Harar coffee is still produced, exported and available ... but not like it was 20 years ago in the early days of Sweet Maria's. In this slideshow from my old trips to Harar, I try to answer some of the questions we receive lately about Harar coffee. Why does it seem hard to find? What changed?
(Actually Harar lots have been on our cupping table ... but we just have not found lots that are good enough to offer.)
Spoiler: The short answer is a. lack of water in a region with a growing population, b. the production of the stimulant shrub called Khat, or Ch'at, c. limited coffee production area. I am sure there are other forces at play too, and I am no expert on Harar or Ethiopia ... but I wanted to narrate some photos, share what experience I have, and reminisce about Harar coffee of the 2000s! -Thompson
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