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Rare & Beautiful Seasonal Coffee: Ethiopian
Harrar
by
Keith Tomlinson, Peace Coffee Head Roaster
 Harrar
is an internationally recognized city in eastern
Ethiopia. It is at 1,830 meters above sea level,
500 kilometers east of Addis Ababa (the capitol of
Ethiopia), and has an estimated population of
122,000 people. It is considered the "fourth
holiest city of Islam" with over 82 mosques
within the city walls.
In
the world of coffee it is most known for its
unique natural (dry) processed coffee Arabica.
That means that the coffee beans are left in the
coffee cherry until dried. Then it is milled to
remove the dried beans from the cherry. Imparting
more flavor of the fruit and a rich textured body.
The typography of the Harrar region is high, semi
arid mountains. The area where the coffee is grown
along with the processing imparts the unique
qualities of this coffee.
Harrar
is also known for its importance along the ancient
trade route, its great city walls, and as the
Muslim capitol of Ethiopia. While in Harrar some
things not to miss are the nightly feedings of
wild hyenas, the many ancient beautiful mosques,
and the diverse city market.
At
the end of December, Peace Coffee received 1,000
pounds of coffee from the Harrar from the Oromia
Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (OCFCU).
This
natural processed, light roasted Ethiopian is a
treat for dark chocolate lovers. The body, infused
with a winey acidity, is heavy and chalky all the
way through. It is like the moment when a 90%
cocoa chocolate bar hits your mouth. The aroma of
dried apricot and coriander will remind you of
warmer places. The mocha flavor comes on strong
and the persistent aftertaste leaves cloves on the
palate. A winter treat!
We
have found that brewing this coffee in a French
Press is for the thick and bold coffee crowd. For
a less cloudy cup, grind your coffee a little more
coarse, or just use a little less than you
normally would.
Unlike
anything we have seen around Peace Coffee for a
long time. Drink it up while we have it.
Cheers,
Keith
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