Ethiopia Yaye Premium

Yaye is a stunning washing station owned by Testi Specialty Coffee. Located in the Arbegona woreda (administrative district) of Ethiopia’s Sidama zone, the site is one of a handful of ‘premium’ sites operated by Testi, and was selected for its natural advantages – including its high elevation, the surrounding region’s prodigious terroir and access to fresh, clean water. Since Testi established their first washing station in 2015, they’ve placed great emphasis on improving the quality of the cherry they receive and process. In 2018, through their Premium Cherry Selection program, Testi began identifying farmers who lived within five kilometres of their washing stations that consistently delivered fruit of remarkable quality, and offered them better payment for their outstanding crop. These lots were then processed separately, showcasing the very best cups from each of the villages and regions they work in.