Uraga Anaerobic, Filter - Ethiopia

The Uraga washing station receives cherries from farmers in the surrounding area. The station is located in Guji, a coffee-growing region that was once part of Yirgacheffe but whose microclimate produces coffee so unique that it has been designated as its own coffee-growing region.

The agricultural methods of the region remain largely traditional. Farmers in Guji usually intercrop their coffee plants with other food crops. In addition to traditionally intercropping, most farms are also organic by default.

To take advantage of the beautiful climate, the Uraga washing station offers training to help farmers produce better quality cherries. The training covers the procedures for harvesting and transporting cherries.

The farmers hand-select the ripe cherries and deliver them to the station. Only perfectly ripe cherries are accepted for anaerobic fermentation. The selected cherries are hermetically packed in GrainPro bags and sealed. Cherries ferment anaerobically (without oxygen) for 18 to 24 hours. After fermentation, the cherries are carefully removed from the bags and left to dry in direct sunlight on raised beds. Workers frequently turn cherries to promote even drying. It takes about 2 to 3 weeks for the cherries to dry.

• Region: Guji
• Country: Ethiopia
• Elevation: 1,925 - 1,945 masl
• Variety: JARC, Heirloom
• Process: Anaerobic