Yirgacheffe Coffee
Floral & Bright
Yirgacheffe is Ethiopia's most celebrated micro-region, growing washed and natural Arabica at 1,750–2,200m. Cupping 86–92 SCA with jasmine, bergamot, citrus, and tea-like body — the benchmark for floral specialty coffee.
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Yirgacheffe Sub-Zones & Micro-Lots
The Yirgacheffe appellation includes several kebeles, each with distinctive cup signatures driven by elevation, soil, and washing-station practice.
Konga
Classic floral Yirgacheffe: jasmine, bergamot, lemon zest. Washed lots routinely score 88–91 SCA.
Kochere
Bright peach and apricot acidity with honey sweetness. Washed and natural lots both excel here.
Idido
Concentrated florals with white tea, lemongrass, and a silky body. Premier washing stations cup 90+.
Gedeb
Naturals dominate: blueberry, strawberry, tropical fruit. Among Ethiopia's most aromatic naturals.
Why Roasters Choose Yirgacheffe
Yirgacheffe defines what most roasters mean by "Ethiopian" — bright, floral, and unmistakably aromatic. As a single origin, it commands premium menu pricing and drives seasonal demand. For comparison context see Sidamo vs Yirgacheffe vs Guji or our Ethiopian Coffee Export Guide.
For in-depth wholesale sourcing details see our Yirgacheffe green coffee wholesale guide, or explore how processing method shapes the cup in the washed vs natural comparison and Ethiopian coffee processing methods overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Yirgacheffe coffee grown?
Yirgacheffe is a micro-region within the Gedeo Zone of southern Ethiopia, sitting at altitudes of 1,750–2,200 meters. Key kebeles include Konga, Kochere, Wenago, Idido, and Gedeb on volcanic loam soils.
What does Yirgacheffe coffee taste like?
Yirgacheffe is famous for floral aromatics — jasmine and bergamot — with bright citrus acidity, lemon-tea notes, and a tea-like body. Naturals show vivid blueberry, strawberry, and tropical fruit character.
What SCA cupping score does Yirgacheffe achieve?
Specialty Yirgacheffe routinely cups 86–92 on the SCA scale. Top micro-lots from Konga and Idido reach 90+ and command premium FOB pricing of USD 5.50–9.00/lb.
What is the difference between washed and natural Yirgacheffe?
Washed Yirgacheffe emphasizes clarity, florals, and citrus acidity through fermentation and water washing. Natural Yirgacheffe is dried in cherry, producing fuller body, intense berry sweetness, and wine-like complexity.
When is Yirgacheffe harvested and shipped?
Yirgacheffe harvest runs October to January, peaking in November–December. Washed lots ship from February; naturals follow in March–April. EU and US arrivals typically begin in April–May.
Is Yirgacheffe a region or a brand?
Yirgacheffe is a protected geographical indication administered by the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office. Only coffee grown in the defined Yirgacheffe area can carry the name on export documentation.
Source Yirgacheffe Coffee
Wholesale Direct
Connect with our export team for Konga, Kochere, and Idido samples, current FOB pricing, and pre-shipment cupping lots from the latest harvest.
- Pre-shipment samples & cupping scores
- Full traceability from farm to port
- Response within 24-48 hours