When we think of Ethiopia, we think of the ancient stories of Kaldi the goat herder discovering the power of the coffee plant and its cherries. We think of the magnificent Ethiopian coffee ceremony that has been celebrated traditionally for centuries. We think of the current farmers in Ethiopia who continue growing this precious crop and pour their blood, sweat, and tears into continuing Ethiopia’s coffee legacy. 

WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT ETHIOPIA?

Ethiopia is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural wonders.

>> Ancient Heritage: As one of the world's oldest nations and Africa's longest-standing independent country, Ethiopia boasts a deep historical significance.

>> Unique Culture: The country is home to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian denominations. Ethiopians utilize the ancient Ge'ez alphabet and calendar, with rituals woven into daily life.

>> Biodiversity: Ethiopia features remarkable biodiversity and is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other African nation.

>> Coffee Origin: Known as the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia's Oromia region is where the invigorating properties of the coffee plant were first discovered.

>> Erta Ale Volcano: Ethiopia hosts Erta Ale, which features the world’s longest-existing lava lake.

>> Historical Significance: The country's history dates back to the dawn of humanity.

>> Distinct Calendar: Ethiopia follows its own unique calendar with 13 months. 

Photo from World Atlas

THE HISTORY OF COFFEE (& CONFLICT) IN ETHIOPIA 

According to legend, coffee was discovered on an Ethiopian hillside by a goat herder named Kaldi, who found his goats frolicking and full of energy after eating the red fruit of the coffee shrub that grew wild in the mountains. (Kaldi tried the fruit for himself and had a similar reaction!) And coffee has played such a huge role in Ethiopian culture for centuries that it appears in many expressions in their language, Amharic, such as "Buna dabo naw" which literally means "Coffee is our bread". 

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony Photo by Mad Priest Coffee

With their intense pride in coffee and passion for coffee comes the famed Ethiopian coffee ceremony. In Ethiopia coffee is a ritual. (And we’re not talking about running by your favorite local coffee shop for a pour-over Columbia before work, or even grinding fresh coffee beans for your next Chemex brew.) For Ethiopians, roasting green beans, grinding them by hand, and brewing them in the jebena is part of the everyday routine. It takes more than half an hour from the start of the ceremony to the first cup. “It’s all about the socializing,” Solomon Dubie says. “Your saddest moments and your happiest moments, with your loved ones, with friends and strangers. Coffee is that ice-breaker. It’s the social norm. It’s every day.” (Learn more about this incredible ceremony here.)

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony Photo by Mad Priest Coffee

Coffee cultivation in the "birthplace of coffee" hasn't always been idyllic, though. Most recently there's been decades of war, the 17-year rule of armed forces by "The Derg" in the 1970s and 80s, and the 1983 famine (which lasted 2 years and led to the death of more than 400,000 Ethiopians) that brought vast devastation. And in 1990, there were over 1.34 million Ethiopian refugees scattered over Africa and beyond.

But Ethiopia also has a long standing history of hosting refugees. The country maintains an open door policy for refugee inflows into the country, with over 801,349 refugees from nineteen countries, the majority originating from neighbouring South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan. And through the incredible work of the government, the vast refugee camps are now being assimilated into the rest of the country with refugees offered jobs, documents, and a chance to start over. 

Back to the coffee...Ethiopia is still known for their incredible coffee, making huge strides to continue being the best. Today, 25 percent of the country’s population is dependent on the coffee industry for their livelihoods (an estimated 15 million people are employed in coffee cultivation and picking) and coffee is the largest export from this beautiful country. And the coffee industry in Ethiopia is the driving force of the country’s economy and culture.

EXPERIENCE FOOD FROM ETHIOPIA

Ethiopian food is next level amazing (if you haven't experienced it for yourself, read this article about the 15 most popular dishes). It is unique and flavorful, reflecting a rich cultural heritage that sets it apart in Africa. While gaining popularity, it remains somewhat of a hidden gem.

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Don't forget your coffee! Experience this beautiful new coffee from Ethiopia today.