Coffee varietals: Ethiopian Heirloom varietal

Descendent varietals: 74110, 74112, 74165, Bishari, Java, and Kurume

Heirloom (or sometimes Landrace) is an umbrella term that refers to all the coffee varietals endemic to Ethiopia.

As the birthplace of coffee, the trees have been growing and cross-breeding for centuries in this country. As a result, today, there are numerous sub-varietals with some common genetics but slightly different behaviour and taste—Heirlooms.

Only relatively recently, in the last few decades, there has been an organised effort to research and identify different endemic varietals growing in Ethiopia by name, disease resilience and yield production. Kurume, Dega and Wolisho are some examples.

However, although most of this country’s production may be naturally-bred varietals, there are some cases where we’re starting to see the intentional plantation of lab-developed varietals, carefully created and selected for their performance in resilience, yield and flavour. One of the most recognised national organisations is the Jimma Agricultural Research Center (JARC).

Coffees featuring Ethiopian Heirloom:

Ethiopia Gigesa

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Flavours of concord grape, apricot, and chamomile

Body     Acidity

Washed Ethiopian Heirloom

January 2017 harvest

Roasted omni for filter and espresso

Ethiopia Gigesa online

Ethiopia Beriti

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Flavours of peach, orange blossom, bergamot

Body     Acidity

Washed Ethiopian Heirloom

December 2015 harvest

Roasted omni for filter and espresso

Ethiopia Beriti online
Photo for Aricha

Ethiopia Aricha

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Flavours of jasmine, candied lemon, floral

Body     Acidity

Washed Ethiopian Heirloom

December 2019 harvest

Roasted omni for filter and espresso

Ethiopia Aricha online

Ethiopia Idido

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Flavours of mango, lemongrass, bergamot

Body     Acidity

Washed Ethiopian Heirloom

November 2015 harvest

Roasted omni for filter and espresso

Ethiopia Idido online
Photo for Uraga

Ethiopia Uraga

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Flavours of floral, brown sugar, cooked fruit and berries

Body     Acidity

Washed Ethiopian Heirloom

November 2019 harvest

Roasted omni for filter and espresso

Ethiopia Uraga online

All varietals