Ethiopian Coffee Flavor Profile (What Does Ethiopian Coffee Taste Like + More Information)
Annually, Ethiopia exports millions worth of coffee beans to countries all over the world. This coffee has garnered a good reputation for its quality and taste. Read on to find out all about Ethiopian coffee’s flavor profile.
When I first had Ethiopian coffee, it immediately struck me as a coffee type that was incredibly bold and different in flavor. Since then, it’s been my coffee of choice, and I can recommend it to anyone who wants to try something new. You won’t be disappointed! I consider myself an expert in Ethiopian coffee at this point, and I think it’s good I share all I know about the flavor explosion that this specific coffee has to offer. If you want to know more about how one of the world’s best coffee types tastes, read on!
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What Does Ethiopian Coffee Taste Like?
Ethiopian coffee tastes spicy, fruity, and floral. The coffee is also distinctively sweet with fruit notes such as cherry, grape, bergamot, lime, and peach. It may also be described as honey-like and syrupy. The floral accents in Ethiopian coffee are those of jasmine flowers. Berries such as blueberry and blackberry also come through in this coffee. Some drinkers even pick up faint hints of wine when enjoying this coffee.
Ethiopian coffee is generally velvety and smooth in texture. It is full-bodied and easy on the palate. Most types of Ethiopian coffee are high in acidity, although some are classified as low acidity. The bitter notes in Ethiopian coffee are also prominent but still complementary to the other tones in the flavor profile.
What Are the Main Ethiopian Coffee Flavors?
Ethiopia does have different and distinct types of coffee that it produces. They are typically categorized by the region they come from. They include:
- Yirgacheffe Coffee – This is coffee from a small area in the southern part of Ethiopia known as Yirgacheffe. The coffee plants of this variant thrive in thick vegetation and high altitudes. Yirgacheffe is known for its strong fruity and floral tones. It is considered some of the best quality coffee in the world. Yirgacheffe is also one of the most popular coffees globally.
- Sidamo Coffee – As the name suggests, Sidamo coffee originates from Sidamo province, which is another fertile region in southern Ethiopia. It grows in high altitudes and is known for its slow cultivation process. This coffee type has a complex flavor profile with berry, honey, and citrus notes. It is also rich and full-bodied with low acidity.
- Harrar – This is the “wild” coffee type. It is found in the Oromia (previously Harrar) region and is commonly dry or naturally processed. Harrar is described as having rich blueberry and blackberry flavors with floral acidity and a fragrant aroma. This coffee is intensely fruity. It is also full-bodied.
- Limu – Limu originates from the southwest part of Ethiopia and is a low-acidity coffee. This flavor of Ethiopian coffee is known for being spicy, sweet, and floral.
- Jimma/Djimmah – This coffee is found in the southwest region and grows in elevated terrains. It is famous for its medicinal qualities. It is citrusy and tropical in flavor.
How Much Ethiopian Coffee Do You Need to Make One Cup for A Rich Flavor?

There is a general rule of thumb that for each cup of coffee you intend to brew, you will need two tablespoons of ground coffee. This is if your cup is a standard size of 6 ounces or 170 ml. If it is more or less, adjust accordingly. The rule is important because less than two tablespoons will yield weak results, while more than that will result in oversaturated bitter coffee. Another tip to help you get the best cup of rich Ethiopian coffee is to grind the amount of coffee beans you need just before brewing. Freshly ground coffee gives fresh results.
Where Can You Buy Ethiopian Coffee?
You can purchase Ethiopian coffee from a plethora of places. Most specialty coffee shops offer at least one type of Ethiopian coffee, so those are good places to start looking. Alternatively, you can shop for it online. Sites such as Amazon carry Ethiopian coffee from many brands. Coffee companies as well sell Ethiopian coffee on their websites. Here are some of them:
FAQ SECTION
Is Ethiopian coffee acidic?
Most types of Ethiopian coffee are acidic in flavor, which is what gives it a wine-like taste. However, other variants, like the one from the Limu area, are low in acidity.
Is Ethiopian coffee bitter?
Ethiopian coffee is bitter due to its high acidity, although it is not overwhelming. It works well in the coffee flavor profile.
Does Ethiopian coffee taste better?
Ethiopian coffee does taste good, as it is regarded as some of the world’s finest coffee. The balance of sweet, sour, and bitter in this coffee is fantastic, and all the floral, citrus and fruity notes work together to create great tasting coffee.