Ethiopia

Yetera Tulu Natural Gr. 1 – Lalisaa

Yetera Tulu and his family are part of Lalisaa project, that aim to help smallholders’ farmers to implement good agricultural practices, enhances quality, and increases yields. The efforts are resulting in a vibrant cup with delicious notes of tropical fruit, vanilla and milk chocolate. 

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Details

Coffee Grade:
Sidamo Gr. 1
Farm/Coop/Station:
Yetera Tulu’s farm
Varietal:
Local Landraces
Processing:
Natural
Altitude:
2,242 meters above sea level
Owner:
Yetera Tulu
Subregion/Town:
Bona Zuria, Bare Kebele
Region:
Sidamo
Farm Size:
4.5 hectares
Bag Size:
60 kilo bag
Harvest Months:
Low elevations: October - December | High Elevations: November - January

About This Coffee

Yetera Tulu inherited the farm from his family has been devoted to coffee for over 15 year. His commitment to improving his farm and delivering high-quality coffee has been continuously refined over the years. He implements best farming practices, including pruning, stumping, and planting new coffee seedlings. In the future he’s planning to expand his land and planting new coffee plants. 

The combination of high altitude and nutrient-rich soil provides an ideal foundation for Samuel’s coffee to thrive. However, it is his passion and dedication that truly set his coffee apart. By cultivating shade-grown coffee and producing his own compost, he eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, ensuring a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to farming. 

As part of the Lalisaa Project, Yetera receives agronomy support from Sucafina Ethiopia, gaining access to training sessions that enhance his skills in cultivation, harvesting, and processing. His commitment to high-quality production and participation in the Lalisaa Project enable him to access better markets and improve his earnings. Designed to empower smallholder farmers, the Lalisaa Project shortens the supply chain, enhances quality, and increases yields. 

Cultivation

On his 4.5-hectare farm, Yetera embraces the principles of regenerative farming. The natural shade from intercropped plants fosters an ideal microclimate for his coffee trees. He grows a mixture of local landrace varieties—historically referred to as Ethiopian heirloom—ensuring genetic diversity and resilience. This holistic approach not only enriches the soil but also enhances biodiversity, benefiting the entire farm. 

Harvest & Post-Harvest

Yetera, his family and additional seasonal workers carefully handpick only the ripest, red cherry. Cherry is sorted and then dry on raised beds, turning it frequently to ensure even drying. This meticulous process takes approximately 25 to 30 days, preserving the coffee’s vibrant flavors and complexity. 

Coffee in Ethiopia

While Ethiopia is famous as coffee’s birthplace, today it remains a specialty coffee industry darling for its incredible variety of flavors. While full traceability has been difficult in recent history, new regulations have made direct purchasing possible. We’re partnering directly with farmers to help them produce top quality specialty lots that are now completely traceable, adding value for farmers and roasters, alike.

The exceptional quality of Ethiopian coffee is due to a combination of factors. The genetic diversity of coffee varieties means that we find a diversity of flavor, even between (or within) farms with similar growing conditions and processing. In addition to varieties, processing methods also contribute to end quality. The final key ingredients for excellent coffee in Ethiopia are the producing traditions that have created the genetic diversity, processing infrastructure and great coffee we enjoy today.

Most producers in Ethiopia are smallholders, and the majority continue to cultivate coffee using traditional methods. As a result, most coffee is grown with no chemical fertilizer or pesticide use. Coffee is almost entirely cultivated, harvested and dried using manual systems.

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