Ethiopia is often called the birthplace of coffee — and for good reason. It’s here that coffee plants grow wild, where legend and history intertwine, and where coffee ceremonies are still central to daily life. For coffee lovers, Ethiopia is not just another origin. It’s the beginning of everything.
The Legend of Kaldi
The most famous story of coffee’s discovery begins with Kaldi, a goat herder. He noticed his goats became unusually energetic after eating the red cherries of a certain shrub. Curious, Kaldi tried the cherries himself, and soon coffee was born. Whether myth or truth, the story reflects Ethiopia’s central role in the global coffee journey.
Coffee as Ceremony
In Ethiopia, coffee isn’t rushed — it’s revered. A traditional coffee ceremony can last hours, beginning with washing and roasting green beans over an open flame. The beans are ground by hand, then brewed in a jebena, a clay pot with a round base and long spout. Coffee is poured into small cups, often three rounds, each with symbolic meaning.
The ceremony is about hospitality, community, and respect. It’s a reminder that coffee is more than a quick caffeine fix — it’s a cultural cornerstone.
Flavor Like No Other
Ethiopian coffees are celebrated for their diversity of flavors. Depending on the region, you might taste:
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Bright citrus from Yirgacheffe
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Floral jasmine from Sidamo
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Berry and wine-like notes from Harrar
This diversity is why Ethiopian coffees are often prized by specialty roasters and coffee lovers alike.
Honoring the Origin at Red Bay
At Red Bay, we carry this reverence into our work. By sourcing directly and roasting fresh, we aim to honor Ethiopia’s role as the birthplace of coffee while making its complexity accessible to our community.
When you sip an Ethiopian coffee, you’re not just enjoying extraordinary flavors — you’re connecting to the roots of a centuries-old ritual.