Ethiopia

Ethiopian coffee is the original coffee. Coffee was born here in Ethiopia and to this day, still grows wild. Coffee is important to Ethiopians for many reasons. Not only is it their biggest industry but it holds much importance in their culture as well.

The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is of great importance in the Ethiopian society and is an integral part of social life in this place. There are many stories of folklore about the beginnings of the coffee trade there and how the beverage made its way around the world.

Some say a goat herder tried coffee berries after seeing his goats act hyper. There are stories of king’s daughters being cured of illnesses made with coffee. Monks in monasteries reportedly used coffee to stay awake and alert during prayer vigils. The folklore is extensive. There is a lot of Ethiopian coffee information available for perusing and some very interesting stories revolving around the Ethiopian coffee ceremony and the methods to brew and enjoy the beverage.

Ethiopia coffees are widely available. The coffee industry is over two thirds of Ethiopia’s industry and their coffee is exported throughout the world. Ethiopia is a very poor country despite this very rich resource and fair trade efforts are continuously being made so that more Ethiopian farmers can benefit.

In the world of coffee, one of the most traded world commodities, many farmers are starving while coffee retail chains grow very wealthy. Fair trade coffee efforts can ensure that not only will the farmers be paid fairly for their crops but also that fair treatment for laborers, the lack of child labor and also proper environmental safeguards are taken. This produces the best product with the best environmental outcome as well as the best regard for human life.

Because coffee in Ethiopia is such a staple and regarded both as a beverage and as medicinal, many regions have trainers who help local farmers make the most of their crops. Coffee output and quality depends on many factors above and beyond the growth of the plant. Beyond water and sunshine, the ground’s ph levels, the amount of shade and nearby environmental issues all contribute to the quality of the coffee. Coffee is considered very important to Ethiopians so fair trade practices are vital.

There are many Ethiopian coffee types including: Ethiopian Lekempti coffee beans, and Ethiopian Harar. If you want to try Ethiopian coffee, many coffee suppliers provide coffee blends and beans from all over the world.