ETHIOPIA LALESA NATURAL #2775

Tastes Like: Raspberry, Pomegranate, Rosehip

Why I’m Obsessed: Chicago in the house! I’m so excited to introduce you to Pedestrian Coffee, a roaster and small chain of specialty cafés across the Windy City. I consider Tim, the founder, a friend – I’ve gotten to know him through our work with Cup of Excellence, and I’ve seen firsthand how passionate (and knowledgeable) he is about every detail of coffee. I’m thrilled to finally share his thoughtfully roasted, direct-sourced coffees with you.

We’re kicking things off with their raspberry-toned Ethiopia Lalesa Natural. I absolutely loved this one at first sip! It’s juicy, floral, and sweet, with a brightness like raspberry syrup and just the right amount of pomegranate tartness. It’s expressive without being overwhelming, clean and balanced from the start. As it cools, more and more of that raspberry sweetness comes through. If you like lighter, fruit-forward coffees but don’t want to be blasted with acidity first thing in the morning, this is the cup for you. Brew it hot for those layered fruit and floral notes, or pour it over ice and it tastes almost like raspberry sweet tea.

Even cooler (pun intended)? The story behind it. This coffee comes through Ephtah Specialty Coffee, whose Lalesa station in Gedeb was built in 2023 and is already changing lives. They employ hundreds of locals, run a daycare for farmers’ kids, and support women with real empowerment initiatives, all while producing clean, expressive naturals like this one. You can’t go wrong!

Bottom Line: You’ll love this one if you love raspberry-flavored anything, Ethiopian naturals, or fruit-infused tea.

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Ephtah’s Lalesa, Gedeb processing stations is a standout new coffee project in Ethiopia, established in 2023 in the highlands of Gedeb. Spanning 3.5 hectares with 400 drying beds, it's now the largest drying station in the area. The farm sources top-quality heirloom cherries from nearby farmers, processes them with care, and employs over 300 locals during harvest, including many women.

Beyond coffee, Ephtah supports the community with initiatives like a daycare for farmers' children and the Ama Commitment program to empower women. Farmers are paid promptly upon delivery, and future plans include expanding infrastructure and supporting local food cultivation. Lalesa is a symbol of quality coffee, sustainable practices, and meaningful social impact.