Ethiopia Limu Grade 2 is a washed process specialty green coffee from the Limu zone of Oromia in southwestern Ethiopia, grown at 1,500 to 2,000 metres above sea level among the ancient forest systems where wild Arabica coffee originated. Grade 2 is Ethiopia's second highest export quality classification, indicating minimal defects and a clean, well-sorted green lot. The mixed heirloom varieties native to the Limu region produce a cup profile that is distinctly Ethiopian in character — green tea, cherry, sweet floral aromatics, and a subtle cinnamon warmth — with a medium body, smooth texture, and bright acidity that responds beautifully across roast levels. 100% Arabica, available in 1 lb, 5 lb, 15 lb, and 30 lb.
Ships across Canada. Wholesale supply available.
Cup profile +
Aroma
Floral, hints of vanilla, light green tea
Tasting notes
Green tea, cherry, sweet floral, subtle cinnamon
Acidity
Clean, structured, lively
Body
Smooth, tea-like texture
Finish
Clean, sweet, lingering floral and cinnamon
Roasting guide +
Ethiopian washed greens are delicate and reward a careful, controlled approach. The high altitude and heirloom varieties mean the bean holds complex aromatic compounds that are easily driven off by aggressive heat. Use a gentle charge temperature and steady progression through drying and Maillard phases before first crack.
Light roast
After 1st crack
Floral and tea character at its most vivid. Cherry and cinnamon most prominent. Ideal for pour-over and Chemex. Drop just after first crack.
Medium roast
35 seconds after 1st crack
Floral notes soften into a rounder sweetness. Cherry develops toward stone fruit. Good balance between origin character and roast development. Versatile across filter and espresso.
Medium-dark roast
70 seconds after 1st crack
Floral notes largely recede. Chocolate and spice come forward. Cinnamon warmth persists in the finish. Suitable as a single origin espresso with a distinctive Ethiopian character.
Dark roast is not recommended for this lot. The delicate heirloom variety aromatics that make Limu distinctive are lost beyond second crack, leaving a flat, roast-forward cup without the origin character that justifies the specialty grade sourcing.
About this coffee +
The Limu zone sits within the Djimma administrative region of Oromia in southwestern Ethiopia, where coffee grows under dense forest canopies at elevations between 1,500 and 2,000 metres above sea level. This is one of the genetic origin zones of Arabica coffee, and the heirloom varieties growing here have never been formally classified. Hundreds of distinct wild and semi-wild genetic variants exist within the Limu forest ecosystem, each contributing slightly different aromatic compounds to the regional cup character. The result is a green coffee with a complexity that cannot be replicated through varietal selection or terroir engineering elsewhere in the world.
Grade 2 is Ethiopia's second highest quality classification under the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority grading system. It indicates a maximum of four primary defects and eleven secondary defects per 300g sample, with no cup defects on cupping. For green coffee buyers this means a well-sorted, consistent lot with minimal sorting required before roasting. Combined with washed processing, which removes all fruit influence and produces a clean transparent cup, Grade 2 Limu is a reliable specialty green coffee for both production roasting and home roasting programs.
The flavour signature of this lot is what makes it stand out among Ethiopian green coffees available in Canada. Where Yirgacheffe is known for intensity and Guji for fruit-forward character, Limu is subtler and more balanced. The green tea body, cherry sweetness, sweet floral aromatics, and subtle cinnamon warmth in the finish make this a distinctive choice for roasters who want to offer something genuinely different without chasing extreme cup profiles.
Specifications +
Origin
Ethiopia
Region
Limu, Oromia
Process
Washed
Grade
Grade 2
Altitude
1,500 to 2,000 masl
Variety
Mixed Heirloom
Species
100% Arabica
Available sizes
1 lb, 5 lb, 15 lb, 30 lb
Best for
Home roasting and commercial roasteries
Frequently asked questions +
What does Ethiopian Grade 2 mean for green coffee?
Ethiopia grades green coffee on a scale of 1 to 9 under the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority system. Grade 1 is the highest, reserved for the cleanest lots with virtually no defects. Grade 2 allows a maximum of four primary defects and eleven secondary defects per 300g sample with no cup defects on cupping. For home roasters and small roasteries, Grade 2 is an excellent entry point into Ethiopian specialty green coffee — clean, well-sorted, and consistent without the price premium of Grade 1 lots.
How is Ethiopia Limu different from Yirgacheffe as a green coffee?
Yirgacheffe green coffee is known for intense floral and berry-forward character, often with a sharp brightness that dominates the cup at lighter roasts. Limu is more balanced and subtle — the green tea body, cherry, and cinnamon warmth are distinctive without being assertive. For roasters who find Yirgacheffe too polarising for their customer base, Limu offers Ethiopian origin character in a more approachable, versatile profile that suits a wider range of brewing methods and roast levels.
What is the best roast level for Ethiopia Limu green coffee?
Light to medium roast produces the most distinctive results from this lot. At light roast the floral, tea, and cinnamon notes are most vivid. At medium roast the cherry develops toward stone fruit and the overall profile becomes more rounded and accessible. Dark roast is not recommended as the delicate heirloom aromatics that define this lot are largely lost beyond second crack.
How should I store green coffee beans?
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light and moisture. Green coffee is stable for 12 to 18 months when stored properly. 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 Limu Grade 2 green coffee is available for wholesale supply to home roasters, small roasteries, and commercial buyers. The 30 lb size suits regular production roasting. For volume pricing, recurring supply, or larger quantities, contact us directly or visit our wholesale inquiry page.
