This epitomization of washed Guji coffee comes to us from our partners at Atlantic Specialty Coffee!
This spectacular lot comes to us from our longtime friends and trusted partners at Atlantic Specialty Coffee. All information below is courtesy of their efforts:
Quick Facts
Producers: 200+ outgrowers for Shonora Coffee Export
Country: Ethiopia
Region: Gerba, West Guji, Oromia
Elevation: 2,100 - 2,300 m.a.s.l.
Variety: Heirlooms
Process: Washed
Harvest: October - January
Overview
Coffee is a family business for brothers Adugna Shonora and Morkata Shonora of Shonora Coffee Export. Their father, Shonora Gata, and his son Katelo were among the first to open wet and dry mills in West Guji during the wave of coffee privatization in the 1990s. Adugna and Morkata, both engineering majors, now carry on the family business.
The Shonora family has more than 25 years of experience in the coffee sector. They supply various grades of washed, natural, honey, and anaerobic fermentation coffees from their three washing stations: Sorile Wacho, Gerba Dogo, and Gerba Sakicha.
Regional Information
Gerba, West Guji, Oromia
Coffees from Guji, in southern Ethiopia used to be mostly classified and sold as Sidamo. However, over the last decade, the region of Guji has been recognized more and more as a separate producing area (as it should be) and recognized individually for the quality produced from here.
Coffee farming and culture is steeped in ancient traditions in Guji. Buna Qalmaa or Buna Qale is a traditional preparation that combines fresh milk, butter, and coffee beans boiled together, and can be served daily or ceremonially.
Another ancient tradition that has been practiced for centuries in the town of Gerba is called Bunnaqaa, meaning "Giving Coffee." During this ceremony, a Guji Oromo community leader called an Abba Gadaa brings a gift of coffee to the community priest called the Qaalluu. The priest leads a prayer for peace and prosperity for the land.
