Bekele Belaycho - Anaerobic Natural

MEET THE PRODUCER | Crop to Cup is an importing partner who seeks out dynamic coffee producers all over the coffee growing world. In Ethiopia in particular, they've taken special interest in the recently renown Bensa region of Sidama, setting their sights on high-elevation, single origin lots from producers in the area. 

One such producer with whom they've partnered is Bekele Belaycho, a generational coffee farmer who oversees his own two farms and also purchases coffee from about 100 smallholders in his community. His farms, located in Bombe and Kokose, each feature their own drying station, so Bekele is able to manage every aspect of production - offering a rare example of traceability in the region! Regarded as a consummate professional and tireless connector, Bekele is constantly striving to improve the quality of his own coffee while also elevating coffees from his community as a whole.

TRUST THE PROCESS | After being picked at peak ripeness, the coffee cherries are transported to the drying station on Bekele's farm. There, the cherries are sorted for quality and placed in large vats without the presence of oxygen for an extended period of time. Eventually, they are removed to raised beds to dry in the sun, until optimal moisture content is achieved.

TAKE A SIP | The ability of this coffee to highlight variety characteristics while also showcasing its processing impact is a tremendous accomplishment in balance and complexity, and we applaud Bekele for the result! Both floral and fruity, sweet and acidic, this coffee delivers notes like mangoes and raspberries alongside its rose-like aroma, and the finish is as smooth as a bite of milk chocolate.

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Origin | Bensa, Sidama, Ethiopia

Producer | Bekele Belaycho

Process | Anaerobic Natural

Variety | SL 74158

Elevation | 2215 masl