Shakiso Hadeso

The coffee is harvested by hand, selecting only the ripest cherries, which are then taken to the Washed station for a second sorting. The cherries are dried on raised tables in thin layers, turned frequently to ensure uniformity. As they reach 25% moisture content (the raisin stage), the layers are made thicker. The entire process takes 15 to 18 days, with protection from the midday sun and nighttime dew, preserving a clean and balanced profile.

The Washed station is located in the heart of the Guji region in Oromia, approximately 300 to 400 km south of Addis Ababa. This project is a collaboration among 500 local smallholder farmers who grow coffee on land that has been cultivated by the Oromo people for generations. Each farmer contributes their carefully selected coffee cherries to this collective effort, allowing the region’s local varieties and unique microclimates to shine in every cup.

The Guji region was established as an independent producing zone in 2002, separating from Yirgacheffe. Although it is relatively young as a distinct region, its coffees have gained worldwide recognition for being distinct from both Yirgacheffe and Sidamo, thanks to its unique terroir characteristics and local biodiversity. The exporter, Testi Specialty Coffee, has selected and graded this lot as Grade 1 to ensure exceptional, consistent quality.

Beyond processing high-quality coffee, Testi Specialty Coffee is committed to the comprehensive development of the community. In various regions of Ethiopia, including Guji, they have invested in building schools for local children, promoted water projects to ensure access to clean drinking water, and worked to connect homes to the electrical grid, significantly improving the quality of life for producers and their families.

When replicating this recipe, there are various variables that can affect the final result of your cup, such as the roast date, how the beans were stored, the environment, the water, the condition of the equipment, and so on. It’s important to keep in mind that all these factors can have an impact, and you may need to make minor adjustments when replicating this recipe.