Magic Pussy | Ethiopia, Gedeb, Natural

It’s sweet, it’s funky, and it’s floral — that’s our Magic Pussy!

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is like the first sign of spring—fresh, full of life, and full of bright, inviting smells. It’s the birthplace of coffee, and it offers a wide range of flavours that make each cup special. You can find everything from citrus and sweet stone fruits to juicy tropical fruits, all mixed with floral, spicy, and light tea-like notes.

Region – Gedeb:

The Gedeb region is in Ethiopia’s so-called Gedeo Zone. It is located just south of the more well-known Yirgacheffe region, but it has built a strong reputation of its own in recent years. While it’s sometimes classified under Yirgacheffe coffees, Gedeb has its own distinct character thanks to its high elevation, fertile soils, and cool climate. Coffee grows slowly here, which helps develop more complex and layered flavours in the cup. Farmers use traditional methods, often growing coffee under shade trees in small garden plots. The result is a cup profile that often features bright citrus acidity, floral notes like jasmine, and fruity tones such as blueberry or dried peach

Lalesa Washing Station:

Located in Gedeb, Ethiopia, Lalesa is a specialty coffee washing station (drying site. Situated at altitude of 2150–2200 metres above sea level, the site benefits from ideal conditions for producing high quality Ethiopian specialty coffee. It’s the largest drying site in Gedeb, with 400 drying beds across a 3.5 hectare area. Lalesa works with local coffee farmers, purchasing their cherries to ensure the highest possible quality and then processes. The coffee is naturally grown beneath the shade of trees, mainly Ensete, also known as the false banana tree. Most of the coffee goes under heirloom, with harvesting taking place between December and January. Lalesa plays an important role in supporting the local community, employing around 130 permanent workers and up to 200 people during the harvest season. The site also contributes to local development through social initiatives, including plans for a daycare centre for farmers’ children in Gedeb. Additionally, some women farmers in the area participate in Ephtah’s Ama Commitment scheme, supporting greater opportunities for women within the coffee sector.

Lalesa Natural represents the character of Gedeb: high-altitude coffee cultivation, traditional natural processing, careful attention to quality and a strong connection to the local farming community.

Processing:

The coffee cherries undergo meticulous handpicking by smallholders, who promptly deliver them to the washing station on the same day. Afterwards, the cherries are hand-sorted to remove any defective and unripe cherries. They are then laid on raised African beds for sun drying. Throughout this period, the lot is regularly stirred and covered with nets at night to protect it from insects and animals. The drying process lasts approximately 15 days, after which the beans are separated from the remaining cherries and undergo additional drying until they reach optimal moisture levels. During this stage, noticeable defects are once again sorted out by hand. After drying and preparation, the coffee is transported to Addis Ababa, where it is stored at Moplaco’s facility in Gerji, where its hulled before further transportation to Europe