Sidamo

Sidamo is one of Ethiopia’s most historic and globally recognized coffee-growing regions, located in the southern part of the country, primarily within the Sidama Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR). The region spans elevations of 1,500 to 2,200 meters above sea level, with fertile volcanic soils, moderate to heavy rainfall, and cool nights—all of which create ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality Arabica coffee. Sidamo is known for its diverse microclimates and smallholder-dominated farms, which contribute to a wide variety of flavor profiles across the region.

Coffee production in Sidamo is largely carried out by small-scale farmers, who grow coffee in garden or forested systems often shaded by indigenous trees. The region cultivates a variety of Ethiopian heirloom Arabica varieties, which are prized for their genetic diversity and ability to produce complex, nuanced flavors. Sidamo coffees are typically processed using both washed (wet-processed) and natural (dry-processed) methods. Washed Sidamo coffees tend to emphasize clarity, bright acidity, and floral aromatics, while natural-processed coffees highlight fruity sweetness, berry notes, and heavier body.

Sidamo coffees are internationally celebrated for their elegant, vibrant, and complex cup profiles. Common tasting notes include lemon, bergamot, jasmine, blueberry, and tropical fruits, with a medium body, lively acidity, and clean, lingering finish. The region’s diversity in terroir and processing allows for a wide range of expressions, making Sidamo coffees highly versatile and sought after in specialty coffee markets worldwide.

Sidamo’s prominence is also cultural and historical; it is part of the birthplace of coffee, reflecting centuries-old farming traditions, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable cultivation practices. Its coffees continue to set benchmarks for Ethiopian Arabica, commanding premium prices and serving as a reference for floral, fruity, and aromatic coffees in global specialty markets. Sidamo remains a vital contributor to Ethiopia’s reputation as the origin of some of the world’s most distinctive and celebrated coffees.