THREE MARKS - Nano Challa | Ethiopia - Washed - Heirloom

The Project

Nano Challa is a primary cooperative within the Kata Muduga Multi purpose Farmer's Cooperative Union, based in Agaro, Ethiopia.

The Union collaborates with farmers across five rural districts in the Jimma zone and is led by General Manager Ephrem Kebede.

Located in Genji Challa kebele, Nano Challa is well known for its high quality Jimma coffees, particularly its Limu Grade 1 washed lot, recognized for bright citrus acidity, floral notes, and tea like qualities.
Founded in 2004 by 25 farmers from Agaro, the cooperative was created to unite producers, secure better buyers, reduce debt, and improve coffee quality in a region previously associated with low grade “Jimma 5” coffees.

The Coffee

Classic washed process:

Hand picking and selection of only ripe, healthy cherries.
Pulping to remove the skin and separate the seed from the fruit.
Floating to remove low density or defective beans.
Wet fermentation for about 12–24 hours to break down and remove mucilage.
Washing and rinsing in clean water channels, with additional separation of floaters. Drying on raised beds for 10–15 days until the beans reach optimal moisture (around 10–12%).
Density and color grading, ensuring defect free uniform beans that qualify for Grade 1 quality.