Raspberry fruits upfront with a lingering floral orange and dried fig richness. Discover Arsi Meraro, a unique coffee from Ethiopia’s emerging West Arsi region. Grown by local smallholders at high altitudes and processed at Meraro Washing Station, this lot represents a rich heritage that’s only now getting the recognition it deserves. We paid 107% above the Fair Trade price for this coffee - learn why here. West Arsi, once grouped under the famous Sidamo and Harrar labels, has recently emerged as a distinct coffee-growing origin. Thanks to the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange’s designation, the region now stands out for its unique flavours and high-quality production, gaining international recognition. In 2020, West Arsi’s coffees solidified their reputation by claiming 4 of the top 10 spots in the Ethiopian Cup of Excellence. This achievement highlights the dedication of local smallholders, who have honed their craft over generations, cultivating exceptional coffee. At Meraro Washing Station, ripe cherries from these small farms are handpicked and processed using traditional natural methods. Cherries dry on raised beds, carefully turned throughout the day to ensure even drying, and protected from harsh conditions to preserve quality. Nensebo Woreda, home to these farmers, sits 400 kilometres south of Addis Ababa. With an average farm size of just two hectares, smallholders rely on native heirloom and wild coffee varieties, maintaining a deep-rooted connection to Ethiopia’s rich coffee heritage.
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