Ethiopia - Daye Bensa - Washed

Arbegona, located in the Sidama Zone of Ethiopia's Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region, is a district renowned for its highland coffee production. Situated at an altitude of around 2,200 meters above sea level, Arbegona is among the highest coffee-growing regions in the country. The area is characterised by diverse agriculture, with coffee being the primary cash crop, supplemented by the cultivation of sugarcane, false banana, spices, and vegetables.

The coffee from Arbegona, particularly from the Boreta village, is categorized as Highland Coffee due to its exceptional altitude. The coffee production process in this area is meticulous. Cherries are sorted for quality and density by floating them in large water tanks, a technique that helps in selecting the best cherries. After sorting, the cherries are dried on African raised beds with mesh nets, where they are rotated every 30 minutes to ensure even drying and proper fermentation. This drying process typically lasts between 12 to 15 days, depending on the prevailing temperature and humidity. Once dried, the cherries are stored in warehouses, allowing the flavors to develop fully before the coffee is prepared for market.

Arbegona's coffee is highly regarded for its quality, largely due to the region's unique climatic conditions and the careful processing methods employed by local farmers.