Ethiopian Coffee Origin
Harar (Harrar) Coffee Beans
One of the world's oldest and most legendary coffee origins. Wild berry essence, wine-like complexity, and the original "mocha" character - exclusively natural dry-processed from the ancient highlands of eastern Ethiopia.
Region
Hararghe, Oromia (East Ethiopia)
Altitude
1,500 – 2,100 masl
Cup Score
SCA 82 – 86+
Processing
100% Natural (Dry)
What Is Harar Coffee?
Harar (also spelled Harrar) is one of the most storied coffees in human history. Grown in the highlands surrounding the ancient walled city of Harar in eastern Ethiopia (aUNESCO World Heritage Site and an important center of Islamic culture), Harar coffee has been traded for over 500 years, making it one of the world's first exported coffees. To learn more about the origins, read our guide on Ethiopia as the birthplace of coffee.
Unlike most other Ethiopian coffees, Harar is exclusively natural (dry) processed. Coffee cherries are dried whole on raised beds under the sun, allowing the fruit to ferment around the bean. This traditional method, covered in detail in our washed vs natural processing guide, produces Harar's distinctive wild berry, wine-like, and dark chocolate flavors, the original "mocha" character that inspired the world's love affair with chocolate-coffee pairing.
Harar coffee is classified by bean size rather than the numbered grade system used for washed coffees. Longberry (large, elongated beans) is the premium classification, while Shortberry (smaller, rounder beans) is the standard commercial grade. The best Harar longberry lots exhibit an intense, fruity complexity that cannot be replicated by any other origin.
Harar Flavor Profile
Longberry Harar
The premium grade - intense and exotic.
- Aroma: Blueberry, wine, dried fruit, spice
- Flavor: Wild blueberry, dark chocolate, wine, cardamom
- Acidity: Moderate, wine-like, complex
- Body: Full, heavy, syrupy
- Finish: Long, chocolate, berry lingering
- SCA Score: 84 – 86+
Shortberry Harar
Classic mocha character at commercial scale.
- Aroma: Cocoa, dried berries, earthy spice
- Flavor: Dark chocolate, raisin, tobacco, cinnamon
- Acidity: Low-medium, smooth
- Body: Full, bold
- Finish: Rich chocolate, earthy, warm
- SCA Score: 82 – 84
Harar Coffee Growing Areas
Harar coffee is grown in the eastern highlands around the ancient city of Harar, spanning several districts known for distinct microclimate conditions.
West Hararge
1,600–2,100m
The primary Harar coffee zone with the most concentrated production. Known for intense blueberry and wine notes. Premium longberry lots predominantly sourced here.
East Hararge
1,500–1,900m
Slightly lower altitude producing fuller-bodied, earthier coffees with dark chocolate and dried fruit characteristics. Major commercial-grade production area.
Harar City Surrounds
1,800–2,000m
Smallholder gardens within and around the historic walled city. The original Harar coffee terroir - prized for heritage character and unique microclimate.
Jarso
1,700–2,100m
Higher-altitude sub-district producing more complex, fruity lots with brighter acidity. Growing recognition among specialty buyers.
Harar Export Specifications
Harar uses its own classification (Longberry/Shortberry) alongside the standard grade system. See our Ethiopian coffee grading guide for more.
| Specification | Grade 4 (Longberry) | Grade 5 (Shortberry) |
|---|---|---|
| SCA Cup Score | 84 – 86+ | 82 – 84 |
| Bean Size | Large, elongated | Small, round |
| Screen Size | 16 – 18+ | 13 – 15 |
| Moisture Content | 10 – 12% | 10 – 12% |
| Processing | Natural (Dry) | Natural (Dry) |
| Packaging | 60kg GrainPro-lined jute | 60kg jute bags |
| Incoterms | FOB Djibouti / CIF | FOB Djibouti / CIF |
| Harvest Season | November – February | November – February |
Why Source Harar from Ethio Coffee?
Heritage Origin Expertise
Harar requires specialized sourcing knowledge. We work with experienced traders near the walled city of Harar who sort and grade longberry by hand - ensuring you receive the genuine article, not commercial filler.
Rigorous Quality Control
Harar's natural processing introduces variability. We cup every lot to SCA standards and provide full quality reports. Only lots meeting our 82+ threshold are offered to buyers.
The Original Mocha
For roasters seeking authentic mocha character - dark chocolate, wild berries, wine - Harar is irreplaceable. Perfect for single origin, espresso blends, and chocolate-coffee pairings.
Flexible Quantities
Harar works in both FCL and combined shipments with other Ethiopian origins. Request samples to evaluate before committing to larger volumes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harar Coffee
What does Harar coffee taste like?
Harar is known for wild blueberry, dark chocolate, wine-like complexity, dried fruit, and warm spice (cardamom, cinnamon). It has a full, heavy body and low-medium acidity. The "mocha" character - natural chocolate-berry sweetness - is Harar's most distinctive quality.
Why is Harar always natural processed?
Harar's eastern Ethiopian location has a drier climate compared to the western and southern growing regions. Smallholder farmers have dry-processed their coffee for centuries, and this traditional method is integral to Harar's distinctive flavor profile. Washed Harar simply doesn't exist.
What is the difference between longberry and shortberry?
Longberry refers to larger, elongated Harar beans (screen 16+). They're more labor-intensive to sort and produce more complex, intense flavors. Shortberry (screen 13-15) is more available and affordable. Longberry commands higher premiums and is the preferred grade for specialty roasters.
How much does Harar coffee cost FOB?
Grade 4 Longberry: $3.00–$4.50/lb FOB Djibouti. Grade 5 Shortberry: $2.50–$3.50/lb. Premium hand-sorted longberry can approach $5.00/lb. Contact us for current season pricing.
What is the minimum order?
Standard minimum is one FCL (≈19.2 MT, 320 × 60kg bags). Harar can be combined with other Ethiopian origins in the same container. LCL options may be available.
Explore Other Ethiopian Coffee Regions
Ready to Source Harar Coffee?
Request pre-shipment samples of authentic Harar longberry, get current season pricing, or discuss your requirements with our export team.