Exploring the Birthplace of Coffee: Africa
By: Eric Bates-McLeod
For North Roast Coffee
The Origins of Coffee
Today, most people enjoy coffee cultivated in Central and South America and while these regions have perfected coffee growing, it’s important to recognize where it all began.
Eastern Africa, specifically the Ethiopian plateau is considered the birthplace of coffee, with its discovery dating back to the 9th century. By the 15th century, African coffee had become central to Arabian culture and began spreading throughout the world (National Coffee Association USA, 2025).
Now, this little plant from Africa has found its way into the kitchens of millions of people across the globe and has been at the heart of our business for nearly 30 years. At North Roast, we’re proud to provide three African coffees that not only celebrate this incredible history but also highlight the rich diversity that makes African coffee so special.
Ethiopia
Our Ethiopian Washed Sidamo is one of our Fairtrade Organic beans and a customer favorite. This deliciously fruity, crisp coffee with a spark of acidity delivers an enjoyable balanced experience for any coffee lover.
Grown in the Oromia region near the center of Ethiopia, this highland area boasts fertile, volcanic soil. The beans are grown by smallholder farms often less than two hectares in size under natural shade that preserves biodiversity and the natural growing environment.
After being handpicked, the cherries are fermented for 24–72 hours, breaking down sugars that naturally enhance the floral and citrus notes. They are then washed and dried on raised beds for ideal airflow (Fairtrade International, n.d.).
Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (OCFCU)
Our Ethiopian beans are produced by farms under the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (OCFCU), representing over 400 cooperatives and 400,000 farmers. The OCFCU supports small-scale farmers with training, fair market access, and community development—building schools and healthcare facilities throughout the region.
Tasting Notes
Our Ethiopia Washed Sidamo is bright and floral, with mild acidity and fruity undertones of stone fruit and berries. It finishes clean and tea-like. Perfect as a medium roast drip coffee or a lively espresso.
Find It In These North Roast Blends: Northern Lights, Confederation, Espresso Dark and Mocha Java.
Ethiopia Guji
From the Guji subregion, our Ethiopia Guji is another Washed Sidamo grown on the Adola Farm at 2,100m above sea level. With volcanic soil and consistent rainfall, this bean produces intensely aromatic and fruity coffee. Expect more tropical fruit notes than the Sidamo—find it in our Espresso Nuovo and Picnic Blend, where it adds a juicy, jam-like flavor.
Tanzania Peaberry
Our Tanzania Peaberry has become a cult favorite at the roastery, and for good reason. Sourced from the Heights Estate near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (1,600–2,000m above sea level), it benefits from volcanic soil and cool mountain air, perfect for slow cherry maturation.
Only the ripest cherries are handpicked, washed and dried on African raised beds. The farm preserves Tanzania’s natural foliage and prunes trees to ensure sunlight reaches the coffee plants while preventing disease.
Tasting Notes
The Peaberry offers a sweet jasmine aroma, citrus and berry like acidity, and smooth sweetness balanced by orange zest and mild cocoa notes. It finishes crisp and clean a drip coffee that might just convert even the most loyal dairy drinkers to try it black.
Find It In These Blends: YQX Gander and YUL Edmonton
Rwandan
Over the past two decades, Rwanda’s specialty coffee industry has flourished, now home to nearly half a million micro farms (Coffee Beans Delivered, n.d.). Coffee makes up roughly half of Rwanda’s exports, thanks to high-quality production and dedicated farmers (Oirere, 2022).
Our Rwanda Fully Washed dark roast is grown by smallholder farmers under the Rwashoscco organization, which supports over 2,500 farmers and upholds Fairtrade Organic standards. Their focus on specialty coffee and sustainable farming results in high-scoring ethically sourced beans.
Tasting Notes
Expect aromas of jasmine and tasting notes of sweet mandarin, red fruit, cocoa, and caramel, finishing smooth with a satisfying aftertaste. This dark roast shines as an espresso or a rich drip coffee.
Find It In These Blends: Thors Hammer and Dark Matter
Sip Back Into History
While we only offer a small taste of what Africa brings to the coffee world, we believe our Ethiopian, Tanzanian, and Rwandan selections are the perfect introduction to Africa’s incredible coffee legacy.
Each origin represents the diversity, resilience, and beauty of coffee’s roots, inviting you to take a sip back in time and experience the birthplace of coffee with every cup.
