Sidama
Naturally processed Sidama coffee is known for a bright, fruit-forward, and complex flavor profile featuring prominent notes of berries (especially strawberry and blueberry), tropical fruit, and wine, balanced by floral aromas and a smooth, rich body. The coffee is typically grown at high altitudes in fertile highlands. The natural process, where the whole coffee cherry is sun-dried, allows the fruit's sugars and flavors to infuse the bean, resulting in a distinct profile compared to the washed process.
Key Highlights
Prominent notes of berries (especially strawberry and blueberry), tropical fruit, and wine
Balanced by floral aromas (jasmine, honeysuckle) and a smooth, rich body
Medium, vibrant, wine-like acidity with medium to full, juicy, "jammy" body
Grown at high altitudes (1,500-2,200m) in fertile highlands of the Great Rift Valley
Labor-intensive sun-drying on raised African beds for 10-14 days
Flavor Profile
Fruit Notes
Floral Notes
Sweetness
Spice Notes
Other Notes
Taste Characteristics
Acidity
Medium vibrant, wine-like
Body
Medium-full, juicy, jammy
Growing Conditions
- Altitude
- 1,500-2,200m above sea level (up to 2,500m in Bensa). Cool temperatures at these altitudes slow cherry maturation, allowing beans to develop more complex sugars and acids.
- Soil
- Fertile volcanic soil within the Great Rift Valley, lush green environment
- Rainfall
- 1,200-2,000mm annually
- Farming Practices
- Most Sidama coffee is grown by smallholder farmers who use traditional, organic-by-default methods, often intercropping the coffee plants with other food crops
- Varietals
- Indigenous local heirloom Arabica varieties that contribute to unique and diverse flavor profiles found even from village to village
Processing Method
Method
Natural (dry) process
Duration
10-14 days
Technique
Selectively handpicked ripe cherries are sun-dried whole on raised African beds. The cherries are regularly turned and hand-sorted to ensure even drying and prevent defects. This labor-intensive method contributes significantly to the coffee's sweet, fruit-forward characteristics.
Interested in Sidama?
Request samples and discover the exceptional quality of our natural processed Sidama coffee.