World Coffees: Africa and the Middle East

Ethiopia: The Birthplace of Coffee

Ethiopia is widely recognized as the birthplace of coffee, with the original coffee plant and the first brew originating here. Today, Ethiopia ranks as the fifth-largest coffee producer globally, primarily cultivating high-quality Arabica beans. Ethiopian coffee is celebrated for its diverse flavor profiles, which vary significantly depending on the processing method and region.

Key Ethiopian Coffee Varieties

• Harrar: A dry-processed coffee known for its medium body, strong acidity, and fruity, wine-like tones.
• Yirgacheffe: A wet-processed coffee that is light-bodied with distinctive floral and citrus notes.
• Djimmah: A dry-processed bean with a unique medicinal taste.
• Ghimbi: A wet-processed bean from western Ethiopia.
• Limu: A well-respected, fragrant, floral, and fruit-toned wet-processed coffee from south-central Ethiopia.

Uganda: A Blend of Arabica and Robusta

Uganda is the 11th largest coffee producer in the world, with a significant portion of its production dedicated to Robusta beans, which are primarily used for blending and instant coffee. However, Uganda also produces fine Arabica coffees that exhibit the desirable winy acidity and flavor characteristics of the best East African coffees.

Notable Ugandan Coffee

• Bugishu: Grown on the slopes of Mount Elgon, this coffee is considered the best Ugandan Arabica.

Ivory Coast: A Robust Producer

The Ivory Coast is the third-largest coffee producer in Africa, focusing mainly on robust and strong Robusta beans used in soluble coffee production.

Tanzania: Coffee from the Slopes of Kilimanjaro

Tanzania produces both Arabica and Robusta coffees, with much of the Robusta grown on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The best-known Arabica variety from Tanzania is Mbeya, which is grown further south.

Characteristics of Tanzanian Coffee

• Full-bodied with a rich flavor
• Classic acidity similar to the best coffees from neighboring Kenya

Cameroon: High-Quality Coffee from Volcanic Soils

Cameroon's high altitude, rich volcanic soils, and ample rainfall contribute to the production of high-quality coffee. These coffees are known for their full-bodied flavor, well-rounded finish, and chocolate characteristics.

Kenya: Renowned for Consistent Quality

Kenya is famous for its excellent quality Arabica coffees, which are produced mainly by smallholders and processed under strict conditions by the Coffee Board of Kenya. The beans are graded into various categories, with PB (peaberry) considered the best, followed by AA, A, and B.

Unique Features of Kenyan Coffee

• Deep winy acidity
• Subtle fruit and berry tones

Madagascar: A Blend of Robusta and Arabica

Madagascar produces over 700,000 bags of coffee annually, comprising both Robusta and Arabica varieties. The island's most celebrated coffee, Kouillou, is highly distinctive and highly rated by the French.

Yemen: The Historic Mocha Port

The term "Mocha" is often synonymous with coffee, originating from the Yemeni port of the same name, which was a major trading point for coffee beans. Yemeni beans are renowned for their rich, winy aroma and strong chocolate tones.

Interesting Statistics

• Ethiopia's coffee industry employs approximately 15 million people, making it a crucial part of the country's economy (source).
• Uganda's coffee exports reached 6.08 million 60-kg bags in 2020, a significant increase from previous years (source).
• Kenya's coffee sector contributes about 0.2% to the country's GDP, with over 700,000 smallholder farmers involved in coffee production (source).

By understanding the unique characteristics and contributions of each region, coffee enthusiasts can better appreciate the rich diversity and history of African and Middle Eastern coffees.