The Uraga washing station receives cherries from farmers in the surrounding region. It has been trialing anaerobic (without oxygen) since 2015 as a way to increase value and stand out among a growing number of specialty washing stations in Ethiopia. The station is located in Guji, a coffee-growing region that was once part of Yirgacheffe but whose microclimate produces such unique coffee, that it was allocated as its own coffee-growing region.
About this coffee
The 33 farmers in Okoluu Farmers’ Group cultivate coffee trees at the dizzying altitudes of 2,000 to 2,150 meters above sea level. The trees on the approximately 2 hectare farms are between 1 and 7 years old. Farmers are increasingly embracing disease resistant and higher yielding varieties that are helping to improve and advance the way they farm.
Cultivation
Farming methods in the region remain largely traditional. Guji farmers typically intercrop their coffee plants with other food crops. This method is common among smallholders because it maximizes land use and provides food for their families.
In addition to remaining traditionally intercropped, most farms are also organic-by-default. Farmers in Guji typically use very few — if any — fertilizers or pesticides. Most farm work is done manually by the immediate family.
To capitalize on the magnificent climate, the Uraga washing station provides training to help farmers produce better quality cherry. Training focuses on procedures for harvesting and transporting cherry.
Harvest and post harvest
Farmers selectively handpick ripe cherries and deliver it to the station. At intake, employees visually inspect them and accept only fully ripe cherries for anaerobic fermentation. The selected cherries are tightly packed in GrainPro bags and sealed shut. They then ferment anaerobically (without oxygen) for 18 to 24 hours.
After fermentation, cherries are carefully removed from bags and laid to dry in direct sunlight on raised beds. Workers turn them frequently to promote even drying. It takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks for them to dry.
