Ethiopian Harrar coffee is a perfect robust blend with a fruity aftertaste

Imagine a coffee blend that is rich in flavor yet has an essence of fruit after each sip.  That is what you will find with Ethiopia’s Harrar coffee beans, a special plant grown in the Harrar region of the small country.

The distinct coffee is part of the arabica family, which takes longer to reach full growth maturity at around seven years.  This is what gives the Harrar blend such a robust, mocha taste.  The plants are grown at a high range of about 4300 feet.  The beans are roasted through a dry process and sorted by hand, making each cup unique.

There are several types of Harrar coffee beans that produced in Ethiopia.  First is the peaberry or mocha type, often used for espresso drinks.  Second is the shortberry, which is smallest in size and great for ground or espresso coffee.  Last is the large, longberry type best used in ground coffee.

The Ethiopian Harrar bean is a rare find, as it is grown on small farms in only three regions of the eastern part of the country.  Favorite coffee shops that brew this special blend include Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee.  Beans are also sold online through specialty retailers.

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African Coffee Art

January 26, 2010 – This limited release blend comes from Eastern Africa grown by specially trained farmers, trained by Peet’s coffee buyers.  It will be available in stores from February 15 through March 31 in its initial introduction to the market.   Peet’s Uzuri African Blend will then become a part of their regular offering starting March 3 at Peet’s Cafes.

In Swahili Uzuri translates to mean excellent or beautiful and was the name chosen by the farmers who grow the beans.  The beans come from farms in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania and are considered some of the finest in the world.

In this region of Africa the farmers live in extreme poverty, they typically earn less than $2.00 a day.  Through the non-profit TechnoServe Coffee Initiative and Peet’s working together trained farmer’s in these countries can generate higher incomes.  Peet’s is very proud of the sustainable industry they are a part of which offers an estimated 30 percent more to the farmers for their crops.

Uzuri’s flavor is bold, smooth, and aromatic with undertones of dark berry and will be available in 12 ounce bags at supermarket chains and in Peet’s coffee houses.   It’s been eight years since Peet’s has added a new blend to their line, sounds delicious.

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