Ethiopia Kaffa Anderacha Red Honey Grade 1 - Green Coffee

About this coffee

This coffee is harvested in the Sheka Forest (a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve) in a shade grown and bird friendly environment. The Estate covers a total of 276 hectares of which 237 hectares is under coffee plantation. In an effort to maintain the local ecology and biodiversity, the Plantation has left 39 hectares under forest and as buffer zone from flowing rivers while the remaining 8 hectares has been set aside for infrastructure. Anderacha Village coffee only began being introduced to the world stage within the past few years. The adaptation of coffee in high land and the discovery of Gesha in south western Ethiopia near Anderacha turned a few influential investors' to invest in coffee sector in this region. From this, many higher end coffees from these areas became recognized by farm (like Gesha village, Gemadro, Duyina). 

Honey preparation

Honey preparation is what contributes to a coffee’s all-natural sweet taste. This practice consists of depulping and washing the coffee, but carefully leaving it to dry with a layer of mucilage around the beans. This technique preserves the coffee’s natural sugars.

During the honey process, as the coffee is drying, the mucilage on the outside of the beans oxidizes and darkens in color. Beginning a golden yellow color, coffee which is stopped at this point is referred to as yellow honey process coffee. Allowing the coffee to continue fermenting, the mucilage further oxidizes to a red and finally a black color. The more fruit is left on the bean the darker the color as well. It is the length of that drying process with the mucilage which allows the coffees to develop more or less fruity flavors. 

The darker the honey, the more work is involved. Black honey processed coffees require constant monitoring to avoid over-fermentation and or mold developing. The darker honeys red and black should be more potent – full heavy therefore great in espressos. Yellow processed coffees are more delicate and will give better results in filter infusion.

Additional information

Region: Anderacha
Altitude: 1700-2000 meters above sea level
Cultivar: 74110,74140 
Process: Honey Washed
Screen Size: 14-15
Certification(s): UTZ Certified, Rainforest Alliance
Year of Establishment: 2011, First Harvest 2015.
Location: The Estate is located at 630KM to South Western Ethiopia in Sheka zone, Anderacha Village, adjacent to Gemadro coffee plantation. The rolling hills and valleys are covered with indigenous forests and are overflowing with crystal clear rivers.
Rainfall : The area is blessed with 1900 mm of annual rainfall distributed over nine to ten months. This eliminates the risk of moisture stress and the land layout insures sufficient drainage.
Temperature : Ranges from 15⁰C (minimum) to 28⁰C (maximum). The area is frost free throughout the year.
Altitude and Soil : The Plantation is located in a high altitude area ranging from 1700m to 2000m. The high altitude in conjunction with the deep red, well drained and clay loam fertile soil, ensures premium high quality coffee and productivity.
Environmental Consciousness Crystal Clear Water: in addition to soil conservation the rivers and streams are kept pollution free.
Recycle and Reuse: the effluents from the washing stations are recycled while the pulp and husks are used as compost and fuel for artificial driers respectively.
Indigenous forests: the forests are kept intact covering the hills and gorges. The coffee trees are also grown under indigenous trees such as Wanza. Albizzia, Acacia and Ficus. This helps to maintain the bio-diversity and to prevent land degradation.