Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Dama Coop Washed G2 Coffee Beans

If you’ve ever tasted a bright Ethiopian coffee and wondered where it really comes from, this is the story you’ve been looking for. The Yirgacheffe region—famous for floral, citrusy profiles—is home to dozens of smallholder cooperatives, each with unique terroir and processing methods. One such group is the Dama Cooperative, whose washed G2-grade lot delivers a clear window into what makes Yirgacheffe so beloved worldwide.

The Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Dama Coop G2 is a washed single origin coffee grown at 1800–2200 metres above sea level, produced by 1728 male and 237 female farmers. It features tasting notes of lemon peel, black tea, dried longan, and floral aromas with a sweet, juicy acidity.

Where Is Yirgacheffe, Really?

Yirgacheffe (also spelled Yirga Cheffe) is a small town located within Ethiopia’s Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region, specifically in the Gedeo Zone. Though officially part of the larger Sidamo administrative zone, its coffee is so distinct that in 2009 the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) separated it into its own category. Neighboring areas like Wenago, Kochere, and Gelena Abaya were later included due to similar cup profiles, further solidifying Yirgacheffe as a premium micro-region.

The region sits between 1700 and 2100 metres above sea level, with most farms above 1800m. Its volcanic soils, high elevation, and consistent rainfall make it ideal for growing distinctive Arabica varieties—primarily Typica and the broader genetic classification known as Heirloom.

What Is the Dama Cooperative?

The Dama Cooperative is one of 26 member co-ops under the Yirgacheffe Coffee Farmers Cooperatives Union (YCFCU), which represents over 50,000 farmers from more than 300,000 households. Established in 1979 and joining YCFCU in 2002, Dama is based in the heart of Yirgacheffe and consists of 1728 men and 237 women coffee farmers.

Farm sizes are small—most members cultivate less than 4 hectares at elevations of 1800–2200m. The dominant coffee varieties are a mix of Typica and Heirloom (local landrace strains). The coop is democratically governed: every one to two years, members elect an executive committee responsible for equipment purchases, financial decisions, and market strategy. YCFCU also assigns professional managers to assist with production improvements and quality control.

Being part of a cooperative allows farmers to bypass exploitative middlemen, secure better prices, and even access credit during lean times. Unlike many ECX-controlled producers, Dama Cooperative retains the right to negotiate directly with buyers—a key advantage for specialty markets.

What Makes This Washed G2 Coffee Different?

This particular lot from Dama Cooperative is processed using the washed (wet) method, a hallmark of Ethiopian specialty coffee. The result is a clean, bright cup with pronounced acidity and layered fruit and floral notes. Flavour descriptors include lemon peel, black tea, dried longan, and floral tones, with a sweet, smooth finish and well-defined fruity acidity.

The G2 grade is the second-highest commercial grade in Ethiopia’s classification system, indicating minimal primary defects. While the ECX now controls much of Ethiopia’s coffee trade through centralized auctions, cooperatives like Dama are exempt—allowing direct export relationships that benefit both producers and roasters seeking traceability and quality assurance.

Why Elevation and Variety Matter in Yirgacheffe

Yirgacheffe’s coffee thrives at higher altitudes, typically between 1800 and 2200 metres. This elevation slows cherry maturation, leading to denser beans with more complex sugars. The region’s signature Heirloom varieties—genetically diverse landraces adapted over generations—are key to its iconic citrus and floral profiles.

The washed processing method enhances these traits by removing the fruit layer early, highlighting the bean’s intrinsic qualities. The combination of altitude, variety, and meticulous processing results in a coffee that’s vibrant, nuanced, and highly sought after in specialty markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation of the Dama Cooperative coffee farm?

The coffee is grown at 1800–2200 metres above sea level in the Yirgacheffe region of Ethiopia’s Gedeo Zone. These high altitudes contribute to slower cherry development and denser beans, which enhance sweetness and acidity in the cup.

What processing method is used for this coffee?

This coffee is processed using the washed (wet) method, which involves removing the coffee cherry skin and pulp before fermenting and washing the beans. This method results in a clean, bright, and complex cup profile, highlighting the inherent fruit and floral characteristics of the Yirgacheffe region.

Who produces this coffee and how many farmers are involved?

The coffee is produced by the Dama Cooperative, which is part of the Yirgacheffe Coffee Farmers Cooperatives Union (YCFCU). The cooperative consists of 1728 male and 237 female coffee farmers. These smallholders typically cultivate less than 4 hectares of land each.

What is the G2 grade in Ethiopian coffee?

G2 is the second-highest commercial grade in Ethiopia’s coffee classification system. It indicates coffee with minimal primary defects and is commonly used for export-grade beans. While the ECX oversees much of Ethiopia’s coffee auction system, cooperatives like Dama can sell directly outside this system.

What flavors can I expect from this Yirgacheffe washed coffee?

Expect a bright cup with notes of lemon peel, black tea, dried longan, and floral aromas. The coffee has a sweet profile with distinct fruity acidity and a smooth, juicy finish typical of high-altitude Ethiopian washed lots.

Can I buy this coffee directly from the cooperative?

While the Dama Cooperative sells directly to buyers outside the ECX system, availability to individual consumers depends on export partnerships and roaster relationships. Many specialty roasters, including some in China, work directly with the cooperative or its union to offer these beans.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Exploring Yirgacheffe

Begin your Yirgacheffe journey with FrontStreet Coffee’s washed Yirgacheffi single origin—renowned for its bright white jasmine, citrus, and lemon acidity with a distinct tea-like body. For a more specific terroir experience, try the washed Gedeb Cooperative lot, which highlights the intricate floral and citrus notes characteristic of the region. If you’re curious about natural processing, the Red Cherry Yirgacheffe offers a fruit-forward cup with tropical notes, honey sweetness, and creamy texture. All are excellent entry points into Ethiopia’s most celebrated coffee region. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.