A tropical vacation tucked away in a small bag? Ethiopia Keramo from the České Budějovice-based roastery Kmen Coffee Roasters offers a juicy blend of pineapple, mango, and peach iced tea that you can enjoy practically anywhere. Its bold fruitiness is pleasantly complemented by the sweetness of ripe tropical fruit and a refreshing tea-like character. And what’s the best part? You don’t need a grinder, a dripper, or filters! The package contains 5 coffee pouches, each weighing 14 grams, that work much like tea bags. Just place one in a mug, pour hot water over it, and let it steep for a few minutes. It’s a great solution for travel, the office, or anywhere you’re in the mood for a proper cup of coffee.
The coffee comes from the Bensa area in Ethiopia’s Sidama region, specifically the mountainous Bombe area. Approximately 1,500 smallholder farmers grow coffee trees here at altitudes exceeding 2 ,300 meters above sea level and deliver their harvest to the Keramo Adara processing station, operated by Daye Bensa. It is precisely this high altitude that contributes to the slower ripening of the coffee cherries and the high density of the beans. Furthermore, the station has built an excellent reputation and helped Daye Bensa win the Cup of Excellence award in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Keramo is a blend of the local Ethiopian Heirloom and JARC 74112 varieties, which have undergone natural processing. Ripe coffee cherries are dried whole—including the pulp—on African drying beds and clean nets for approximately 14 to 18 days. Only after drying are the dried husks removed, and the beans are sent to Addis Ababa for final sorting. It is precisely the natural processing method that brings out the sweetness and distinct fruitiness that give this Ethiopian coffee its pleasantly tropical character.
- Farm: Keramo
- Processing station: Keramo Adara