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Is Yirgacheffe suitable for espresso? Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee pour-over brewing method

Published: 2026-01-28 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/28, Professional coffee knowledge exchange For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style) Yirgacheffe coffee comes from the mountainous regions above 5800 meters altitude in Sidamo, Ethiopia. Due to the misty valleys surrounded by fog in this area, it got the beautiful name Yirgacheffe, also known as Witch Coffee. The reason it became world-famous is mainly because in recent years, farmers in the misty valleys have used

Professional coffee knowledge exchange. For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style).

The Origin and Characteristics of Yirgacheffe Coffee

Yirgacheffe coffee originates from the Sidamo region of Ethiopia, grown in mountainous areas above 5,800 meters elevation. Due to the misty valleys surrounding this area, it earned the beautiful name Yirgacheffe, which can also be called "Witch Coffee." Its worldwide fame primarily stems from recent years when farmers in the misty valleys replaced the traditional dry processing method with washed processing for raw coffee beans, making Yirgacheffe another synonym for exceptional coffee. The variety is the native Ethiopian heirloom.

Needless to say, the coffee produced here is world-renowned! Growing at elevations between 1,850 and 2,400 meters on average, one can observe the peaks deeply shrouded in clouds and mist. The strength of the mountain atmosphere and the gentleness of the mist blend together perfectly at this location, creating a place of exceptional natural beauty. It is the most attention-grabbing production area and also one of the birthplaces of coffee. Ethiopia has numerous coffee production regions, with major ones including Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, Kochere, Harar, Djimma, and more... Each region's coffee is unique and outstanding, with Yirgacheffe being the most captivating among them!

Coffee Culture in the Homeland of Coffee

In this homeland of coffee, local residents have long had the habit of consuming coffee fruits. Initially, they were consumed as fruits rather than as coffee beverages. The relationship between Ethiopia and coffee has a long and profound history. Coffee deeply rooted here has long become part of the local culture, and many traditional ceremonies related to coffee are still passed down throughout the country to this day. Coffee trees in this area are mostly planted around human and animal dwellings, so management and fertilization are more proactive. Coffee is mostly grown by small farmers. The environmental conditions in the Yirgacheffe region are extremely suitable for coffee growth, and under the careful cultivation of farmers, they produce Ethiopian Yirgacheffe that is sweet, juicy, with a deep and long-lasting flavor profile.

FrontStreet Coffee's Perspective on Yirgacheffe for Espresso

FrontStreet Coffee considers whether Yirgacheffe is suitable for espresso?

Once tried using washed Yirgacheffe for SOE (Single Origin Espresso), performing espresso extraction one week after medium roasting. The aroma was striking + strong acidity.

Personally, I believe this variety is not suitable for direct consumption as Espresso, but rather for making Americano or iced Americano. The acidity is pleasant and lively, with a fresh and crisp taste, making it highly recommended for summer consumption.