Habtamu Fikadu, Chelbesa, Ethiopia - Washed Process

An incredibly complex version of the classic Chelbesa/Guji flavor profile. Habtamu Fikadu, Ethiopia Tasting notes: Orange blossom, lemon meringue, hojicha, peach fruit leather, raspberry Elevation: 2,000+ masl Variety: Heirloom Process: Washed Region: Chelbesa, Guji Habtamu Fikadu Aga (trading as Kuri Mountain Coffee) was founded in 2015 by Aaga Dinsa, the grandson of a coffee farmer in Kuri Kebele. He inherited his grandfather’s farm, which remains the export-hub of the operation. Today the organization spans 105 hectares planted in Kuri Kebele, plus 837 hectares total including the farms of 144 registered outgrowers. These outgrowers deliver cherry to washing stations owned or managed by the company across Wolega, Guji, and Jimma. At the company’s washing stations, cherries are pulped and undergo a submerged fermentation lasting 48–72 hours depending on temperature. After washing, the parchment rests in water for another 12 hours before being dried on raised beds for 10–12 days. This careful and consistent method underpins the quality across all of Habtamu’s lots. The company is certified organic (Ecocert) and holds Fair for Life certification. Through Fair for Life, they contribute US $0.12 per pound on exports plus 5% of company profits into a development fund, which is reinvested locally (in food, clothing, schooling, roads, health care facilities & equipment). Until 2017, they sold via ECX; now, they export directly.