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Ethiopian Sidamo Coffee Guide: Benefits, Brewing Tips & More!

hot ethiopian coffee in a traditional cup

As coffee drinkers, we are always eager to try new types of coffee to expand our horizons and tickle our tastebuds. Sidamo coffee is no exception. If you have never had Sidamo coffee and are thinking of trying it, you might want to know more about the coffee, the brand, and more.

Sidamo coffee is a finely processed organic flavored Arabica coffee. This coffee is 95% washed and harvested in the Sidama region of Ethiopia. There are quite a few interesting facts about Sidamo coffee, including the origins of the coffee beans and the best ways to brew it.

Follow us on our journey to discover more about Sidamo coffee and why you should try the flavorful blend.

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Quick Facts About Sidamo Coffee You Should Know

Below we will give you the facts about Sidamo coffee so you can tell at a glance whether this is a coffee you want to try or not.

Country of Origin: Ethiopia
Regions: Ethiopia, Kaffa, Sidamo
Altitude: 1,500 to 2,200 meters
Best Known Growers: Sidama Coffee Farmers
Milling Process: Sundried, washed
Harvest Time: October through January
Flavor: Creamy with hints of blueberries and almonds, super sweet
Aroma: Winey, floral, sweet
Body: Mild
Certification: USDA Organic, Fair Trade available, Rainforest Alliance
Acidity: Medium, complex yet balanced
Ethiopian coffee plant
Image Credit: melanie_10, Shutterstock

Why Is Sidamo Coffee Special?

Sidamo coffee is unique not only because of the flavors of the coffee and its heady fragrance but also because of its distinct processing method. The ripening process for Sidamo is slower than many other types.

It’s also ripened at a lower temperature than in other parts of the region, which accounts for the sweet flavor and the slightly acidic, fruity aroma. This makes Sidamo coffee a treat for anyone who has ever tasted it.

If you’re interested in trying this delicious coffee, we recommend Volcanica Coffee’s Sidamo beans, which are grown on smallholder farms and feature tasty notes of honey and jasmine.

Is Sidamo Coffee Healthy?

Sidamo coffee is said to be healthy to drink, and the benefits of caffeine in moderation have been lauded for quite a few years. Sidamo coffee has zero sugar and contains a good amount of calories and protein, which could benefit some.

As with any caffeinated drink, it’s best to be careful about how much you drink since adverse reactions can occur. The side effects of drinking too much caffeine are listed below. Sidamo coffee contains between 75 to 130 milligrams (mg) of caffeine.

  • Headaches
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Diarrhea
  • Anxiety
  • The jitters
  • Insomnia

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How Much Does Sidamo Coffee Cost?

Sidamo coffee varies in price according to the size of the canister, the type of coffee, and the place you’re getting your coffee from. You can expect to pay between $10 and $15 a pound for most Sidamo coffee. However, some blends of this coffee will cost you over $100 or more. Sidamo can be found in stores and online at sites such as Amazon.

What Does Sidamo Coffee Taste Like?

Sidamo coffee is a spicey medium-bodied coffee with undernotes of chocolate. It also has a deep winey taste. The aroma of the blend is flowery with hints of lemon. It is acidic and has been described as crisp and sharp.

However, as with any coffee, the taste you get from Sidamo coffee will depend on your brewing method and even the type of coffee maker you use. For example, you’re not going to get the same taste from a coffee maker that needs cleaning as you would from a coffee maker that’s freshly cleaned.

The caffeine content is low, and it will not hurt to have more than one cup of this delicious brew a day.

a woman enjoying a cup of coffee
Image Credit: Ketut Subiyanto, Pexels

How To Make Your Own Mug of Sidamo Coffee

Now that you know more about Sidamo coffee, you might wonder how to make your own fragrant, delicious mug of this single-source coffee. We’ll give you a few tips below.

First, you want to wash your coffee beans in cold water until they are clean. While they are soaking, pick through the beans and take out anything that doesn’t belong. Once the beans are washed, pour off the excess water, then roast your beans on the stove until they start to pop and turn a dark brown color.

Make sure you stir the beans with a wooden spoon or constantly shake the pan during this process so the beans don’t scorch or stick to your pan.

Once your coffee beans are done, grind the beans in an impeccably clean grinder, and brew your coffee using your favorite method. You can do this by using an automatic coffee maker, the pour-over method, or a French press. Just make sure to follow the process above to a tee for the best-tasting coffee.

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Conclusion

Ethiopia is well-known for its fragrant, delicious coffee, and Sidama, where Sidamo coffee is cultivated, is its most prominent area. With an aftertaste of chocolate and light caramel, it’s no wonder people who have had a mug of Sidamo coffee are spoiled and want more.

Since it’s 100% organic and grown in a natural setting, coffee drinkers don’t have to worry about their coffee beans being genetically altered and containing additives that could be unhealthy. While it is costly, for most coffee drinkers who have tried it, it’s well worth the money spent for the delicious cup of coffee you get in return.


Featured Image Credit: Negga Haileyesus, Shutterstock

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Kate MacDonnell

Kate is a lifelong coffee enthusiast and homebrewer who enjoys writing for coffee websites and sampling every kind of coffee known to man. She’s tried unusual coffees from all over the world and owns an unhealthy amount of coffee gear.

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