Did you perhaps think there were only excellent coffees from Yirgacheffe and Sidamo in Ethiopia? Think again. Harrar coffee will take you taste buds on quite an adventure!
Ethiopian Harrar coffee beans come from the Harrar region in eastern Ethiopia. This area is known for producing some of the most distinctive and sought-after coffees in the world.
What makes Ethiopian Harrar coffee beans so special?
It all comes down to the unique growing conditions and traditional processing methods used.
The Harrar region sits at high elevations between roughly 4500 and 6500 feet above sea level. The climate is relatively dry, which contributes to the coffee’s intense flavors.
Most Ethiopian Harrar coffee is naturally processed, meaning the coffee cherries are dried with the fruit still intact before the beans are removed. This imparts deep, fruity notes to the beans that you won’t find in washed coffees.
When you first brew a cup of Ethiopian Harrar coffee, you’ll likely be struck by its bold aroma. The scent is often described as winey and fruit-forward, with hints of blueberries, blackberries and dark chocolate.
Taking that first sip, you’ll experience a full-bodied coffee with a syrupy mouthfeel.
The flavor profile is complex and intense, featuring notes of:
- Ripe berries (especially blueberry)
- Dark chocolate
- Spices like cinnamon and cardamom
- Wine-like acidity
- Earthy undertones
One of the most distinctive qualities of Ethiopian Harrar coffee is its wine-like character. The natural processing allows the beans to ferment slightly, creating those deep fruit and wine notes.
Some describe it as having an almost port-like complexity, especially in aged Harrar beans.
The body is typically heavy and the acidity bright, creating an interesting interplay of flavors on your palate. It’s a coffee that demands your attention – this isn’t a mild breakfast blend you sip mindlessly.
Ethiopian Harrar coffee beans produce a cup that’s meant to be savored and contemplated.
Ethiopian Harrar Coffee Beans to Try Yourself
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Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some of the best Ethiopian Harrar coffee beans available on Amazon:
Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC, Ethiopian Harrar Coffee
This offering from Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC is a customer favorite, and for good reason. The beans are roasted in small batches to confirm freshness and quality, a practice that truly makes a difference in the cup.
With a medium roast level, these beans strike a perfect balance between fruity notes and full body.
Customers consistently praise its smooth flavor and low acidity, making it an excellent choice for those who are sensitive to highly acidic coffees. The packaging is designed to maintain freshness, and the company provides detailed information about the coffee’s origin and flavor profile.
Land of Origins Coffee ETHIOPIAN HARRAR Whole Bean Coffee
These Harrar beans are a medium roast, single origin coffee roasted without blending. You can really taste the unique natural flavors of this specialty coffee. The beans are 100% Arabica, natural Ethiopian coffee.
The beans are naturally processed, resulting in a fruity and aromatic coffee. The owners were born and raised in Ethiopia so are committed to honoring their rich cultural heritage.
AfriKin’s Ethiopian Harrar Artisan Whole Bean Coffee
AfriKin’s Harrar Coffee stands out with its claim of organic certification and bold flavor profile. The medium roast and whole bean format allow coffee lovers to grind just before brewing, maximizing freshness and flavor.
KOCHERE Organic Ethiopian Whole Bean Coffee
Coffee enthusiasts who prioritize organic and fair trade certifications will appreciate the KOCHERE Store Organic Ethiopian Whole Bean Coffee. This medium roast Harrar coffee boasts organic certification and adheres to fair trade practices.
The 12-ounce bag is ideal for those who prefer to buy smaller quantities to confirm most freshness.
Brewing Methods
To fully appreciate the unique qualities of Ethiopian Harrar coffee, choosing the right brewing method is key. Here are some recommended ways to prepare these beans:
French Press
The French press is an excellent choice for bringing out the full body and rich flavors of Ethiopian Harrar coffee. The metal filter allows the coffee’s natural oils to stay in your cup, enhancing its syrupy mouthfeel.
Use a coarse grind and steep for 4 minutes before plunging.
Pour Over
For a cleaner cup that highlights the coffee’s bright acidity and complex flavor notes, try a pour over method like the Hario V60. Use a medium-fine grind and pour hot water in a slow, circular motion over the grounds.
This method can really accentuate the fruity, wine-like qualities.
Espresso
Ethiopian Harrar coffee beans can produce an excellent espresso with a thick crema and concentrated flavors. The fruity notes become more pronounced, creating an almost liqueur-like shot.
Dial in your grind to achieve a 25-30 second extraction time.
Cold Brew
For a refreshing summer drink, Ethiopian Harrar coffee makes a delishious cold brew. The long steeping process brings out the chocolate notes while mellowing some of the acidity.
Use a coarse grind and steep for 12-24 hours in cold water.
Sourcing and Fairtrade
When purchasing Ethiopian Harrar coffee beans, it’s important to consider the source. Look for roasters who have direct relationships with farmers or cooperatives in the Harrar region.
This helps confirm you’re getting authentic beans and that farmers are being fairly compensated.
Many Ethiopian Harrar coffees are available through Fairtrade certified channels. Fair Trade aims to provide better trading conditions and promote sustainability.
For coffee farmers in Harrar, Fairtrade can mean more stable prices and investment in community development projects.
Unfortunately only a fraction of the premium paid for Fairtrade coffee typically reaches farmers directly. While it’s a step in the right direction, there’s still room for improvement in creating truly equitable trade relationships.
Flavor Comparison
To give you a sense of how Ethiopian Harrar coffee compares to other popular varieties, here’s a quick comparison table:
| Coffee Origin | Body | Acidity | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethiopian Harrar | Full | Bright | Blueberry, dark chocolate, wine |
| Colombian | Medium | Medium | Caramel, nuts, citrus |
| Kenyan | Medium-Full | High | Blackcurrant, tomato, floral |
| Sumatran | Full | Low | Earthy, herbal, dark chocolate |
As you can see, Ethiopian Harrar coffee stands out for its unique combination of full body, bright acidity, and distinctive flavor notes. It’s truly unlike any other coffee origin.
Ethiopian Harrar coffee beans offer a bold, complex, and memorable coffee experience. Their wild berry and wine-like notes, coupled with a full body and bright acidity, make them a favorite among coffee enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ordinary.
While they may not be an everyday coffee for everyone, Ethiopian Harrar beans are certainly worth exploring for those who appreciate unique and intense flavor profiles.
Whether you’re brewing it as a pour-over to highlight its fruity acidity or using a French press to emphasize its full body, Ethiopian Harrar coffee is sure to leave an impression.
Coffee in Ethiopian Daily Life
In Ethiopia, coffee is far more than just a morning drink. It’s a central part of social life and hospitality.
The traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, known as “jebena buna,” is a ritualized process of roasting, grinding, and brewing coffee that can last for hours.
Here’s a brief overview of the Ethiopian coffee ceremony:
- Roasting: Green coffee beans are roasted in a pan over hot coals
- Grinding: The roasted beans are ground using a mortar and pestle
- Brewing: The ground coffee is brewed in a special pot called a jebena
- Serving: The coffee is poured into small cups and served to guests
This ceremony is typically performed three times a day in Ethiopian homes. It’s a time for conversation, relaxation, and strengthening social bonds.
Refusing coffee during this ceremony is considered impolite, highlighting its importance in Ethiopian hospitality.
Experiencing Ethiopian Coffee
For coffee lovers looking to explore Ethiopian coffee, there are several ways to experience its unique qualities:
- Visit a specialty coffee shop: Many cafes offer Ethiopian coffees, often brewed as pour-overs to highlight their distinct flavors.
- Try different regions: Sample coffees from various Ethiopian growing regions to appreciate the diversity of flavors.
- Experiment with brewing methods: Ethiopian coffees can shine in different ways depending on how they’re brewed. Try French press for a full-bodied cup, or pour-over for clarity.
- Attend a coffee cupping: Many roasters offer public cuppings where you can taste and compare different coffees side by side.
- Visit Ethiopia: For the ultimate experience, consider a trip to Ethiopia to participate in a traditional coffee ceremony and visit coffee farms.
Ethiopian coffee, with its rich history and unique flavors, offers a window into the very origins of coffee culture. From the legendary discovery by Kaldi to its central role in Ethiopian social life and its growing influence on global coffee trends, Ethiopian coffee continues to captivate and inspire coffee lovers around the world.
People Ask
Is Ethiopian Harrar coffee strong?
Yes, Ethiopian Harrar coffee is generally considered strong in terms of flavor intensity. It has a full body and complex taste profile, often described as bold and robust.
What does Ethiopian Harrar coffee taste like?
Ethiopian Harrar coffee typically has notes of blueberry, dark chocolate, and spices. It’s known for its wine-like acidity and fruity undertones, often compared to a dry red wine or port.
Is Ethiopian Harrar coffee acidic?
Yes, Ethiopian Harrar coffee has a bright acidity, often described as wine-like. However, the acidity is usually well-balanced by the coffee’s full body and complex flavors.
How do you brew Ethiopian Harrar coffee?
Ethiopian Harrar coffee can be brewed using various methods, but it’s particularly well-suited to French press and pour-over brewing. These methods help highlight its complex flavors and full body.
Climate change, in particular, poses a significant threat to coffee production in Ethiopia. This has made me more conscious about choosing beans from roasters who prioritize sustainable farming practices and fair compensation for farmers.
Many roasters now offer Harrar coffees that are organic and Fair Trade certified. While these certifications aren’t perfect, they do provide some assurance that the coffee was produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
Pairing Suggestions
The bold, fruity flavors of Harrar coffee make it an excellent companion to certain foods. I’ve found it pairs particularly well with:
- Dark chocolate desserts
- Spicy foods (the coffee’s fruity notes provide a nice contrast)
- Aged cheeses
- Hearty breakfast foods like bacon and eggs
Harrar’s unique flavor profile also makes it an interesting base for coffee cocktails.
Recommendation
Ethiopian Harrar coffee is not for everyone. Its bold, complex flavors and wine-like acidity can be overwhelming for those used to milder coffees.
However, for coffee enthusiasts looking to expand their palate and experience something truly unique, I highly recommend giving Harrar a try.