Gedeb - Lalesa, Ephtah, Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia | Red Honey MUK-7543

Origin and Harvest

Ethiopian coffee production is profoundly influenced by the country's three main seasons. The Bega season (October-January) is the long dry period, crucial for coffee harvesting and processing. The Belg season (February-May) brings the first rains, essential for coffee flowering and early fruit development. The Krempt season (June-September) sees heavy rainstorms from the east, crucial for the later stages of coffee fruit development and ripening. By the end of September, the rains cease abruptly, allowing the coffee fruits to ripen, leading to a bustling harvest period by November.

About

Ephtah Specialty Coffee Ephtah Specialty Coffee is dedicated to building sustainable and collaborative supply chains that benefit customers, farmers, and their communities. The company emphasizes promoting the role of women in the coffee industry, recognizing their pivotal role in driving social and economic change in Ethiopia. Ephtah ensures quality at every stage of the shipment process, focusing on providing the highest quality green coffee beans and maintaining satisfaction among all stakeholders in the supply chain.

Lalesa Washing Station 

The Lalesa washing station is located in Gedeb, a region with a population of over 300,000 people. The area is predominantly Christian Protestant, with some Orthodox Christians, and the primary language spoken is Gedeoiniya. The community celebrates its main annual New Year festival on January 18th, and Enset (false banana) is the staple food. The Siqe river delineates the border between Gedeo, Guji, and the Southern regional state from Oromia.

Coffee Processing

The coffee is naturally grown under shade trees, primarily Ensete (false banana tree). The best cherries are bought from nearby farmers. Coffee is initially floated to remove quakers, then placed on drying beds for 12-15 days. Green beans are handpicked by local women.