Coffee Process
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CEO NOTES
The spread of organised coffee cultivation in Ethiopia - as related by lsrael Degefa.
Coffee spread to the highland areas of Sidamo where the trees are newer. In my home area, the trees can be 65-85 years old. Trees this mature no longer produce good, flavoursome coffee but farmers have been resistant to replanting due to the perceived interruption in their income. On a side note, in response to this issue Kerchanshe now runs a range of ...
Bale Mountain Farm
Bale Mountain Farm
Situated in the Arsi-Bale Mountain belt of the southeastern Ethiopian Highlands, Bale Mountain Farm is located at elevations between 1,800 and 2,200 meters above sea level. This farm benefits from its proximity to the Wabe Shebelle River and surrounding forested mountains. The farm's eco-friendly and sustainable coffee cultivation practices are intricately linked with the surrounding forest ecosystem. Large shade trees on the farm play a crucial role in conserving water, enhancing soil fertility, and maintaining ecological balance, which directly supports high-quality coffee production.
Features:
Altitude
1950-2200m
Closest Town
Bale
Farm Size
200 hectares
Irrigation System
Drip Irrigation & Sprinkler
Soil Composition
Forest soil and volcanic red, rich in organic matter
Humidity
55%-70%
Processing Method
Washed, Natural
Approximate No. of Trees per Hectare
5000
The coffee from Bale Mountain Farm is known for its purity, rich aroma, and distinctive flavor profiles, including notes of nectar, fresh raspberries, lemonade, peach, chocolate, and juicy blends. These flavors are a testament to the farm’s unique growing conditions and its commitment to sustainable practices.
Social responsibility is a core aspect of Bale Mountain Farm’s operations. The farm contributes to local development by constructing roads, establishing nurseries, distributing coffee seedlings, building schools, and providing financial support during off-seasons.
Cupping Profile
- Flavor:Well-balanced body with spicy, fruit-toned flavors, sweet and vibrant with floral overtones and a lingering taste of lemongrass.
- Body:Medium to full
- Acidity:Medium to medium pointed or sharp
- Raw Bean: Small to medium-sized, greenish-grey
Northern Grasslands
The Northern grasslands of Bale, spanning the Web and Danka Rivers, are a high-altitude zone characterized by swamp grasses and sedges. This area supports a range of wildlife, including the endemic mountain nyala and bohor reedbuck. Unique plants and birds, such as Hagenia abyssinica and the Abyssinian longclaw, are also found here. Bale Mountain's rich ecological tapestry and sustainable coffee practices highlight the profound connection between the environment and high-quality coffee cultivation.
