Buku Sayisa, translated as «Blessed Valley,» is nestled in the Hambela Wamena region, boasting some of the highest coffee-growing altitudes at 2350 masl.

The elevated altitudes play a significant role in shaping the flavour profiles produced at this washing station, as harvesting typically takes place later in the season compared to other regions. This results in slower cherry maturation for better sugar development, leading to a distinctive, sweeter flavour in the coffees.

Farmers transport their cherries on horseback due to the rugged terrain surrounding the site. Significant improvements have been made at this station, including enhanced drying protocols and the construction of a new dry mill in Hambela.

Harvest & Post-Harvest

The cherries are collected manually and hand sorted later. They are placed directly in the hopper that is connected to the pulping machine (a traditional Agaarde Disc Pulper). The coffee flows from the hopper down to the pulper, and the pulper removes the skin and pulp. The machine is designed to conduct grading of high and low quality (1st and 2nd), based on density.

The coffee is then fermented under water in tanks for an average of 72 hours, but any time frame between 48 – 100 hours is within the norm. The coffee is graded again in channels, so that the cherries of lower quality (with a lower density) will float. They are removed, leaving the denser, higher quality beans to be separated as higher-grade lots.

The parchment is soaked in clean water and then dried on raised beds for approximately 8 – 20 days. The coffee is dried in layers of 2-8 cm, depending on the climate, the type of tables, and the stage of drying.

Origin Land Coffee

Abenezer Asfaw established Origin Land Coffee in 2022, together with Mikyas Alemu. With extensive experience in supply chain management within the Ethiopian specialty coffee sector, Origin Coffee Land prioritises transparency and fostering strong relationships with farmers and washing stations. Their operations span across various regions, including Guji, Sidama, Yirgacheffe, West Arsi, and Gedeb, collaborating closely with producers and wet mills.