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Harrar (Ethiopia) landscape
03
Ethiopia · Harrar

Photo: Rod Waddington from Kergunyah, Australia / CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia

Ethiopia · Africa · Growing region

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Harrar (Hararghe) is grown on the highlands of eastern Ethiopia — one of the most storied homes of natural (dry-process) coffee in the world.

Altitude 1,5002,100 mnatural
§ 01Key Figures

Key figures

Altitude
1,5002,100m
MASL
Process
natural
main process
Body · Acidity
Full · Balanced
Full · Medium
Country rank
World No. 5
Ethiopia (production · Ethiopia)
§ 02Overview

Overview

Harrar (Hararghe) is grown on the highlands of eastern Ethiopia — one of the most storied homes of natural (dry-process) coffee in the world.

Slow sun-drying in the cherry creates its unmistakably rich character: blueberry, red wine, spice and chocolate (the classic Mocha profile).Traditional farming without irrigation continues to this day.

Blue Nile Falls in a forest
Blue Nile Falls in a forestPhoto: E D · Unsplash
§ 03Highlights

Highlights

Location
Hararghe plateau, eastern Ethiopia
Main varieties
Native varieties (incl. Longberry)
Altitude
1,500–2,100 m
Processing
Natural (dry process)
Cup character
Blueberry, mocha, spice, dried fruit
§ 04Deep Read

About this region

i.A benchmark for naturals

Nearly all Harrar is sun-dried natural. Drying with the fruit still on transfers sugars and fruit aromatics into the bean, sharpening its winey, wild streak. Lot-to-lot variation in the finish is part and parcel of the dry process.

mountain photograph
mountain photographPhoto: Daniele Levis Pelusi · Unsplash

ii.The “Mocha” connection

Its chocolate-leaning flavor earned it the name “Mocha Harrar.” Alongside the beans historically shipped from Yemen’s port of Mokha, it is indispensable to the lineage of what we call “Mocha.”

iii.How to enjoy it

A roast around medium flatters its character. French press or paper drip brings out the fruit and body, and it takes milk and spices well.

§ 05Flavor Profile

Flavor profile

BodyFull · Full
AcidityBalanced · Medium
SweetnessBalanced

Harrar cups show Full body with Balanced acidity and a Blueberry, Mocha finish — sweetness rises as it cools.

BlueberryMochaSpiceDried fruit
FloralFruityAcidityChocolateNuttySpiceBodySweetness
8-Axis Flavor Radar
§ 06Brew Guide

Brewing guide

Country-level guide
Paper drip
pourover
Temp
93°C
Ratio
1:15
Time
3 min
Grind
Medium-fine

Slightly cooler water draws out the floral aromatics. Pour slowly and the tea-like delicacy comes forward.

AeroPress
aeropress
Temp
85°C
Ratio
1:12
Time
2 min
Grind
Medium

Low-temperature, short extraction highlights the jasmine-like aroma. Works well inverted too.

§ 07Where to Buy

Find Harrar coffee

Searches each shop for “Ethiopia Harrar”. Links marked “PR” are ads (affiliate links →); this site may earn a referral fee from sellers. Prices and stock on each site take precedence.

§ 08Siblings

Other regions of Ethiopia

§ 09Kindred Regions

Regions with a similar taste