kore EthiopIA
floating in the middle of a lake before noon
This year, we will explore three different regions of Ethiopia; Agaro, Sidamo, and Yirgacheffe. It becomes clear that the diversity of potential flavors in coffee and Ethiopian culture mirror each others unique complexity. Regional distinction is upheld by replanting seedlings from the same plants that continue to flourish in a given region, helping to define the taste of an area. This native selection of localized replanting makes each region distinctly different than neighboring areas. With 1000’s of varietal differences that have wildly grown throughout Ethiopia, the potential for distinction lies in the ability to separate and process specific micro-regions.
As the largest producer and exporter of coffee in Ethiopia, Kerchanshe Trading has a proud history of providing quality coffees to the local and international markets. Founded on the principles of bringing fairness and transparency to the coffee value chain while satisfying customer demand, Kerchanshe is also a company with heart and vision. Kerchanshe specializes in coffees sourced from Yirgacheffe, Lekempti, Gimbi, Djimma, and Sidamo, names that epitomise fine Arabica coffee. Since its inception 15 years ago, Kerchanshe has established a track record of fair trading and excellent customer service, and now employs over 1,250 permanent staff and 10,000 seasonal staff. Directly and indirectly, it impacts the livelihoods of over 1 million coffee growers throughout the southern and south-western coffee-cultivating regions of Ethiopia. The passion for fine coffee is coupled with consistent reinvestment not only in improved infrastructure, technology and processes, but Kerchanshe also invests 10% of its annual profits into social responsibility programs such as building schools and providing clean water to the communities it serves. The diversified types of Arabica cultivation in the country and its highly suitable environment with high altitudes, good rainfall, and rich volcanic soils yields to the uniquely Ethiopian flavours and aromas that are present in its elegant range of delights.
The Kochere District is found in southwestern part Gedeo Zone of the SNNP (Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region) of Ethiopia. The village of Kore is located about 270 miles south of Addis Ababa and 60 miles further south than Bulesa. In relation to the surrounding area of the region, Kochere is considered to be located at lower altitude that ranges between 1700-1900 masl. Medium to high slope within an undulating landscape sets the scene that also has a bimodal rainfall pattern that is distributed well throughout these “lowlands”. Farmers practice a traditional agroforestry system where coffee and enset (False Banana) grow under the shade of large legume trees. The reddish brown lateritic soil is covered with the dead leaves of inset to maintain soil moisture and fertilize the farm, maintaining a PH level between 5.3 to 6.0. The overall land looks like a well-maintained forest area and with an average annual temperature is about 70 F, it’s pretty nice conditions. Thanks to Kerchanshe Trading, the Kore Wet Mill was established in 2013 with an annual processing capacity of about 2,000,000kg red cherries.
The lot from Kore, Ethiopia, at moments, reminds me of classic Yirgacheffe from yesteryear, while a tropical twist shows much more complexity. Being greeted with a smile, candied lemon and wild flower honey welcome you into a sweet and playful moment. Crisp and refreshing, there’s an element that reminds me of an iced white tea with fresh lime before we see zest turn to the feeling of fresh papaya juice and lychee. There is a touch of weight, like a vanilla creaminess, to the juiciness that magnifies the tropics to ring long into the finish.
Photos by Red Fox
kore Ethiopia
Origin - Ethiopia
Zone - Gedeo
Region - Yirgacheffe
Woreda - Kochere
Kebele - Kore
Union - Kerchanshe
Washing Station - Kore
Altitude - 1700-1900 masl
Variety - Native Selection
Experience - Floating in the middle of a lake before noon.