While visiting our washing stations at SIDAMO BENSA, BOMBAY (SHENTEBENE) and SIDAMO ARRORESSA We had this amazing experience at this breathtaking place.

The relaxing weather, the waterfalls and the colorful birds whirling around the pure sky is a site worth going miles to explore.

The Sidama history, culture, and political economy epitomizes this largely forgotten ancient African civilization. It is also believed that the sidamo land is the most fertile land in Africa.

It is home to a population of around 7.8 million people, who speak the Cushitic language Sidaama or Sidaamu Afoo. Like many other ethnic groups across Ethiopia, the Sidama people have their own traditions, culture, and even their own UNESCO-recognized New Year, called Fichee-Chambalaalla.

So, what makes Sidama so famous for its coffee? The region spreads across fertile highlands south of Lake Awasa in the Rift Valley. Elevation ranges from 1,500–2,200 m.a.s.l., meaning that coffees ripen slowly in cool temperatures, developing sweeter and more acidic flavor. The soil is fertile, and with 1,200–2,000 mm of annual rainfall, the conditions are ideal for growing coffee.

These high elevations also mean that the coffee tends to ripen slower, with a later harvest season than the rest of Ethiopia. This allows the cherries to develop those complex flavors and aromas characteristic of Sidama coffee.

The coffee in the sidama region is grown in a “golden style,” which involves planting the trees sparsely, between rows of basic crops, and typically shaded by local trees. The water conserving “Natural Process” approach allows the flavor filled coffee cherry to remain on the seed for days, infusing the bean with a rich berry flavor.

The complexities of the coffee is partly due to the unique varieties, many uncategorized that can be found on each farm.  There is a reason Sidama is one of the most famous coffee origins in Ethiopia. It offers diversity, quality, and complex flavors

Sidama coffee is associated with spices and citrus notes, crisp acidity, and a rich body.

Take the adventure while sampling our specialty Q standard sidema coffee from the origin.