Guide to Ethiopian Green Coffee Origins

Ethiopia isn’t just the birthplace of Arabica coffee — it’s a vibrant patchwork of regions, each producing uniquely complex and sought-after green coffee beans. Whether you're a small-batch roaster or a home enthusiast, understanding Ethiopia's coffee-growing areas gives you deeper insight into flavor, sourcing, and roast potential.

In this guide, we break down the origin, process, and roast profiles of seven of Ethiopia’s most iconic coffee regions: Yirgacheffe, Guji, Limu, Harrar, Sidama, Kaffa, and Djimma.

Why Choose Ethiopian Green Coffee?

• High Altitude (1,500–2,200m): Slower cherry maturation develops deep sweetness and acidity.
• Heirloom Arabica Varieties: Indigenous genetics create rare florals, fruit, and herbal complexity.
• Washed & Natural Processes: Offer a spectrum of flavor clarity, fruit intensity, and body.
• Smallholder Farming: Most coffee is grown on small plots with sustainable, often organic practices.

At United Beans, we curate freshly imported with high moisture level Ethiopian green coffee beans in Canada. Whether you're roasting for a cafe or at home, these origins are a must-have.

Featured Ethiopian Coffee Regions

Yirgacheffe — Washed, Floral & Delicate

Region: Gedeo Zone, southern Ethiopia

Processing: Washed

Altitude: 1,700–2,200 m

Cup Profile: Jasmine, bergamot, lemon tea

Roast Tip: Light roast (City) preserves florals and delicate acidity.

Guji — Washed, Bright & Stone-Fruity

Region: Southeast Oromia

Processing: Washed

Altitude: 1,900–2,200 m

Cup Profile: White peach, lemongrass, floral-honey

Roast Tip: Light-medium roast (City to City+) for clarity and sweetness.

Limu — Washed, Balanced & Citrusy

Region: Oromia, western highlands

Processing: Washed

Altitude: 1,800–2,000 m

Cup Profile: Citrus zest, cocoa, honey

Roast Tip: Medium roast (City+) enhances body and citrus notes.

Harrar — Natural, Bold & Winey

Region: Eastern Ethiopia

Processing: Natural (sun-dried)

Altitude: 1,500–2,000 m

Cup Profile: Blueberry, chocolate, spice

Roast Tip: Medium to Full City roast balances fruit intensity and body.

Sidama — Washed, Sweet & Juicy

Region: Southern Ethiopia

Processing: Washed & some natural

Altitude: 1,600–2,200 m

Cup Profile: Red berries, sugar cane, florals

Roast Tip: Light-medium roast accentuates sweetness and clarity.

Kaffa — Wild, Earthy & Herbaceous

Region: Western Ethiopia, the original home of Arabica

Processing: Natural (mostly)

Altitude: 1,400–2,000 m

Cup Profile: Forest floor, dark fruit, herbal tea

Roast Tip: Medium roast tempers wild earthiness and brings balance.

Djimma — Earthy & Traditional

Region: Oromia region, southwest Ethiopia

Processing: Natural (unwashed)

Altitude: 1,400–1,800 m

Cup Profile: Tobacco, cocoa, muted fruit

Roast Tip: Medium-dark roast to smooth out sharper tones.

Roasting & Sourcing Tips

• Roast small batches and cup often to unlock each bean's potential.
• Washed beans often do best with lighter roasts; naturals may benefit from slightly longer development.
• Store green beans in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.

Sourcing Green Coffee Beans in Canada

At United Beans, we roast and sell green Ethiopian coffee beans for home roasters and cafes across Canada. Our selection includes:

• Washed Yirgacheffe, Limu, Guji, and Sidama
• Natural processed Harrar, Kaffa, and Djimma

Explore the Ethiopian Green Coffee Collection

Final Thoughts

Ethiopia's regions offer something for every palate and roast profile. From the clean citrus of Limu to the wild fruit of Harrar, exploring these origins opens the door to a deeper appreciation of specialty coffee — and better roasting results.

Ready to roast your next batch? Start with ethically sourced, fresh green coffee beans in Canada from United Beans.