A lovely fruity coffee from Worka Wuri washing station in the Gedeb woreda (or district) in Southern Ethiopia. Around 650 local smallholder producers - whose farms are located up to 2,100 M.A.S.L - contribute cherries to the washing station during harvest. Expect a beautifully sweet and juicy cup, with apricot and honey notes.
The area of Gedeb is gaining a reputation for incredible coffees, thanks to the specific climatic conditions (from fertile soil, high altitude and plentiful, consistent rainfall) and talent of the local producers. It borders Yirgacheffe (another well known coffee producing region), which lies to its south.
Ethiopia is widely recognised as the birthplace of coffee, and genetic studies reveal that innumerable varieties grow there. Given the way that coffee is produced in Ethiopia, it is very difficult to obtain any single variety lots. For this reason, the term “heirloom” is often used as a catch all phrase to describe a combination of Ethiopian coffees whose varieties cannot be easily ascertained.
When the coffee cherries are delivered to the station, they are first sorted to remove defects then pulped. The station then ferments the cherries for 36-48 hours (depending on the climatic conditions), then thoroughly washes them and grades them by bean density, before drying them for 12-15 days. During the daytime, the coffee is raked and turned periodically to ensure a consistent drying process. It is also covered between 12-3pm to protect it from the hot sun, and at night to protect it from rainfall and moisture. Once the desired moisture level is reached, coffee is transported to a dry mill in Addis Ababa, where it is milled and hand-sorted, before being packed for export.
We purchased this coffee from the importer, Covoya, when it landed in the UK in September 2024. The coffee was exported by the Ethiopian export company, BNT, which also runs the Worka Wuri washing station. We understand that BNT pays producers considerable post-harvest premiums both before and after the coffee is sold, and has implemented initiatives to improve the livelihoods of local coffee producers and their families, including providing food subsidies and ensuring they have access to potable water. It also runs three schools for the producers’ families, including two preschools.
For further details on the prices below visit our Transparency Page.
If you're not sure which coffee is for you, or you want to try them all, then our discovery pack is just what you need.
Shop now
