Ethiopia - Kilenso Mokonisa Organic Coffee

Ethiopia - Kilenso Mokonisa Organic Coffee

Varietal – Heirloom
Preparation – Washed
Location – Sidama
Altitude –1600-1900 masl

Kilenso Mokonisa cooperative is based in the Sidamo region, also known as Sidama, located in the southwest of Ethiopia. They are part of Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (OCFCU) who export the coffee and work exclusively in the Oromia Regional State. OCFCU are one of the first producer groups to pilot the new Fairtrade Climate Standard which means 20,000 coffee farmers can improve their living conditions and income, while also becoming more resilient to the effects of climate change.

OCFCU also pays 70% of its net profit back to the cooperatives and Kilenso Mokonisa pays 70% of their profits back to the member farmers. Kilenso Mokonisa cooperative is about 20 kilometres from the town of Bule Hora and has 2,300 members, of which 135 are female. There are 150 workers and an extra 70 are hired during peak periods.

The average farmer has about two hectares of land and uses ‘false banana’ as an intercrop because it holds moisture from the soil and provides access to water throughout the dry season. The false banana or enset is also very space-efficient
and can feed more people per square metre of the crop than most cereals. It is made into three main foods in Ethiopia – kocho, bulla and amicho.

The cooperative grows about 80,000 seedlings per year to replenish their member's farms, seedlings are planted and nurtured for one year before being distributed.

Harvesting and processing:

Coffee is hand-harvested and delivered to the washing station for processing. The focus is on selecting only ripe cherry for harvest. After delivery to the washing station, the coffee is floated to remove defects and pulped to remove the outer layer or fruit. The coffee is then fermented dry before being washed in grading channel. Drying takes place on raised tables with regular turning to ensure even drying.

Tasting Notes: 

Peach, syrup and melon. This is a lovely well rounded and balanced coffee that is great both with and without milk. 

Brewing:

This coffee works well for all brew methods. 

Filter: Dose 15g, water 250g. 

Espresso: Dose 17 gram to 40 gram yield over about 30 seconds.