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Ethiopian Coffee · Premium Growing Regions Introduction - Limu 04

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Limu (Limu) Altitude 1200-1900 meters Garden, forest, semi-forest, plantation coffee systems Located in the highland plains of western Ethiopia, the average growing altitude in this region is significantly lower than other areas, but this doesn't prevent the production of premium quality coffee. The Limu growing region is located southwest of the capital, and further south lies Jimma. Both regions belong to the coffee forest, with Limu situated more to the north and Jimma to the south

Ethiopian Coffee · Main Growing Regions Introduction — Limu

Altitude: 1200-1900 meters

Garden, forest, semi-forest, and plantation coffee systems

Located on the highland plains of western Ethiopia, this region's average growing altitude is significantly lower than other areas, but this doesn't prevent it from producing premium quality coffee. The Limu growing region is located southwest of the capital, and further south you can reach Jimma. Both regions belong to the coffee forest area, with Limu situated more to the north and Jimma to the south.

This area is also a natural ecological protection zone for wild coffee trees. The producers of Limu coffee beans are mainly local small farmers, with some large state-owned plantations. The local systems include garden, forest, semi-forest, and plantation coffee systems. Coffee is grown at altitudes between 1400-2200m, with coffee varieties mainly consisting of Ethiopian heirloom varieties. The soil is Vertisols soil, and the harvest season runs from November to January of the following year. Most are washed, with an annual production of approximately 110,000 bags/60kg.

The beans are medium-sized, mostly round (about 15/16 screen), with a greenish-blue color, and are mostly exported as Grade G2. The flavor profile is similar to Yirgacheffe, but with a lighter body, while still exhibiting distinct floral and fruit notes. The acidity is smoother than Yirgacheffe, with a more vibrant acidity and a wine-like aftertaste.

Generally speaking, Limu coffee has lower fruity acidity than washed Sidamo and Yirgacheffe, but the citrus aroma remains prominent, with good sweetness, slight spiciness, and balanced flavor.

Because Limu has excellent and balanced quality, it is an Ethiopian specialty coffee worth noting after Yirgacheffe. However, almost all Limu is exported through vertical integration by the Ethiopian Coffee Organization, making it very difficult to find domestically.

The above information was compiled by FrontStreet Coffee

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