Harrar

Harrar (Harar) is one of Ethiopia’s most celebrated and historic coffee-growing regions, located in the eastern highlands of the country, within the Harari, Oromia, and Somali regional borders. The region sits at elevations of approximately 1,400 to 2,100 meters above sea level, with a semi-arid to sub-humid climate that features moderate rainfall, warm temperatures, and dry, sunny periods, all of which create unique conditions for growing distinctive Arabica coffee. The soils are often sandy to loamy with good drainage, supporting coffee cultivation in small, terraced plots and home gardens.

Coffee production in Harrar is primarily carried out by smallholder farmers, who grow heirloom Arabica varieties on small parcels of land, frequently intercropped with khat, fruit trees, and grains. Unlike Yirgachefe and other southern regions, Harrar coffee is mostly dry-processed (natural process), where coffee cherries are harvested and left to dry in the sun on raised beds or patios. This method allows the beans to absorb flavors from the fruit, contributing to the region’s signature intense, fruity, and wine-like cup profile. Some washing stations exist, but natural processing dominates the traditional practices here.

Harrar coffees are internationally renowned for their heavy body, vibrant and complex fruity notes, and bold, wine-like acidity. The flavor profile often features blueberry, blackberry, chocolate, and spice, sometimes with hints of wine, dried fruit, or floral overtones, creating a full-bodied, exotic, and memorable cup. The finish is usually long, rich, and sometimes syrupy, making Harrar coffees stand out for their depth, intensity, and uniqueness. These characteristics have made Harrar coffee a staple of Ethiopian specialty coffee and a reference for natural-processed, fruity, and complex Arabica beans worldwide.

Harrar’s coffee production is not only commercially significant but also deeply intertwined with the region’s culture and history, as the area has been cultivating coffee for centuries and is closely associated with Ethiopia’s legendary coffee heritage. Its unique flavors, traditional farming methods, and distinctive natural processing contribute to Harrar’s prestige in global markets, often commanding high prices for specialty lots and celebrated for producing some of the most exotic and flavorful coffees Ethiopia has to offer.