Yayu Forest Ethiopia Wild Coffee Bean 200g

A single origin from the Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere in Ethiopia — one of the last remaining mountain forest fragments where wild Arabica coffee grows naturally. Medium roast with notes of marzipan, dark chocolate and citrus, with a distinctive tea-like quality. SCA quality score: 84.5.

Since 2014, Union has partnered with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Darwin Initiative to support conservation of this unique forest and improve livelihoods for smallholder farmers who grow coffee beneath the forest canopy. Wild Arabica (Heirloom varietal), processed using the washed method. By buying this coffee, you directly support the preservation of wild coffee biodiversity — the genetic foundation that the entire global coffee industry depends on.

Sourced via Union Direct Trade. Union is a certified B Corp.

Directions for use: Wholebean — grind fresh before brewing. Best brewed as cafetiere or espresso. As espresso: soft citrus acidity, marzipan and dark chocolate with a bourbon biscuit aftertaste. As filter: tea-like, citrus, kumquat and sweet shortcrust pastry.

Ingredients: 100% Arabica coffee beans.

FAQs

What does Yayu Forest Ethiopia taste like?
As espresso: soft citrus acidity upfront, syrupy body, marzipan and dark chocolate with a long bourbon biscuit aftertaste. As filter: tea-like, light on the tongue, opening with mild citrus, flavours of kumquat and sweet shortcrust pastry, finishing with bittersweet roasted cocoa.

What makes Yayu Coffee Forest special?
The Yayu Biosphere Reserve in Ethiopia is one of the last places on earth where wild Arabica coffee grows naturally. This forest is the origin of all the world's coffee, and preserving its genetic diversity is critical for the future of the crop in the face of climate change.

How does buying this coffee help conservation?
Union's partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ensures that higher prices for quality coffee give farmers an incentive to preserve the forest rather than clear it. The Union Direct Trade premium also funds training, infrastructure and community development in the Yayu region.

What varietal is this coffee?
Heirloom wild Arabica — the indigenous, naturally occurring coffee plants of the Yayu forest, genetically diverse and not found in commercial farming.

Is this a limited edition coffee?
Production volumes from Yayu are limited by the nature of wild forest harvesting. Union notes that up to 10% of beans may occasionally be supplemented from the nearby Sidama region in Ethiopia while they work to grow the Yayu supply to 100%.