Worka Nensebo

Get to know this coffee in detail

The Worka washing station is located right on the border between the West-Arsi and Sidamo zones. For a long time, coffees from the West-Arsi zone were classified and sold as Sidamo coffees.

It wasn't until 2017 that the ECX recognized this area as a separate appellation of origin, making it the youngest coffee-producing area in Ethiopia.

Despite being relatively unknown, the coffees from this region have regularly been recognized as some of the highest-scoring in the country.

Thanks to its high altitude (1900 to 2050 meters above sea level), the cherries ripen slowly, resulting in a high sugar content.

The final product is a dense grain that offers unmatched flavor complexity thanks to the good practices of small, local producers.

Specialty coffee from Ethiopia.

Meet the producer

A Young Café with an Ancient History

In the heart of Ethiopia, where mountains and forests merge into landscapes of unparalleled beauty, lies the Worka washing station, right on the border between the West-Arsi and Sidamo regions. For many years, coffees from the West-Arsi region were sold under the Sidamo designation, one of the most recognized in the world of specialty coffee. However, in 2017, the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) granted West-Arsi its own designation of origin, making it the newest coffee-growing region in Ethiopia.

Despite their recent status in terms of official recognition, West-Arsi coffees have proven themselves worthy of the highest standards. Year after year, lots from this region have earned outstanding scores, ranking among the best coffees in the country. Their exceptional quality is the result of a unique combination of geographical factors and traditional farming practices that have been perfected over generations.

Nensebo: A Territory of Coffee and Nature

Within the West-Arsi region, the Nensebo district is a prime location for coffee cultivation. More than 70% of the territory is covered by hills and mountains, while approximately a quarter of the land is arable. Furthermore, more than half of the region is made up of dense forests, creating an ideal ecosystem for specialty coffee production.

Nensebo farmers have grown coffee as a key commodity for their economy for years, often alongside local crops such as teff, enset (known as false banana), and wheat. The coexistence of these crops with coffee contributes to soil biodiversity and a more sustainable growing environment. Furthermore, the region's native trees, such as acacia and wanza (Cordia Africana), provide natural shade for the coffee trees, allowing the cherries to ripen slowly.

Altitude and Complexity in the Cup

Nensebo coffee is grown at altitudes ranging from 1,900 to 2,050 meters above sea level. These high altitude conditions slow the ripening process of the cherries, allowing for greater accumulation of sugars within the bean. As a result, coffee from this region is characterized by its high density and unparalleled complexity of flavors.

The cup profiles of Nensebo coffees typically feature floral notes, citrus fruits, and vibrant acidity, characteristics that have won over the palates of even the most discerning coffee drinkers. This level of quality and differentiation has positioned Nensebo as an emerging origin within the specialty coffee scene, attracting the attention of roasters and coffee enthusiasts around the world.

A Coffee with History and Future

Although West-Arsi and Nensebo are still relatively new names in the global specialty coffee market, the coffee-growing tradition in these lands dates back centuries. The combination of fertile soils, high altitude, and a farming community committed to quality has allowed this coffee to position itself among Ethiopia's finest.

As more people discover and appreciate the coffees from this region, the future of Nensebo looks bright. Its recognition as a designation of origin has not only given producers a unique identity within the coffee world, but has also opened up new opportunities to showcase the richness and diversity of Ethiopian coffee to the world in all its forms.

In every cup of Nensebo coffee lies the story of a region that, although young in terms of recognition, has been the birthplace of extraordinary flavors for generations. A coffee with a past, a present, and a bright future ahead.