Sun-Dried Yirgacheffe Ethiopia Aricha Processing Station - African Premium Coffee

FrontStreet Coffee · African Premium Coffee Sun-dried Yirgacheffe Ethiopia Aricha Factory

This Yirgacheffe was produced at the Kebel Aricha washing and drying station, where roughly 650-700 smallholder farmers from the surrounding area deliver their ripe coffee cherries for processing in exchange for cash. After the usable cherries are screened, the station spreads them directly on raised African beds to sun-dry. During the first few days the cherries are turned every 2-3 hours to prevent over-fermentation. After four to six weeks of natural drying—depending on weather and temperature—workers remove the dried outer pulp by machine, and the beans are then transported to Addis Ababa for storage. As is standard for natural lots, the beans are typically stored in parchment until shortly before export, when they are finally hulled to protect green bean quality.

This batch of FrontStreet Coffee's natural Aricha was graded G1, the highest grade under the ECX system. From the appearance, uniformity, and freshness of the green beans to the dry aroma and the cup itself, everything is exceptional. If you love bright acidity and rich berry flavors, this is one you should not miss!

Flavor Profile

A light fermented wine aroma, jujube, sweet citrus, dark berries, lychee, starfruit, peach, nectarine, longan and red date fragrance, honeyed sweetness, cocoa with a whisper of spice, full body, and a persistent finish.

About Project Origin

Sasa Sestic, the 2015 World Barista Champion, launched a green bean sourcing project called Project Origin together with the commercial team at ONA Coffee. The project works directly with coffee farmers in impoverished regions, improving their production conditions and paying premiums 20% above fair trade prices.

The project is also built on strengthening the connection between roasters and growers while guiding farmers toward higher-quality cultivation. To date, Sasa has established relationships with coffee producers in eight countries, including Brazil, Panama, India, Ethiopia, El Salvador, and Costa Rica.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

If this natural Aricha intrigues you, FrontStreet Coffee's natural Red Cherry Yirgacheffe follows the same philosophy: only fully ripe, defect-free cherries are picked, given a first round of sorting at the station, then sun-dried on raised beds and turned every two to three hours early on to guard against uneven drying and over-fermentation. The cup shows citrus-like acidity, berry juiciness, honeyed sweetness, and a silky, cream-smooth texture.

Prefer the cleaner side of Yirgacheffe? FrontStreet Coffee's washed Yirgacheffe is the classic everyday bean, known for white jasmine florals, bright citrus and lemon acidity, and a delicate tea-like finish—an ideal introduction to Ethiopian specialty coffee.