Small Plots, Big Flavors: The Naga Singage Difference
- marvin3369
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
Country: Ethiopia
Region: Yirgacheffe
Altitude: 1,950 - 2,150 masl
Varietal: 74158
Processing: Natural
Cupping Profile: Lemon Bar, Honey, Blueberry
Ethiopia: The Birthplace of Coffee
Ethiopia is not just the birthplace of coffee; it’s a coffee powerhouse and the seventh-largest coffee-producing country in the world. Unlike many other regions, Ethiopia's coffee history is rooted in its natural discovery during the 9th century, when coffee grew wild in the forests of the Ethiopian plateau. This unique origin story sets Ethiopian coffee apart from others introduced through colonization and forced labor.
While Ethiopia has faced its share of hardships, coffee has remained an integral part of everyday life for its citizens. It wasn't until the 16th century that coffee cultivation began for commercial export, and today, Ethiopian coffee is celebrated for its distinct and unique flavor profiles, making it highly sought after worldwide.
A Vital Economic Contributor
Coffee plays a vital role in Ethiopia's economy, accounting for 40% of the country's total exports. More than 15 million Ethiopians rely on coffee for their livelihoods, with most coffee farms being small, often less than 1 hectare. Farmers typically bring their coffee cherries to washing stations for sorting, processing, and drying.
The Heart of Yirgacheffe
Nestled in the heart of Yirgacheffe, the Aricha washing station sits just under 5 kilometers from Yirgacheffe town, where nature has crafted the perfect conditions for exceptional coffee. The combination of experienced farming communities, rich volcanic soil, and high mountains creates ideal microclimates for coffee cultivation.
In 2018, Faysel Abdosh and Testi Coffee recognized the untapped potential of the Aricha washing station and acquired it with a vision that extended beyond ownership. Their mission was to breathe new life into the facility and nurture it into a beacon of excellence for the entire region.
A Community Rooted in Heritage
The surrounding farmlands tell a story deeply rooted in Ethiopian heritage. The local farmers, predominantly from the Gedeo ethnic group, have called this region home for generations. They began exporting coffee during the 1920s, although their relationship with coffee cultivation likely stretches further back, passed down through families who work intimate plots of land, typically no larger than two hectares. These “home gardens” are biodiverse ecosystems where coffee plants grow alongside food crops and native trees, creating a living testament to sustainable agriculture that safeguards the region’s biodiversity.
Faysel believes in collaborating with farming communities for mutual growth. In Aricha, this has meant working with the regional government to provide electricity to farmers’ homes. Testi Coffee has also invested in building a school for the community’s children.
Quality Through Community
The washing station operates on a profit-sharing model that directly benefits the farming communities, creating powerful incentives for quality improvement. By processing each community’s coffee separately, they ensure that financial rewards flow back to the specific communities that produce exceptional beans. This approach not only encourages farmers to deliver their finest cherries exclusively to Aricha but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the collective pursuit of coffee excellence.
A Flavorful Experience
This naturally processed coffee, specifically from the Naga Singage community, embodies everything we hope for in an Ethiopian natural. It features bright, comforting notes of lemon bar and honey, with a beautiful mouthfeel reminiscent of black tea. Its flavor dances with effervescent blueberries, finishing clean and crisp. It is an absolute joy to experience, and we are fortunate to brew this incredible coffee for you.