Ethiopia-Lalesa Black Honey

Region: Lalesa, Gedeb

Altitude: 2000-2200 masl

Coffee varieties: Heirloom varieties

Process: Black Honey

Drying: Dried over 12 – 15 days

Cupping notes: Black Cherry, Pomegranate, Stone Fruit

Cupping score: 87.75

The washing station Lalesa located in Gedeb was purchased by Ephtah in 2023.

This station is located at 2200 m.a.s.l. and is a 3.5-hectare area where 350 raised beds are installed. Ephtah empowers women by a series of initiatives including education, financial knowledge, financing and strengthening the female coffee community leadership. Coffee farmers grow mainly heirloom varieties. These coffees are cultivated at 2150 to 2200 m.a.s.l in Lalesa, Gedeb. Individual coffee growers pick the cherries and transport them directly to the washing stations. The farmer is paid immediately for their cherries on delivery.

The coffees are typically delivered the day they are harvested, and are first sorted for ripeness and quality before being rinsed clean of dirt. After carefully selecting premium cherries, they are initially floated to remove any defective ones. The cherries then spend four days on drying beds to enrich mucilage content. Pulped and dried slowly under shade for 18-20 days, the beans are frequently turned and protected during intense sunlight, ensuring optimal flavor development.