Washed Yirgacheffe Dama Coop: Citrus, Floral, Juicy Notes

If you've ever sipped an Ethiopian coffee and been hit with bright lemon, jasmine, and a juicy mouthfeel, you’ve likely tasted Yirgacheffe. But what makes a specific lot—like this one from Dama Coop—stand out? This article unpacks the story behind one particular washed Ethiopian coffee: its origins, the people who grew it, and why it tastes the way it does.

This washed Yirgacheffe from Dama Coop offers distinct notes of lemon peel, black tea, dried longan, and floral aromas, with vibrant acidity and a sweet, fruity finish. It's grown between 1800–2200 metres and processed traditionally through washing.

Where Yirgacheffe Coffee Comes From

Yirgacheffe is a small town located in Ethiopia’s Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region, within the larger Gedeo Zone. Though officially part of the Sidama administrative region since 2009, Yirgacheffe has long been recognised globally for its distinctive high-altitude coffee character. The region includes notable micro-regions such as Wenago, Kochere, and Gelena Abaya—all producing similarly refined coffees. In fact, Kochere was added as a registered sub-region under Ethiopia’s Commodity Exchange (ECX) due to its comparable cup quality.

Ethiopia’s coffee landscape is divided into eight major zones: Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, Harrar, Limu, Djimma, Illubabor, Teppi/Bebeka, and Ekempti. Of these, Yirgacheffe stands out for its delicate floral and citrus profiles, making it a cornerstone of the country’s speciality coffee reputation.

Who Grows Dama Coop Coffee

Dama Coop is one of 26 cooperatives within the Yirgacheffe Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (YCFCU), which collectively represents over 50,000 farmers from more than 300,000 households. Established in 2002, the YCFCU helped smallholders gain better market access and pricing power beyond the ECX system. Dama Coop itself was founded in 1979 and joined the YCFCU in 2002. It is made up of 1,728 male and 237 female coffee farming households, cultivating on plots typically less than 4 hectares in size.

The cooperative is situated in the heart of Yirgacheffe, at elevations between 1800 and 2200 metres. Farmers here grow a mix of Typica and local Heirloom varieties—Ethiopia’s diverse native landraces known for their complex cup profiles. Every one to two years, members elect an executive committee responsible for decisions on equipment, payments, and business strategy. YCFCU also assigns professional managers to provide technical guidance on harvest and processing to improve both yield and quality.

Being part of a cooperative allows these smallholders to avoid exploitative middlemen, access fair loans, and sell their coffee directly or through trusted channels—preserving both quality and community benefit.

How This Washed Process Yields Such Unique Flavour

This particular Dama Coop lot is processed using the washed (or wet) method—a key factor in its crisp, clean profile. In washed processing, ripe cherries are first depulped to remove the skin, then fermented to break down the mucilage before being thoroughly washed and dried on raised beds. This method highlights the bean’s intrinsic qualities, often resulting in higher acidity, clarity, and a more defined fruit character.

The result is a coffee with pronounced notes of lemon peel, black tea, dried longan, and floral tones. There’s a distinct sweetness on the finish, layered with juicy acidity and a well-balanced structure. The cup is complex yet approachable, with multiple layers of fruit and florals leading into a clean, sweet aftertaste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What region is Dama Coop coffee from?

Dama Coop coffee is grown in Yirgacheffe, a high-altitude region within Ethiopia’s Gedeo Zone. Though now politically part of the Sidama region, Yirgacheffe remains distinct for its unique coffee profile and continues to be recognised globally as its own specialty origin.

What coffee varieties are used by Dama Coop?

Dama Coop farmers grow a mix of Typica and local Heirloom varieties. Heirloom refers to Ethiopia’s diverse native landrace coffee plants, which have evolved over centuries and contribute to the region’s distinctive flavour complexity.

How is this coffee processed?

This coffee is processed using the washed method. That means the coffee cherries are depulped, fermented to remove the mucilage, washed clean, and then dried on raised beds—resulting in a clean, bright, and complex cup profile.

What altitude is this coffee grown at?

The coffee is cultivated at elevations between 1800 and 2200 metres above sea level. These high growing altitudes slow the coffee cherry’s maturation, leading to denser beans and more complex flavours.

Who manages Dama Coop?

Dama Coop is managed democratically by its farmer members. Every one to two years they elect an executive committee, which oversees decisions related to equipment, finances, and farming practices. YCFCU also provides professional management support to improve production and quality.

Can I buy this coffee directly?

This specific Dama Coop lot may be available through specialty roasters connected to the YCFCU export network, including those offering Yirgacheffe washed coffees. The article references FrontStreet Coffee’s selection of Ethiopian washed lots as a similar reference point.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Yirgacheffe Lovers

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s signature washed Yirgacheffe—renowned for its bright white jasmine, citrusy lemon acidity, and tea-like body. For something more village-specific, their washed Gedeb cooperative offering highlights intense citrus and floral notes, while their red cherry natural Yirgacheffe adds tropical sweetness and berry depth. All are excellent entry points into Ethiopia’s diverse flavour spectrum. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.