Chelbesa
The Coffee
Chelbesa is located at 2100 masl, closer to Worka Town in Gedeb. Chelbesa is the largest growing area in Gedeb, with a total area of 1240 hectares of coffee farms. This specific station buys cherries from approximately 170 farmers all located in the area. Their farms are on average between 0.5 to 2 hectares in size, and sit between 1925 and 2110 masl. The location of this washing station is close to the farms which means that no farmer needs to transport their cherries for more than 40 minutes before reaching the station.
THE VARIETY
DEGA
Dega is a regional variety named after an indigenous tree. The wood of the Dega tree omits a sweet, fragrant aroma, when burned for firewood. The Amharic word “dega” means “cool highland area”, that also describes the agro-ecological conditions where Dega coffee grows.
WOLISHO
The Wolisho varietal is a typical variety that is found in the highlands of Ethiopia. Wolisho is similarly to Dega named after an indigenous tree. Wolisho plant is distinguished by its large fruits, tall canopy, stiff stem, and long leaves. Due to the tree height, the fruits take longer time to mature.
The Farmer
Washing station: Chelbesa
Founded: 2016
Altitude: 1950-2100 masl
Zone: Sidama
Region: Gedeo
Sub Region: Gedeb
Village: Worka
Number of farms: 170
Farm size: 1-2 hectares
Certifications: Organic
Geolocation coordinates:
Vegetation: Semi-forest and garden
Avg farm size: 0.5 - 2 Ha
Soil type: Rich and fertile red soil
Trees per hectare: 1800-2400
Cherry yield per tree on average: 4 kgs
Average selling price of farmers per kilo of cherries in 2020/2021 harvest: 30 birr
Average selling price of farmers per kilo of cherries in 2021/2022 harvest: 55 birr
Processing
Post-Harvest Processing - Washed
Harvest and cherry selection
Cherries are collected manually and hand sorted later.
Pulping and pre-grading
The cherries are pulped by a traditional Agaarde Discpulper. Skin and fruit pulp are removed before the machine grades the parchment in water as 1st or 2nd quality, determined by density.
Fermentation
Wet fermentation for 72 hours
Washing and grading in channels
Coffees are washed in channels, and graded in water by density. The lower density (lower quality) will float and are removed, leaving only the denser and therefore higher quality beans which are separated as higher grade lots.
Soaked under clean water
After fermentation, soaking takes place for 2 hours
Drying and handsorting
Coffee is then piled up in layers which are 2cm in height and dried over a 10 day period then followed by hand sorting for 2-4 hours
Post-Harvest Processing - Natural
Harvest and cherry selection
Cherries are collected manually and hand sorted later.
Sorting and pre-sorting
The cherries will then be moved to the drying beds. Underripe and defective cherries will be sorted out by hand during the first days.
Fermentation
When producing naturals the level of fermentation will be determined by the thickness and layer during the first days of drying in combination with temperature. Fermentation is slower at higher altitudes as temperatures are generally lower.
Drying and handsorting
The cherries are dried in a relatively thin layer at about 3-4 cm the first days. They will build up the layers to 6-10 cm after a few days. The coffees are moved frequently and they will be covered during the hottest hours of the day to protect the cherries from intense sunlight, then again at night to protect against humidity. This will also help improve quality as the coffee is rested and the drying more homogeneous. Drying naturals at these altitudes can take up to 20 days.
Post-Harvest Processing - Anaerobic
Harvest and cherry selection
Cherries are collected manually and hand sorted later.
Sorting and pre-sorting
Underripe and defective cherries will be sorted out by hand during the first days.
Fermentation
The cherries will then be moved to blue tanks normally used for water. The tanks are sealed and a water lock is added to ensure that no oxygen enters the environment. The cherry stays in tanks for 72-96 hours depending on fermentation volatility and wanted profile.
Drying and handsorting
The cherries are dried in a relatively thin layer at about 3-4 cm the first days. They will build up the layers to 6-10 cm after a few days. The coffees are moved frequently and they will be covered during the hottest hours of the day to protect the cherries from intense sunlight, then again at night to protect against humidity. This will also help improve quality as the coffee is rested and the drying more homogeneous. Drying naturals at these altitudes can take up to 22 days.
