THE ORIGIN REPORT
Ethiopia Guji Tebe Melge
Region: Guji Uraga
Elevation: 1900-2300 MASL
Producer: Tebe Melge
Varietal: Ethiopia Landraces
Process: Natural
Cup Notes: Apricot, Linzer Cookie, Melon
Fruity with a warm and buttery mouthfeel, this is a great cup for the transitioning season! And here’s something you might not know… this coffee was originally carried over from the Guji region of Ethiopia into the Yirgacheffe region, and sold as a Yirgacheffe coffee (a very familiar region for coffee enthusiasts). Producers quickly noticed how distinct this coffee tasted in comparison to coffees from Yirgacheffe and felt it deserved some differentiation. Guji is now a world-famous coffee growing region in its own right and we’re always amazed by how complex these coffees are! This one is fruit-forward and tropical with a buttery mouthfeel that reminds us of a childhood favorite, Linzer cookies.
From Red Fox importer:
Found only in the ultra-high reaches of Guji’s vast Uraga forest region, Tebe Melge Natural is exactly what we look for in a natural: not so subtle in its fruit that it could pass as washed, but immensely clear and reflective of terroir in companion to processing. With a big red fruit profile including a refreshing watermelon note as well as ripe strawberry and cherry, underpinned by mild florals like orange blossom and subtle citrus zest acidity, Tebe Melge Natural showcases this delicate balance.
Tebe Melge Natural’s sourcing area all falls between 1900 and 2300 masl, incredible altitudes that are just one part of what makes them so special. One of the most interesting aspects of the Tebe Melge area is that the trees here are the youngest in the larger region—fully mature, but still distinct in their profile. The microclimate plays a role too, with long, cool nights slowing cherry maturation. Natural processing is carried out with care, so that the terroir of Tebe Melge shines through as the main element of the final product.
The main challenge here is labor availability, and high wages per day guarantee access to the best cherry. There’s plenty of price competition too, with a lot of exporters vying for Tebe Melge’s unique profile. Security is another challenge for those working in or near this densely forested subregion.
