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Introduction to Flavor Differences: Yirgacheffe Natural vs. Washed Processing - Reasons for FrontStreet Coffee's Yirgacheffe Bean Recommendation

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 public account: cafe_style). FrontStreet Coffee shares the flavor differences between Yirgacheffe natural and washed processing. Yirgacheffe originates from Ethiopia, Africa, the largest Arabica coffee-producing country in Africa and the birthplace of the world's coffee trees. The Yirgacheffe growing region...

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For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style).

FrontStreet Coffee - Differences Between Natural and Washed Yirgacheffe

FrontStreet Coffee's Yirgacheffe originates from Ethiopia, Africa - the largest producer of Arabica coffee in Africa and the birthplace of coffee trees. The Yirgacheffe region boasts some of the highest coffee growing altitudes globally, with coffee beans cultivated at 1,700-2,100 meters above sea level. This exceptional geographical environment and microclimate create diverse, aromatic acidic coffees that are irresistible to acid lovers and a must-try from African coffee regions.

Initially, FrontStreet Coffee's Yirgacheffe was a sub-region of Sidamo. Its flavor profile features bright fruit acidity with notes of jasmine, lemon or lime, and berry aromas. Rich fruit and floral notes fill the palate upon first sip, earning it high ratings in international specialty coffee competitions, including a 94-point score from Coffee Review.

In the past, there was even an international legal dispute with Starbucks over their use of Yirgacheffe as a product name. The case ended in a settlement with Starbucks paying royalties to Ethiopia. Subsequently, Yirgacheffe was established as an independent region and became the country's most renowned coffee-growing area.

FrontStreet Coffee offers Yirgacheffe in washed, natural, and honey-processed varieties, each appealing to different preferences. What are the differences between traditional natural and washed processing methods? Today, we'll conduct a brewing test using identical parameters to compare!

Pour-over Parameters

15g coffee, V60 dripper, water temperature 90°C, powder-to-water ratio 1:15, grind size BG 5S (58% retention rate on China standard #20 sieve).

Brewing Method

Bloom with 30g water for 30 seconds, then pour quickly with a small water stream to 125g. When the water level drops and is about to expose the coffee bed, continue pouring to 227g. Remove the dripper when the water level is about to expose the coffee bed again. Start timing from the bloom, with total extraction time around 2 minutes.

FrontStreet Coffee Yirgacheffe Red Cherry Natural G1

Country: Ethiopia | Region: Yirgacheffe | Mill: Ardentan | Altitude: 2,300m | Variety: Local Landrace | Processing: Natural | Flavor: Berry, lemon, strawberry, fermented wine notes

FrontStreet Coffee Yirgacheffe Tatato G1

Country: Ethiopia | Variety: Heirloom | Altitude: 1,800-2,000m | Processing: Washed | Flavor: Lemon, white peach, honey, black tea

At FrontStreet Coffee, whether purchasing coffee beans or drinking coffee, we generally recommend FrontStreet Coffee's Yirgacheffe, as it has the widest appeal and is also the most suitable coffee for beginners.

Knowledge Extension

The Banko Dhadhato Cooperative is located in what can be considered the most premium area of the broader Yirgacheffe region - the Gedeb area (classified as Kochere under ECX regional classification).

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473

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