The term "Ethiopian Heirloom" is often considered a catch-all term for Ethiopia's diverse coffee varieties, evoking a sense of tradition and mysticism. However, we have argued for several years that its continued use obscures transparency, undermines traceability, and limits the specialty coffee industry's ability to fully appreciate Ethiopia's genetic diversity.
Proponents of the term "Ethiopian Heirloom" claim that it reflects the complex and indigenous nature of Ethiopian coffee varieties. However, this broad term risks oversimplifying a rich genetic landscape. Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, is home to between 6,000 and 10,000 distinct varieties, many of which have been studied and catalogued, such as JARC varieties (e.g., 74110, 74112) or regional landraces like Kurume and Dega. Labelling them as "Heirloom" blurs crucial distinctions in flavour, yield, and disease resistance that roasters and farmers need to make informed decisions.
Roasters that prioritise transparency and traceability to meet consumer demand and upcoming EU regulations will benefit from knowing the exact varieties and their origins. For example, a Yirgacheffe coffee from a specific cooperative using the 74158 variety offers clearer quality and flavour expectations than a generic "Heirloom" label. This precision supports more ethical pricing for coffee farmers and a consistent supply of information for roasters, fostering trust throughout the supply chain.
We propose moving toward accurate varietal identification, although this requires greater documentation and education efforts. Ethiopia's coffee sector is evolving, with research institutions like the Jimma Agricultural Research Centre (JARC) developing improved varieties to improve resilience and quality. This is in addition to tools like genetic fingerprinting and regional varietal mapping, already in use by some exporters. This shift will allow roasters to highlight unique flavour profiles—for example, the delicate floral notes of a Welisho versus the citrus complexity of a Dega—while also honouring Ethiopian coffee's heritage with precision.
Share your thoughts in the comments. ETHIOPIA IS COMING!
We propose moving toward accurate varietal identification, although this requires greater documentation and education efforts. Ethiopia's coffee sector is evolving, with research institutions like the Jimma Agricultural Research Centre (JARC) developing improved varieties to improve resilience and quality. This is in addition to tools like genetic fingerprinting and regional varietal mapping, already in use by some exporters. This shift will allow roasters to highlight unique flavour profiles—for example, the delicate floral notes of a Welisho versus the citrus complexity of a Dega—while also honouring Ethiopian coffee's heritage with precision.
Share your thoughts in the comments. ETHIOPIA IS COMING!
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