Chiri (Ethiopia)

Apricot, Honey, Red Berries & Sweet Citrus

Origin Ethiopia
Region Sidama
Producer Girma Shonte
Variety 74158 & 74110
Elevation 1,950-2,000 masl
Processing Natural

250 gram and 1 kilo sizes available

Chiri (CHEE-ree) is a small community in the Bensa district of Ethiopia’s Sidama region, an area celebrated for its altitude, biodiversity and meticulous cherry selection. Producers in this region are generally smallholder farmers who deliver ripe cherries to local processing sites where they are sorted, graded and sold together. This coffee is a unique departure from that model, and we have the rare pleasure of receiving green coffee from Girma Shonte, one of Sidama’s most respected coffee farmers. 

As a second generation coffee farmer, Girma inherited 8.5 hectares of coffee land from his parents, and later expanded his production by acquiring additional farmland from the government. His inheritance has now turned into a thriving enterprise. Girma’s coffee is grown harmoniously alongside enset (a regional staple false banana), avocado and various fruit trees. This intercropping approach preserves soil health and biodiversity while contributing to the unique flavor profile of his coffees.

This lot was sun-dried on raised beds, developing deep fruit character and natural sweetness. We love how this coffee showcases the bright, candy-like character of natural-processed Sidama coffees without losing balance or clarity.