Ethiopië Chelbesa

Ethiopië Chelbesa from Badeta is a specialty coffee that excites coffee lovers with its floral aroma and lively taste. This single-origin coffee from Yirgacheffe offers a glimpse into the world of Ethiopian quality coffee, from its origins with the farmers to the cup. Below is more about the background, flavor, and all other aspects of this unique bean.

This coffee comes from the famed Yirgacheffe region in southern Ethiopia, specifically from the Chelbesa washing station in the Gedeb zone. The beans are grown sustainably by a collective of about 672 small-scale coffee farmers from the local community. The coffee shrubs grow at considerable altitude, around 2,000 to 2,200 meters above sea level, which contributes to the quality and complexity of the coffee. In Chelbesa, farmers often cultivate their coffee in a semi-forested environment, under the shade of native trees, which benefits biodiversity. This high elevation and the natural cultivation conditions in Chelbesa result in top-quality coffee cherries, characteristic of the highly regarded Yirgacheffe area.

Badeta is known for roasting their Ethiopian coffees lightly to preserve the delicate flavors. Ethiopië Chelbesa is typically roasted light, far from a dark roast, so the original fruit flavors and aromas can shine. A light to medium-light roast delivers a cup with sparkling acidity and lets the terroir speak clearly. Many specialty roasters recommend this coffee as a filter roast; the light roast ensures the subtle floral notes and citrus flavors are not overwhelmed. Some roasters (such as Manhattan Coffee Roasters) even offer Chelbesa in multiple roast profiles, both for filter and espresso, so enthusiasts can choose how to enjoy it. Overall, the Chelbesa roast yields a vibrant, aromatic coffee that beautifully showcases the hallmark Ethiopian flavor nuances.

Ethiopië Chelbesa is known for a seductive flavor and aroma profile. The fragrance is distinctly floral, with notes reminiscent of jasmine blossom and roses, alongside a fresh citrus touch of lime or bergamot. Take a sip and find an elegant interplay of fruit and sweetness: juicy hints of peach or nectarine (stone fruit) go hand in hand with a light citrus note such as lime or lemon. Also characteristic is a tea-like character, many tasters discover nuances of black tea or Earl Grey (bergamot) in the finish. The coffee also offers a subtle sweetness, think honey or brown sugar that nicely balances the bright acids. The result is a delightfully complex cup with a clean, clear taste and a rounded body, in which floral and fruity elements are perfectly in balance.

The Chelbesa beans undergo a classic washed processing method, which contributes to the clean taste in the cup. After the coffee cherries are hand-picked, they are first placed in water to remove unripe fruit (the so-called “floaters”). The cherries are then depulped to separate the fruit from the beans, and the beans go into fermentation tanks for about 2 to 3 days for a dry fermentation. After this fermentation, the fermented mucilage residues are rinsed away: the beans are thoroughly washed and then laid out to dry on raised beds in the Ethiopian sun. Drying on these raised beds takes about a week to a week and a half (usually 7–10 days), during which the beans are turned regularly for even drying. Thanks to these careful processing steps, sorting, fermenting, washing and slow drying, Chelbesa delivers a clean, elegant coffee with refined flavors characteristic of washed Yirgacheffe coffee.

This coffee is 100% Arabica in origin. In Ethiopia, people often speak of heirloom or landrace varieties, this refers to the indigenous coffee cultivars that grow there naturally, with great genetic diversity. Chelbesa typically contains such local varieties. Specifically, this lot consists of the Ethiopian varieties Kurume (also spelled Korume) and Wolisho. These are two common local Arabica varieties in Yirgacheffe known for their excellent quality and pronounced aromas. Because these “Ethiopian heirloom” varieties arose through natural crossbreeding, they contribute to the complex flavor profile of Chelbesa coffee. In short, the combination of Arabica landraces like Wolisho and Kurume makes this coffee especially interesting, with the characteristic floral and fruity traits that lovers of Ethiopian coffee appreciate so much.

Badeta and its partners attach great importance to sustainable and fair coffee production. Ethiopië Chelbesa is sustainably grown, Badeta works with farmers and importers who apply environmentally friendly practices and pay farmers fairly for their coffee. The producing partner in Ethiopia, SNAP Specialty Coffee, plays a major role here. Founded in 2008, SNAP manages the Chelbesa washing station and several others, and is committed to high quality and the wellbeing of farmers. SNAP focuses on consistent quality, education and sustainability, for example the company has trained more than 6,000 local farmers in better agronomy, soil management and climate-resilient methods such as crop rotation. The coffee in Chelbesa is also cultivated in a shade-grown, semi-forest system, which preserves nature and supports the ecology. Through deliberate choices across the entire chain, from cultivation to transport, and direct collaboration with the community, Badeta ensures this coffee is not only delicious but also has a positive impact on people and the environment.

To get the most out of Ethiopië Chelbesa, a filter brewing method is usually recommended. Thanks to the light roast profile, the delicate flavors shine with slow coffee methods such as the V60 dripper, Chemex, AeroPress or even a French Press. Ideally use freshly ground coffee and water just off the boil (around 93–94 °C) for extraction. As a rule of thumb, use a ratio of about 1 part coffee to 15 to 16 parts water, for example ~20 grams of coffee to ~300 ml of water, depending on the desired strength. First pour a little water over the grounds for a short bloom of ~30 seconds, allowing the coffee grounds to release their aromas. Then pour in stages or steadily until reaching the full volume. In total, aim for a brew time of about 3 to 4 minutes for a balanced cup. The result in the mug is a clear and aromatic brew with all the hallmark floral and fruity notes of Chelbesa. Prefer espresso instead? That is possible too, some roasters also roast Chelbesa specifically for espresso, but expect a light, fruity espresso with lots of aroma. Those inclined to experiment can play with grind size and brew time to find the perfect recipe for this coffee. The most important advice, savor every sip mindfully, because with the right preparation this coffee offers a refined tasting experience.

Ethiopië Chelbesa has proven itself as a highly regarded coffee in the specialty world. In cupping evaluations by experts, this coffee consistently scores in the high 80s on the Specialty Coffee Association’s 100-point scale, typically around 87 points or higher. Such a score indicates excellent quality with distinctive flavor nuances, so it is no surprise this coffee receives much praise. The producer SNAP and the Chelbesa washing station have also been regularly recognized, various coffee lots from SNAP have already won international awards for their outstanding quality. Chelbesa also receives appreciation on a smaller scale, many specialty roasters worldwide include this microlot in their lineup and praise its refined taste. Tasters especially laud the elegant balance and complexity, Chelbesa is often celebrated for its “clean”, floral character and lively citrus notes. In short, this coffee has received the recognition it deserves and is considered a favorite among connoisseurs seeking a top Ethiopian.

Badeta’s packaging design for Ethiopië Chelbesa is modern and eye-catching. The coffee is typically sold in 250-gram bags, with a 1 kg option for those who want to stock up. The bags come with an aroma valve (vent) and a resealable strip, so the freshly roasted beans stay fresh as long as possible after opening. At Badeta, each coffee has its own colorful label. The Chelbesa packaging clearly lists all the key details: the origin (country and region), the cultivation altitude, the processing method, and even tasting notes are printed on the label. Badeta opts for a fresh, minimalist style with playful colors and graphic accents, making their coffee bags instantly recognizable on the shelf. The result is not only pleasing to the eye, but also practical, the packaging protects the beans well and tells at a glance the story of the coffee inside.

Ethiopië Chelbesa is available at Badeta while stocks last, as it is a seasonal specialty coffee. It is usually offered after the harvest and processing period, which means it is available in limited batches (often a few months after the annual harvest in Ethiopia). Consumers can purchase Chelbesa directly from Badeta, either as a one-off or through a coffee subscription for regular delivery. The price for a 250-gram bag is around €14 to €15, which is typical for high-quality microlot coffee. Those who need more can usually buy a one-kilogram package at a better price per kilo, at Badeta 1 kg of Chelbesa costs around €55. This price reflects the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that goes into every step from bean to cup. Thanks to the subscription option and the ability to choose different quantities, this exclusive coffee remains accessible to curious home baristas as well as coffee bars that want to serve their guests something special. Be quick when Chelbesa is available, because origin coffees this sought-after can sell out fast among connoisseurs.