Sidama Bensa - Aroresa Natural

Producing Country: Ethiopia

Washing Station: Aroresa Region: Bensa, Sidama

Altitude: 1,500 - 2,000 M.A.S.L. Farmers: 300+

Processing: Natural Fermentation

Tasting Notes: Clean, sweet, floral, mandarin, black tea, stone fruit, berries

The Sidama Bensa Aroresa Natural comes from the Aroresa district (woreda) in Ethiopia's renowned Sidama region. Aroresa, is one of the largest coffee-producing areas in Bensa, despite its slightly lower altitude compared to neighbouring regions. Sidama, located in Ethiopia's South East Coffee Zone, is known for producing exceptional coffees with intensely fruit-forward, tea-like, and floral characteristics.

The region extends across Southern Oromia and the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region (SNNPR), and is named after the Sidama people, a tribe with a long history of coffee cultivation. Over 300 smallholder farmers, each with an average of 1.8 hectares, cultivate this coffee. The farms typically intercrop coffee with food crops and shade trees, maintaining biodiversity and following traditional organic practices. The 74158 variety, developed by the Jimma Agricultural Research Center (JARC) in 1971, is known for its disease resistance and high yield.

This coffee undergoes natural processing, with cherries carefully hand-picked and sorted before being dried on raised African beds for 15-18 days. The cherries are meticulously turned and protected from harsh sunlight and morning dew, ensuring even drying and preventing over-fermentation. Sidama farmers are recognised for their innovative approaches, often winning in Cup of Excellence competitions. Their commitment to quality and sustainable practices, combined with the region's perfect growing conditions, results in a coffee that showcases the diverse flavour profiles Sidama is famous for.