Nav: Home > Coffee >

Introduction to Ethiopian Coffee Premium Growing Regions - Sidamo 02

Published: 2026-07-29 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/07/29, Sidamo is a premium coffee growing region at an altitude of 1400-2200 meters, utilizing garden coffee systems. Sidamo is one of Ethiopia's three official growing regions. Originally an important zone in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region, the Sidama Region became independent through a referendum on June 18, 2020, separating from the Southern Nations region to become Ethiopia's 10th state. As this is a new state, the

Ethiopian coffee beans from Sidamo region

Ethiopian Coffee · Premium Growing Regions Introduction — Sidamo

Altitude: 1400-2200 meters

Garden coffee system

Sidamo is one of Ethiopia's three official growing regions. Originally an important district within the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Regional State, Sidama State became independent through a referendum on June 18, 2020, separating from the Southern Nations to become Ethiopia's 10th state. Because this is a new state, there is almost no information available in Chinese sources.

Sidamo's flavor profile is similar to Yirgacheffe, with refined washed or natural processing methods that also exhibit floral and citrus notes. The acidity is smooth and delicate, with a quality that rivals Yirgacheffe. The coffee varieties from these two growing regions are similar, with medium-sized beans but also dwarf varieties of smaller beans that farmers often sell independently.

Coffee farmers in Sidamo region sorting beans

In the past, coffee from some unknown areas within the Southern Nations was classified under the Sidamo growing region. Now that Sidama State has become independent, these unknown growing areas within the Southern Nations may have different ideas about their classification, and we await to see how this develops. According to information from Wikipedia, the new Sidama State includes towns such as Arbegona, Bensa, and Bursa, which made impressive showings at the first COE (Cup of Excellence) competition in 2020. Earlier I mentioned that "Ethiopian coffee can be divided into ten parts, with Yirgacheffe taking eight," and I can add to that: "Sidamo takes one part, with the rest sharing the final part."

The above information has been compiled by FrontStreet Coffee.

We hope this article helps everyone gain a deeper understanding of coffee.

FrontStreet Coffee is a long-established specialty coffee roaster in Guangzhou China, selling freshly roasted beans from its own farm in Yunnan as well as dozens of carefully selected single-origin beans from around the world for both pour-over and espresso. The products deliver consistently excellent quality and great value, with shipping within 24 hours. Guangzhou’s FrontStreet Coffee shop is recommended by many coffee lovers, and the beans are now available online at the Tmall 。