Why We Love This Coffee

Qabballe Natural returns for the fourth consecutive year! “Qabballe” means "cold" in Amharic, and the name is fitting because the climate is very cold at the extremely high elevation where this coffee originates: Teraga Village sits between 2,100 and 2,350 meters above sea level in Uraga, Guji within the Oromia region of Ethiopia. This particular coffee is composed of the 74110 and 74112 varieties, chosen for their resilience and productivity, plus a captivating flavor profile of blueberry, grape, passion fruit, and flowers.

Sookoo Coffee, led by the renowned Ture Waji, known as "The King of Guji," controls the meticulous processing of Qabballe. The company follows strict drying protocols, maintaining a maximum layer density of 4 cm and turning the cherries on the beds six times daily. This dedication minimizes the risk of over fermentation and potential defects, ensuring a high-quality product with a drying time ranging between 21-28 days.

Ture's connection to the region, his commitment to quality, traceability, and sustainability, and his values resonated during our importer’s initial meeting with him. Despite the brevity of the encounter, a partnership was formed based on shared values and the promise of exciting future projects. Ture's vision includes expanding to washed coffees, collaborating with Addis Exporter's Mike Mamo for Greenspring, a new washing station in Uraga.

Beyond the coffee itself, Ture and Sookoo Coffee contribute to community development through educational initiatives, pre-harvest loans, and a 'woman-first' policy at the washing stations. This commitment extends to building a school for children and improving infrastructure through road construction. The shared values and thrilling projects make the collaboration with Ture and Sookoo Coffee a source of excitement and satisfaction for yet another year.