Ethiopia: Organic Gera Nano Challa

The name "Nano Challa" refers to a local mythic tale about a challenge to become King of Jimma, and the coop adopted it to signify their desire to be a strong cooperative. Indeed, many coops in the West of Ethiopia have struggled to find good buyers who will pay enough for the coffee, to manage their own debts, and from internal struggles and graft. Nano Challa was formed as part of an initiative to aid farmers in a more comprehensive way, starting cooperatives that could be governed by the farmers, rather than selling their coffee to privately run mills, and 'middle men'. The program was administered by a non-government organization that not only coordinates agronomists and managers for each of the coops they work with, but also has a business adviser assigned that helps the cooperative manage their debt, re-invest in quality improvements at the mill, and verifies distribution of income to all members. They've since graduated from this program, and are now part of an independent, local Union called Kata Muduga, who assist the cooperatives with functions like marketing, exporting, and general representation on an international scale. Nano Challa is a smaller cooperative coffee mill near Gera town in the Jimma region, Western Ethiopia. (The area also has some of the finest honey available in Ethiopia). This is from a collection site 2km from the original Nano Challa station called "Genji Challa". Being so close, they extend their farmer reach some, but also buy from many of the same coop members (deliveries can be made to either). The farms are at altitudes between 1900 to 2100 meters, planted in old regional varieties of coffee. This is another beautiful Farm Gate coffee that is great as espresso.

Cupping Notes: Fresh nectarine, apricot, peach, orange, and golden raisin

Brew Recommendations: Drip, French Press, pour over, espresso.

Farm Gate Coffee: Farmers paid at least 50% above Fair Trade

Varietal: Heirloom Cultivars

Region: Gera, Jimma

Altitude: 1900 – 2100 meters

Process: Wet processed (washed) and patio sun-dried on raised beds

Equity Pricing (EP) Levels

Sustaining Level: $16 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Uplifting Level: $20 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Benefacting Level: $24 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

The Ethiopia: Organic Gera Nano Challa, sourced from the Gera district of Jimma, represents the meticulous work of the Nano Challa cooperative. This lot features Heirloom coffee varieties grown at elevations between 1900 and 2100 meters. Processed using the washed method, the beans are carefully prepared to highlight a vibrant profile characterized by notes of fresh nectarine, apricot, peach, orange, and golden raisin.

Washed coffees from this region are often celebrated for their clean, bright acidity and distinct clarity. When evaluating such complex profiles, enthusiasts frequently consult a flavor wheel to better identify the nuanced stone fruit and citrus characteristics present in the cup. This specific offering is brought to market by Keia & Martyn's Coffee, reflecting the high standards of production associated with the Nano Challa cooperative’s commitment to organic cultivation and quality processing.