Ethiopian Coffee Origin
Limu Coffee Beans
Ethiopia's versatile specialty workhorse - wine-toned acidity, warm spice, and a balanced body that shines as single origin or in premium blends. Outstanding quality at an accessible price point.
Region
Jimma Zone, Oromia (SW)
Altitude
1,400 – 2,000 masl
Cup Score
SCA 82 – 85+
Processing
Washed (Wet Processed)
What Is Limu Coffee?
Limu is a well-established Ethiopian coffee origin located in the southwestern highlands of the Oromia region, within the broader Jimma zone. Growing at altitudes between 1,400 and 2,000 meters, Limu coffees benefit from rich, fertile soil, ample rainfall, and the shade of indigenous forest canopy - conditions that produce clean, balanced, and reliably high-quality beans season after season.
Limu is predominantly washed (wet) processed, producing a clean cup with wine-toned acidity, warm spice notes, and a medium-to-full body. To understand howwashed processing shapes Ethiopian coffee flavor, see our processing guide. While it may not grab headlines like Yirgacheffe or Guji, Limu is the quiet backbone of many premium blends and an excellent single-origin offering for roasters who value consistency and depth.
What makes Limu especially attractive for importers is its exceptional quality-to-price ratio. Limu delivers specialty-grade complexity at a lower FOB price than southern Ethiopian origins, making it ideal for year-round programs, espresso blends, and high-volume specialty accounts. For current pricing benchmarks, see our Ethiopian coffee FOB pricing guide.
Limu Flavor Profile
Washed Limu
Clean, wine-toned, and versatile.
- Aroma: Honey, wine, warm spice
- Flavor: Red wine, cardamom, dark honey, toasted almond
- Acidity: Medium, wine-like, round
- Body: Medium-full, smooth, satiny
- Finish: Warm, spiced, clean
- SCA Score: Typically 82 – 85+
Best Uses: Single origin filter, espresso blend component, French press, cold brew. Limu's balanced profile and moderate acidity make it one of the most versatile Ethiopian origins.
Limu Coffee Growing Areas
Limu coffee is grown across several woredas (districts) in the southwestern Jimma zone, each contributing to the region's consistent, high-quality output.
Limu Kosa
1,500–2,000m
The heart of Limu production. Clean, balanced coffees with pronounced wine-like acidity and warm spice. Reliable quality year after year.
Limu Seka
1,400–1,800m
Slightly lower altitude producing fuller-bodied, more chocolatey coffees. Popular for espresso blend components.
Gomma
1,500–1,900m
Forest-shaded coffee with complex flavor development. Known for honey-sweet, clean cups with floral undertones.
Gera
1,600–2,000m
Higher-altitude area near the Gera rainforest. Produces brighter, more complex lots with fruit and citrus notes. Growing specialty recognition.
Manna
1,500–1,800m
Consistent, well-balanced coffees with classic Limu wine-spice character. Strong cooperative infrastructure ensures traceability.
Limu Export Specifications
Graded per ICO and ECX standards. See our Ethiopian coffee grading guide for full methodology.
| Specification | Grade 2 | Grade 3 |
|---|---|---|
| SCA Cup Score | 83 – 85+ | 82 – 83 |
| Defect Count (per 300g) | 4 – 12 defects | 13 – 25 defects |
| Screen Size | 14 – 17 | 14 – 16 |
| Moisture Content | 10 – 12% | 10 – 12% |
| Processing | Washed | Washed |
| Packaging | 60kg GrainPro-lined jute | 60kg jute bags |
| Incoterms | FOB Djibouti / CIF | FOB Djibouti / CIF |
| Harvest Season | October – January | October – January |
Why Source Limu from Ethio Coffee?
Best Value in Ethiopian Specialty
Limu delivers SCA 82-85+ quality at FOB prices 15-25% below Yirgacheffe and Guji. For roasters running year-round Ethiopian programs or building premium blends, Limu is the smart choice.
Exceptional Consistency
Limu's established washing station infrastructure and mature growing conditions produce remarkably consistent lots season after season. Perfect for maintaining blend profiles or single-origin programs.
Forest-Grown Heritage
Much of Limu's coffee grows under indigenous forest canopy near the Gera and Belete-Gera rainforests - among Ethiopia's most important biodiversity hotspots. Natural shade, no irrigation, minimal inputs.
Volume Availability
Limu is one of Ethiopia's larger producing regions, ensuring reliable supply even for high-volume importers. We can fulfill multi-container programs throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Limu Coffee
What does Limu coffee taste like?
Limu is known for wine-like acidity, warm spice notes (cardamom, cinnamon), dark honey sweetness, and a medium-full body. The cup is clean, balanced, and versatile - working beautifully as filter single origin, espresso blend, or cold brew.
Is Limu coffee specialty grade?
Yes, Limu Grade 2 consistently scores 83-85+ on the SCA scale, firmly in specialty territory. While it doesn't reach the ultra-high scores of top Guji or Yirgacheffe lots, Limu's clean, complex cup profile makes it a genuine specialty origin at a more accessible price.
What is the difference between Limu and Jimma?
Limu and Jimma are both southwestern origins, but Limu is washed processed and grown at higher altitudes (1,400-2,000m), producing cleaner, more complex cups. Jimma (Djimmah) is predominantly natural processed at lower altitudes and is used mainly for commercial blends.
How much does Limu coffee cost FOB?
Grade 2 washed: $2.80–$3.80/lb FOB Djibouti. Grade 3: $2.40–$3.00/lb. Limu offers 15-25% savings vs Yirgacheffe at comparable quality, making it ideal for volume programs. Contact us for current pricing.
What is the minimum order?
Standard minimum is one FCL (≈19.2 MT, 320 × 60kg bags). Limu pairs well with other Ethiopian origins in mixed containers. Volume discounts available for multi-container commitments.
Explore Other Ethiopian Coffee Regions
Ready to Source Limu Coffee?
Request pre-shipment samples, get current season pricing, or discuss your Limu requirements with our export team.