What Is the Ethiopian Heirloom Variety Esselle?

If you've ever wondered why some Ethiopian coffee varieties are rarely seen despite having unique traits like drought resistance or bold flavor, you're not alone. Many lesser-known Ethiopian coffee types—like the Esselle variety—are overlooked not because they lack character, but because they aren't widely cultivated or exported. This article explains what makes Esselle distinct, where it comes from, and why it hasn’t taken off commercially.

In short: Esselle (also spelled Ethel) is a little-known coffee variety discovered in 1904 in Ethiopia’s Chari River basin. It produces small fruit, offers very high yields per plant, and is highly drought-tolerant—but its coffee has a strong, slightly bitter taste and is grown in limited quantities today.

Where Does the Esselle Coffee Variety Come From?

The Esselle coffee variety originated in Ethiopia’s Chari River basin and was first identified in 1904. It is classified as an Ethiopian heirloom variety, part of the diverse genetic pool that has grown wild or semi-wild in Ethiopia for centuries. Unlike globally dominant cultivars such as Typica or Bourbon, Esselle has remained a regional specialty with very limited cultivation outside its native area.

What Makes Esselle Different from Other Coffee Varieties?

Esselle stands out for several agronomic traits that make it unusual in the world of specialty coffee:

• Small fruit size: The coffee cherries it produces are notably small.
• High per-plant yield: Despite the small fruit, each plant produces a relatively large quantity of coffee.
• Drought resistance: It is particularly well-adapted to dry conditions, a valuable trait in climate-vulnerable regions.

These characteristics suggest Esselle could play a role in climate-resilient coffee farming, especially in arid or low-resource environments.

What Does Esselle Coffee Taste Like?

Flavor-wise, Esselle is described as having a strong, intense aroma, but it also carries a slightly bitter taste. This places it outside the typical profiles sought in modern specialty coffee, which often emphasize bright acidity, floral or fruity notes, and clean finishes. While not unpleasant, its boldness and bitterness may not align with current consumer preferences, contributing to its limited cultivation and market presence.

Why Isn’t Esselle More Commonly Grown?

Despite its productivity and resilience, Esselle is not widely grown today. Several factors likely contribute:

• Its strong, slightly bitter cup profile doesn’t match the flavor trends in specialty coffee, which favor brighter, fruitier, and more balanced cups.
• As an heirloom variety with limited promotion or export, it lacks the visibility and marketing support enjoyed by more famous Ethiopian types like Yirgacheffe or Sidamo.
• It may also suffer from low demand among farmers due to its flavor profile or challenges in processing or market access.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Esselle coffee variety?

Esselle (also called Ethel) is a rare Ethiopian coffee variety discovered in 1904, originating from the Chari River basin. It is known for producing small cherries, offering high yields per plant, and resisting drought—but its flavor is strong and slightly bitter.

Where is Esselle coffee from?

Esselle comes from Ethiopia’s Chari River basin. It is considered an Ethiopian heirloom variety, part of the country’s native genetic diversity, and has not spread widely beyond its region of origin.

Is Esselle coffee good to drink?

Esselle coffee is drinkable, but it has a strong and slightly bitter taste, which differs from the brighter, fruitier profiles usually preferred in specialty coffee. Some drinkers may enjoy its intensity, but it isn’t widely favored in today’s market.

Why is Esselle not popular?

Esselle is not popular mainly due to its bold, slightly bitter flavor profile, which doesn’t align with modern specialty coffee tastes. It also has low global visibility, limited cultivation, and lacks the marketing or export push of more common Ethiopian varieties.

Does Esselle grow well in dry areas?

Yes, Esselle is considered a drought-resistant coffee variety, making it potentially valuable for cultivation in dry or low-rainfall regions where other coffee plants might struggle.

Can I buy Esselle coffee beans?

Esselle coffee beans are extremely rare and not commonly available for commercial purchase. Most specialty coffee retailers, including FrontStreet Coffee, do not list this variety due to its limited production and market presence.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Ethiopian Heirlooms

Though Esselle isn’t widely available, FrontStreet Coffee offers excellent examples of Ethiopian heirloom-style coffees. Try the Ethiopia Huakui, a classic Ethiopian lot with bright acidity and fruity complexity. For a more traditional profile, the FrontStreet Gedeb features the famed Yirgacheffe region’s signature jasmine and citrus notes. Another great choice is the FrontStreet Huakui, showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse terroir with vibrant fruitiness. These beans highlight the qualities often associated with native Ethiopian varieties, even if Esselle itself remains rare. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.