Ethiopian Guji (Organic)

Origin: ETHIOPIA ORGANIC GUJI HIGHLANDS G1 NATURAL

Masl: 1900-2000

Notes: Strawberry, Vanilla

Process: Natural

Coffee from the Guji Highland Coffee Plantation thrives in natural, semi-forest areas at soaring altitudes that reach 2,000 to 2,150masl. Established in 2012, the estate follows strict technical guidelines for production and engages additional smallholders in the surrounding area with training and guidance.

The Oromo people of the Guji region have their own origin story for the discovery of coffee; that’s how deeply woven the crop is within their culture. Instead of Kaldi the goatherder, the Oromo sky god Waaqa brought forth a new plant from the earth with his tears that were shed over the wrongful death of a loyal servant.

From as early as the 10th century, coffee has been present in Oromo culture. It has always been prized for the energy it provided and was eaten on long journeys. Centuries later, farmers in Guji still follow traditional growing methods that complement the incredibly fertile soil there. Because there is so much nutrition in the land, coffee is grown organically (although most are not certified as such). Many landrace varieties still thrive on Ethiopia’s coffee farms, intercropped with maize, barley, wheat, beans, and other crops that provide sustenance to farming families.