What Is Sidamo Green Coffee?
Sidamo (also written Sidama) grows at 1,550–2,200 metres in the Sidama zone of southern Ethiopia. It shares some geographic overlap with Yirgacheffe — Yirgacheffe is historically a sub-region within the broader Sidama zone, though the two are now marketed as distinct origins.
The Sidama zone officially became a separate regional state in 2019, and its coffees are increasingly sold as "Sidama" rather than "Sidamo" in origin-focused markets. Both spellings refer to the same region — clarify with your buyers which labelling they prefer.
Cup Profile by Processing Method
Washed
Clean, balanced cups with crisp citrus acidity, mild honey sweetness, and a smooth, medium body. Approachable Ethiopian character without the intensity of Yirgacheffe florals — works for filter and blends.
Natural
Pronounced berry and wine character — blackcurrant, stone fruit, fuller, sweeter body. The longer harvest window (Oct–Feb) means natural Sidamo lots can be sourced across an extended period.
Sidamo Specifications — Grade 1 vs Grade 2
| Spec | Grade 1 | Grade 2 |
|---|---|---|
| SCA cupping score | 85–88 | 80–84 |
| Defects per 300g | 0–3 | 4–12 |
| Altitude | 1,550–2,200m | 1,550–2,200m |
| Harvest window | October–February | October–February |
| Processing | Washed and Natural | Washed and Natural |
| Moisture | 10.5–11.5% | 10.5–11.5% |
| Bag type | 60kg GrainPro-lined jute | 60kg GrainPro-lined jute |
| Variety | 100% Heirloom Arabica | 100% Heirloom Arabica |
Why Buyers Choose Sidamo for Blends
Sidamo Grade 2 is a common choice for importers building commercial-specialty blends. The SCA 80–84 range delivers a solid specialty cup at a lower price point than Grade 1, with the natural Ethiopian character that makes Ethiopian coffees distinctive in blends.
Grade 2 Sidamo natural lots are particularly useful for espresso blends where body and fruit sweetness are priorities, and price consistency across seasons matters.
Minimum Order & Shipping
- Minimum order: 10 bags (600kg). Available for both Grade 1 and Grade 2.
- Larger orders: 20–50 bags and 50–100 bags available on request.
- FCL: Contact us for current Full Container Load availability and pricing.
- Shipping terms: FOB Djibouti or CIF to your destination port.
- Transit: Europe 3–4 weeks · US East 4–5 · US West 5–6 · Asia 3–5 weeks.
Compare Ethiopian Origins
- Yirgacheffe green coffee beans — intense florals, highest-grade washed specialty (1,700–2,200m).
- Guji green coffee beans — fruit-forward naturals, microlot specialty (1,800–2,300m).
- Grading guide — Grade 1 vs Grade 2
- Cupping notes and flavour profiles — how these regional profiles are scored on the SCA scale.