Origin
Uraga, Guji Zone, Ethiopia
Uraga, a highland woreda in the Guji Zone of southern Ethiopia, represents a significant chapter in Ethiopia’s coffee legacy. While Ethiopia has a long history as the botanical birthplace of Coffea arabica, Uraga's rise as a specialty coffee origin gained momentum in the early 2000s. Initially grouped under the Sidamo designation, Uraga’s unique qualities were eventually recognized, leading to Guji's establishment as a distinct coffee region.
Situated at elevations between 1,850 and 2,200 meters, Uraga offers cool, high-altitude conditions that allow coffee cherries to mature slowly, enhancing complexity and density. The region's nutrient-rich red clay soils and diverse agroecology, with indigenous shade trees, contribute to coffees with distinctive clarity, floral and citrus-forward aromatics, and bright, balanced acidity. Smallholder farmers, often with less than one hectare, cultivate coffee in traditional “semi-forest” systems, supporting ecological sustainability.
The emergence of private washing stations, such as Siko and Tome, has transformed Uraga's processing infrastructure, enhancing consistency and traceability. These improvements have earned Uraga coffees accolades in global competitions, establishing the region as one of Ethiopia’s most celebrated coffee areas. Uraga embodies Ethiopia's rich coffee heritage while carving its own reputation for excellence in the global specialty coffee market."