also produce other crops, though specific details are not provided in this lot’s information. The Ephtah site in Chelbesa is a significant contributor to the region’s coffee production, underscoring the company’s commitment to quality and capacity in coffee production.