Ela Lot

In early 2021, as the world grappled with change, Ashebir and Ashenafi saw opportunity. With their combined skills and deep-rooted passion, they decided to establish a coffee washing station. The station would not only process the coffee cherries but also ensure that the farmers received fair compensation for their hard work, fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for their community.

They named their venture the Ela Tenecha Coffee washing station, honoring the village that contributed to their shared dream. Ashenafi’s experience with machinery and processing proved invaluable as he set up the washing station, meticulously calibrating the equipment to handle the delicate Kurume coffee cherries that were so prized in the region. Ashebir, with his extensive network and understanding of the local farming community, reached out to farmers in Ela and Bowicha, convincing them of the benefits of bringing their red cherries to the new washing station.

As the coffee harvest began, the washing station was ready. The air buzzed with excitement and anticipation as the first deliveries of ripe, red cherries arrived. Ashebir and Ashenaf worked tirelessly, overseeing the sorting, pulping, and fermenting processes. Moreover, a substantial amount of the red cherry is processed through the natural coffee processing approach. They ensured that each batch of coffee was handled with the utmost care, preserving the unique flavors and characteristics of the Kurume variety.

Farmers from Ela and Bowicha villages marveled at the transformation. The washing station allowed them to produce higher quality coffee, fetching better prices in the market. As the harvest season stretched from November to January, the washing station became a bustling hub of activity, drawing together the community in a shared purpose.