Processing
Raised Beds
Elevated drying structures that allow air circulation around coffee during drying. Also called African beds. The Ethiopian standard for quality drying--and the reason Ethiopian coffee dries so well.
Definition
What raised beds are
Raised beds are elevated drying structures--typically wooden frames covered with mesh or woven bamboo--that hold coffee 1-3 feet off the ground. Air circulates both above and below the coffee, creating even drying conditions.
This method originated in Africa and is the standard in Ethiopia. Compared to patio drying (concrete slabs), raised beds provide better airflow, more even moisture reduction, and less risk of re-wetting from ground moisture.
Raised beds at a glance
Why Roasters Care
What raised beds affect
Even drying
Air circulation from all sides means more uniform moisture reduction. Fewer over-dried edges, fewer under-dried centers.
Cleaner cups
No ground contact means less contamination and mold risk. Cleaner starting point for quality coffee.
Better for naturals
Natural process coffees need controlled drying more than washed. Raised beds make the difference.
Labor intensive
Coffee on raised beds needs regular turning for even drying. More labor, better results.
Ethiopian standard
Virtually all Ethiopian specialty coffee dries on raised beds. It's expected infrastructure.
Quality indicator
Stations with well-maintained raised beds signal quality focus. Infrastructure reflects commitment.
Our Approach
How we evaluate drying infrastructure
Source from bed-dried stations
All our Ethiopian coffee comes from stations using raised beds. It's the baseline for quality.
Visit and verify
Sam visits partner stations regularly. We see the beds, the turning frequency, the maintenance.
Cup for drying defects
Poor drying shows up in the cup--mustiness, flatness, ferment notes. We reject lots with drying problems.
Moisture verification
Good bed drying produces consistent moisture and water activity. We verify the specs.
Current Inventory
Ethiopian coffees (raised bed dried)
WUSH WUSH
Oromia, Hambela
Sangaria | Fruit Bomb | Floral | Sweet Finish
Natural, 120 hours dry Fermentation! · In Stock
Natural ARDI
Sidama, Damo
Clean Strawberry | Peach | Sweet Finish
Natural · In Stock
Harrar Gr 1
Oromia, Micheta
Chocolate | Barries | Carmel | Full Body
Natural · In Stock
Washed GUJI
Oromia, Bensa
Black Tea | Floral | Bergamot
Fully washed · In Stock
NATURAL SIDAMA GR 4
Sidama
Dark Chocolate | Nuts | Medium Acidity | Complex | Comforting
Natural · In Stock
SWD Natural Sidama
Oromia, Sama
Hint of fruit, Apple | Sweet
SWD · In Stock
Explore Ethiopian quality
Request samples and experience coffee from quality-focused stations.