Coffees From Africa and the Middle East

Coffee beans are produced all around the world infrom which these Kilimanjaro coffees get their
tropical regions. Here we discuss thename. Some arabicas are grown further south in
characteristics of those produced in Africa andthe country the best known of which is 'Mbeya'
the Middle East.coffee. The best coffees from Tanzania have a
ETHIOPIAfull body and rich flavour, with classic acidy that
Ethiopia is the true birthplace of coffee. Themake them resemble the best coffees of
original coffee plant originated here as well theneighbouring Kenya.
first brew. Ethiopia today is the fifth largestCAMEROON
producer of coffee in the world growing mainlyDue to its high altitude, rich volcanic soils and
the best arabicas. Ethiopian dry-processed coffeeample rainfall coffees from Cameroon are of
(Harrar), tends to be medium-bodied and stronglygood quality. They are full-bodied flavour with a
acidic with fruity, winy tones. 'Yirgacheffe' coffeewell-rounded finish with chocolate characteristics.
has floral and citrus characteristics and is lightKENYA
bodied. Dry processed 'Djimah' is a popular beanKenya produces excellent quality Arabica coffees
that a exhibits medicinal taste. 'Ghimbi' is athat are renowned for their consistent high quality.
wet-processed bean from western Ethiopia. LimuAlthough mainly produced by smallholders the
is the market name for a well-respected fragrant,harvested beans are pooled and processed under
floral and fruit-toned wet-processed coffee fromstrict conditions by the Coffee Board of Kenya.
south-central Ethiopia.The coffee beans are graded into various
UGANDAcategories by the authority. PB or peaberry is
As the 11th largest producer of coffee in theconsidered the best, followed by AA, A and B.
world, Uganda has some fine arabica coffeesThe peaberry plant only produces a single bean,
which display the much favoured winy acidity andrather than the usual 'split' bean found in all other
other desirable flavour characteristics of the bestvarieties.
East African coffees. About 90% of the coffeesKenyan coffees have deep winy acidity with
produced are of the robusta variety, which aresubtle fruit and berry tones.
mainly used for blending and in the manufactureMADAGASCAR
of instant soluble coffee. 'Bugishu' coffee from theThe island of Madagascar produces over 700,000
slopes of Mount Elgon is the best known coffeebags of coffee per year of both robusta and
from Uganda.Arabica varieties. It's most celebrated coffee
IVORY COAST'Kouillou' has a highly distinctive flavour and is rated
As the third largest producer of coffee on thevery highly by the French.
African continent, the Ivory Coast grows mainlyYEMEN
rich and strong robustas used in soluble coffeeThe name 'Mocha' often synonymous with coffee
production.comes from the Yemen port of the same name,
TANZANIAwhich was used as a main trading point for coffee
Tanzania produces mostly robusta coffees muchbeans. Yemeni beans are known for their rich,
of it grown on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjarowiny, aroma and strong chocolate tones.