Layo Teraga
$19.00
Origin: Guji, Ethiopia
What we taste: Strawberry Basil, Lady Grey Tea, Key Lime Pie
The Layo Teraga Cooperative was founded in 1976 and is located in Uraga, which is in the Guji zone of Ethiopia. Layo Teraga comprises 1,841 smallholder farmers that grow coffee in small semi-forested gardens surrounding their homes. There are three picking sites at a very high elevation at around 2,342 meters above sea level. This particular coffee comes from Site 2, which is the middle elevation site. Site 1 is at the highest elevation and Site 3 is at the lowest. Since building this particular site in 2011, they have been focused on producing the highest quality washed coffees that they can. Cooperatives in Ethiopia are traditionally organized under a larger umbrella union that deals with the marketing and exporting of coffees from multiple cooperatives in hopes that it lets the farmers focus on cultivating the best coffee possible, instead of logistics. However, after feeling like these larger entities were not serving all communities equally, Layo Teraga separated from their union and began direct exporting in 2022. Since then, Layo Teraga have been exporting through Crop to Cup, which we have purchased wonderful coffees through for years. This has allowed them to better serve their community and pay farmers nearly triple the standard rate, which is then reinvested into the community. With the increase in resources, they’ve been able to build a main road to the nearest town, allowing for easier access to the community and safer, easier transportation of the coffee harvest. Layo Teraga has also established electric service stations for the community and the coffee washing stations, and a school for the community’s children. As of 2024, they are working to improve water systems to ensure reliable access to clean, potable water for the entire community. One reason we’re excited to offer this coffee to our customers is that it is a washed Ethiopian coffee. We all know and love Koke (honey process) for its bombastic fruity herbaceousness, but Layo Teraga will show us another side of the beautiful coffees coming out of Ethiopia. Layo Teraga is a wonderfully delicate cup that would make a great all day sipper. We have had this coffee on the cupping table, on Fetco, and as a pour over and everytime it does not disappoint! We were getting the sweet citrus and graham cracker of Key Lime Pie, the tea-like body and richness of Lady Grey Tea, and the sweet herbal blend of Strawberry Basil.
