Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Aricha Wubanchi Grade 1 is a naturally processed specialty green coffee from the Aricha area of the Gediyo Zone in southern Ethiopia, located 9 km from Yirgacheffe town at coordinates 6.858°N, 38.1513°E. Grown by a community of 1,700 smallholder farmers in backyard garden plots at 1,999 to 2,050 metres above sea level, with the Aricha Wubanchi washing station sitting at 2,223 metres, this is one of the highest-altitude Yirgacheffe lots available in the Canadian green coffee market. Grade 1 is Ethiopia's highest quality classification, confirming near-zero defects and clean cup quality across every sample. Natural processed on 180 raised drying beds across a 2.5 hectare station operated by Amederato Coffee Supplier PLC, the cup delivers blueberry, stone fruit, jasmine florals, and a brown sugar finish with smooth body and medium balanced acidity. Varieties 74110 and 74112, density 1,120 g/L, water activity 0.59. Available in 1 lb, 2.5 lb, 10 lb, 15 lb, and 30 lb.
Ships across Canada. Wholesale supply available.
Cup profile +
Aroma
Blueberry, jasmine, ripe stone fruit, brown sugar
Tasting notes
Blueberry, stone fruits, jasmine florals, brown sugar finish
Acidity
Balanced, fruit-backed, clean
Body
Smooth, silky, approachable
Finish
Long, sweet, brown sugar with lingering floral
Roasting guide +
At 1,120 g/L density this is an exceptionally dense green coffee — one of the densest in the Ethiopian green coffee range. High density means longer time to first crack and more heat energy required to fully develop the bean. Use a moderate charge temperature, allow a thorough drying phase, and give the Maillard phase adequate time before approaching first crack. The 74110 and 74112 varieties hold their aromatic compounds well at light and medium roast levels. Natural process fruit character is vivid at light roast and transitions beautifully through medium without losing identity.
Light roast
Drop at first crack. Blueberry and jasmine at peak intensity. Stone fruit emerges as the cup cools. Brown sugar sweetness in the finish. Best for pour-over and Chemex.
Medium roast
Drop 45 seconds after first crack begins. Fruit deepens toward dark berry and stone fruit. Jasmine softens into a warm floral sweetness. Brown sugar finish becomes richer. Excellent for filter and single origin espresso.
Medium-dark roast
Drop 75 seconds after first crack begins. Berry and floral notes recede. Dark chocolate and caramelised sweetness take over. Full body. Suited to espresso blends where Ethiopian fruit character is desired in the background.
Dark roast is not recommended for this Grade 1 lot. The exceptional quality and aromatic complexity of the 74110 and 74112 varieties at this altitude are largely lost beyond medium-dark development. This green coffee earns its Grade 1 classification at lighter roast levels where the full cup profile is expressed.
About this coffee +
The Aricha Wubanchi washing station was established in 2021 by Amederato Coffee Supplier PLC and sits 9 km from Yirgacheffe town in the Aricha area of the Gediyo Zone at 2,223 metres above sea level. The station aggregates cherry from 1,700 smallholder farmers who grow coffee in backyard garden plots using the traditional Ethiopian garden coffee model, where coffee trees grow alongside food crops and shade vegetation. Harvesting begins in December when cherries reach full maturity and are selectively hand-picked. The station processes cherry on 180 raised drying beds spread across a 2.5 hectare site.
Grade 1 is Ethiopia's highest green coffee export classification under the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority grading system. It permits virtually no defects per sample and requires clean cup quality across all tasted cups. Achieving Grade 1 at Aricha on a natural processed lot is significant — natural processing introduces more variables than washed processing and Grade 1 natural lots from Yirgacheffe represent some of the most carefully managed green coffee production in Ethiopia.
The density reading of 1,120 g/L is exceptionally high, reflecting the slow cherry development at altitude and the nutrient concentration in the iron-rich Gediyo Zone soils. Water activity at 0.59 and moisture between 10.7% and 11.2% confirm excellent drying management — well within the stability range for long-term storage without quality degradation. For home roasters and commercial roasteries seeking a verifiably premium Ethiopian natural green coffee, this Aricha Wubanchi Grade 1 is among the most distinguished lots available through United Beans.
Specifications +
Origin
Ethiopia
Region
Aricha, Gediyo Zone, Yirgacheffe
Station
Aricha Wubanchi — Amederato Coffee Supplier PLC
Process
Natural (Sun-Dried)
Grade
Grade 1
Altitude
1,999 to 2,050 masl (farms) / 2,223 masl (station)
Variety
74110, 74112
Species
100% Arabica
Harvest
December onwards, hand-picked
Density
1,120 g/L
Water activity
0.59
Moisture
10.7% to 11.2%
Community
1,700 farmers
Available sizes
1 lb, 2.5 lb, 10 lb, 15 lb, 30 lb
Frequently asked questions +
What makes Grade 1 Yirgacheffe natural significant?
Grade 1 is Ethiopia's highest green coffee classification, permitting virtually no defects per 300g sample and requiring clean cup quality across all tasted cups. Achieving Grade 1 on a natural processed lot is particularly notable because natural processing introduces more drying variables than washed processing, making consistent Grade 1 quality harder to maintain. A natural Yirgacheffe Grade 1 from a station with 180 raised drying beds and 1,700 contributing farmers represents careful, well-managed production at scale — uncommon at this altitude and grade level.
What does the density of 1,120 g/L mean for roasting?
Density of 1,120 g/L is exceptionally high for Ethiopian green coffee. High-density beans require more heat energy and longer time to reach first crack than lower-density lots. For home roasters, this means allowing extra time in the drying phase and not rushing toward first crack. The reward is a more even development and a cleaner, more complex cup. The density directly reflects the slow cherry maturation at 1,999 to 2,050 metres above sea level, where the bean has more time to absorb nutrients and develop aromatic compounds.
What is the Aricha Wubanchi washing station?
Aricha Wubanchi is a natural processing station established in 2021 and owned by Amederato Coffee Supplier PLC, located in the Aricha area of the Gediyo Zone approximately 9 km from Yirgacheffe town. The station operates 180 raised drying beds across a 2.5 hectare site and aggregates cherry from 1,700 smallholder farmers who grow coffee in backyard garden plots at altitudes between 1,999 and 2,050 metres. The station sits at 2,223 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest-altitude processing stations in the Yirgacheffe zone.
How should I store this green coffee?
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light and moisture. At 0.59 water activity and 10.7% to 11.2% moisture this lot is exceptionally well dried and stable for 12 to 18 months in proper storage conditions. We ship all our green coffee in 9 layer hermetic Ecotact bags to preserve moisture content and the aromatic character of this lot between roasting sessions.
Is this available for wholesale?
Yes. Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Aricha Wubanchi Grade 1 Natural is available for wholesale supply to home roasters, small roasteries, and commercial buyers across Canada. Available in 1 lb, 2.5 lb, 10 lb, 15 lb, and 30 lb. Contact us directly or visit our wholesale inquiry page for volume pricing and recurring supply arrangements.
