Ethiopian Coffee Brands - Introduction to Harar Mocha Coffee | How Much Does a Cup of Harar Coffee Cost

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Origin of the Name

The most famous coffee in Ethiopia is Harar coffee. Harar is located in eastern Ethiopia and is a historic ancient city, as well as one of the four holy cities of Islam. The Harar region has the most suitable altitude for Arabica coffee growth, making it the highest coffee production area in Ethiopia.

Flavor and Characteristics

Ethiopian Harar, like Yemen Mocha, is also "purely handmade" coffee. Harar coffee has a complex flavor profile with rich body, medium or light acidity, and most importantly, it has one of the lowest caffeine contents at approximately 1.13%. Harar is also a very special coffee with an aggressive flavor that's ready to conquer your taste buds and leave a lasting impression. Its earthy notes are characteristic of dry-processed coffee, which is why some people love it while others find it unappealing. However, due to different processing methods after harvesting, Ethiopian Harar can have varying flavors - some heavy-bodied with low acidity and strong wine notes, while others are aromatic and smooth with light fruit undertones. When roasting Ethiopian Harar coffee, you can choose a lighter roast to maximize the fruit flavors. If you deepen the roast level, the fruit notes will diminish while spicy characteristics become more pronounced.

In summary, Ethiopian coffee possesses wild characteristics and rich wine-fermented flavors. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it one of the world's best coffees, though it lacks branding and has simple packaging, preventing it from being widely recognized.

Harar coffee is this editor's favorite black coffee, and many friends ask why.

Perhaps it's because of first impressions (the first coffee I learned about and tried), or perhaps because it comes from coffee's place of origin - the Ethiopian highlands, or maybe because during my studies, the teacher said that place is the most primitive and pure coffee production region... Now when I mention Harar, it always brings many associations to mind: one of Islam's four holy cities, pure-bred BMWs, delicious coffee - this is a shining and resonant name in the coffee world that I simply cannot ignore.

However, the first impression Harar coffee gives might not be that profound. Its unassuming green beans hardly evoke those magnificent descriptions: berry flavors, fruit aromas, the bittersweet notes of chocolate, a clean sensation - truly living up to the saying: don't judge a bean by its appearance! Only through personal experience will you discover the power hidden beneath this ordinary exterior.

Harar's aroma is in no way inferior to Yirgacheffe. If Yirgacheffe's aroma is refreshingly clean and invigorating, then Harar's is like a slowly unfurling painting - calm and composed. This aroma easily draws you in, with scents reminiscent of ripe fruits that make you feel as if you're in an orchard - a delightful experience.

Harar's flavor is exceptionally rich. The complexity upon first sip makes it difficult to grasp all at once. Most prominent is the bitterness. But this isn't because the bitterness is overwhelming; rather, this bitterness truly resembles the sensation of dark chocolate. Bitter yet sweet, with a slight viscous quality. Although many might dismiss this description, thinking coffee couldn't be so rich and evoke such sensations, objectively speaking, these feelings are not imagined but genuinely exist within this magical coffee.

Harar's acidity is also quite special. Yirgacheffe's acidity is refreshing and bright; Kenya's has distinct red wine characteristics; Central and South American coffees tend to have lighter, less dynamic acidity - while Harar's acidity is that of ripe berries. Simply calling it acidity might not be appropriate. Just as Harar's rich flavor unfolds all at once in your mouth, leaving you pondering where to begin, its acidity is not simply acidic. This acidity carries both the fermented sensation of ripe fruits and the dense sweetness of fruits at peak ripeness. This fusion of flavors is the perfect interpretation of Harar's untamed character.

Harar's bitterness and sweetness don't represent all of Harar's characteristics, but they are the most memorable aspects. Of course, to pursue such flavors, besides using high-quality specialty Harar beans, proper roasting is also crucial. If you happen to have such premium green beans but haven't experienced Harar's characteristic bitterness and sweetness, try medium to dark roasting (according to SCAA standards, this would be CITY or slightly lower). I believe you too can discover a completely new appreciation for Harar.

FrontStreet Coffee: A roastery in Guangzhou with a small shop but diverse bean varieties, where you can find both famous and lesser-known beans. Online services are also available. https://shop104210103.taobao.com

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