A coffee with gentle fruitiness and low acidity, suitable for espresso and filter. Best enjoyed with a medium to dark roast.
Hambela
Guji, Ethiopia
This exceptional coffee comes from Guji, Ethiopia, where it is grown on farms at elevations above 1,800 metres. Cultivated by smallholder farmers, it features the renowned JARC 70 series of varieties, reflecting the region’s distinctive terroir and traditional processing methods.
Farm: Smallholder farmers
Altitude: 1,800 metres and above
Variety: JARC 70 series
Process: Anaerobic natural
Weight: 250 g
Cup profile: Berries · Honey · Floral · Tropical fruit
JARC 70: A Promising Ethiopian Legacy in Specialty Coffee
The origins of JARC 70
Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, is home to wild varieties that are among the most valuable genetic resources in the coffee world.
The JARC 70 variety was developed at the Jimma Agricultural Research Center in the 1970s, after being collected from a wild coffee tree in the village of Beshari in the Oromia region. It was officially registered in 1979, following extensive trials that demonstrated its disease resistance and high productivity.
Characteristics of JARC 70
JARC 70 plants are short and compact, with small leaves that support photosynthesis. Despite their small cherries and beans, the plants are highly productive. The variety is also strongly resistant to coffee leaf rust and several pests, reducing the need for chemical intervention and supporting more sustainable farming.
JARC 70’s potential in specialty coffee
This variety combines strong genetic qualities with distinctive sensory attributes, making it an appealing choice for specialty coffee lovers. It delivers a clear expression of traditional Ethiopian character, including balanced acidity and floral and fruity notes.
Where it is grown
JARC 70 is cultivated primarily in western Ethiopia, especially in Illubabor and Metu in the Oromia region, where the soil and climate provide favourable growing conditions. Its compact structure also supports denser planting and makes harvesting and farm management easier.
Key growing areas
- Oromia region, including Illubabor and Metu
- Smallholder farms and processing stations associated with the Jimma Agricultural Research Center
Can JARC 70 be grown outside Ethiopia?
The variety is adapted to Ethiopia’s climate, but trials in similar environments have shown promising results, suggesting it could be cultivated elsewhere under suitable conditions.
Is this variety used in specialty coffee competitions?
Yes. Several roasters and farms have begun using JARC 70 in coffee competitions because of its consistent quality and distinctive flavour.
All of Bunah’s Ethiopian coffees, across different processing methods—including Wiko, from the 2024 Ethiopia Cup of Excellence auction—are from the JARC 70 series.