Sweet berries, lush florals, and the story of a remarkable woman producer
We’re bidding farewell to our Natural Ethiopia — Dehab’s Diamond at DOCR! This coffee shines with juicy fruit flavors, layered florals, and a lush mouthfeel that keeps you coming back for more. This is the last weekend to enjoy it, so stop by your local DOCR to order it from our pour over menu or grab one of the final bags in-store.
A Story Behind Every Bag
This coffee comes to DOCR from producer Dehab Bitewlign, who now co-owns the farm with her husband after taking over for his late business partner. Determined to learn everything she could, Dehab immersed herself in coffee production — attending exhibitions like SCA in the US, seeking knowledge, and applying improvements to their farm.
Since then, she has continued to refine operations, invest in her farmers, and cultivate an exceptional product. In 2015, Dehab began exporting to Germany, later expanding to the US. Her dedication shines through in the complexity of her coffee. What a pleasure it has been to feature her work on our pour over menu and retail shelves!
Partnering With a Local Coffee Importer
This partnership came to life through Michigan’s only coffee importer, Ruth Ann Church of Artisan Coffee Imports. Ruth Ann has been the bridge connecting us with excellent African coffees, including the staff favorite Rwanda Ejo Heza. We’re thrilled to extend this partnership to another woman-owned farm and share Dehab’s incredible coffee with you.
A Remarkable Region
The Kaffa Forest in Ethiopia is known as the birthplace of arabica coffee, the most widely cultivated coffee species in the world. Rich in biodiversity, especially in the Bonga Forest, Kaffa is one of the last protected regions where wild coffee still grows.
Historically, coffee grew in forests much like wild blueberries or fruit. But due to deforestation and standardized farming practices, most native coffee forests have disappeared. The Kaffa region remains one of the few places where wild coffee is both grown and protected, making it a truly special and significant place for coffee cultivation.
The region’s shaded forests and high elevations create ideal conditions for coffee growing — including the Bourbon varietal, the plant behind Dehab’s Diamond. Known for its sweetness and cup quality, Bourbon thrives in this environment, producing a bright, complex cup.
The Process
For those curious about the term “natural process” — it refers to how the fruit is removed from the coffee seed, or “bean.”
In Ethiopia, where access to water is limited but sunlight is abundant, the Natural method is traditional. Freshly harvested coffee cherries are laid out on raised beds to dry in the sun. During this stage, the fruit ferments slightly and begins to resemble raisins. This contact between cherry and seed produces bold, fruit-forward flavors — beautifully expressed in Dehab’s Diamond.
Harvested cherries drying in raised beds directly in the sun at Dehab's coffee farm. Photo provided by Ruth Ann Church of Artisan Coffee Imports.
Nostalgic for a Natural Ethiopia
For many coffee drinkers, a Natural Ethiopian is one of the first unforgettable introductory experiences in specialty coffee. These coffees are often total berry-bombs — the kind of “ah-ha” moment where you realize coffee is, in fact, a fruit. The tasting notes literally jump out at you that it's hard to miss.
Dehab’s Diamond fits that description perfectly. Its clarity and fruit-forward profile may feel nostalgic for those who have been drinking third-wave coffee for years — and we certainly felt it while enjoying this cup.
The Tasting Notes
The Bourbon varietal combined with Natural processing creates a cup bursting with fruit. Expect juicy blackberry, raspberry, and even strawberry, wrapped in delicate hibiscus and chamomile florals. Its syrupy body is silky and smooth without feeling heavy, making for a balanced and memorable cup.
Until Next Time
If you haven’t tried this coffee yet, now’s the time — it’s worth the chase. Join us this weekend at DOCR in sending Dehab’s Diamond off with a loving goodbye. Until next time, Dehab.
Note: This coffee will continue to be available in our Wholesale Catalog for partners both new and current. If you’re interested in serving this coffee at your coffee shop or carrying it on your shelves, reach out to our Director of Sales + Education, Amélie, at amelie@dessertoasiscoffee.com.
THE DETAILS
Ethiopia Dehab’s Diamond — Natural
Producer: Dehab Bitewlign
Region: Kaffa Forest
Varietal: Bourbon
Process: Natural
Tasting Notes: Blueberry, Raspberry, Hibiscus
Watch Nate, DOCR's President + Director of Coffee, talk about Dehab's Diamond as he finishes making a pour over below.
—
About the Writer: Emma LaVoie is the Education Manager for Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters. She’s the brains behind this blog and lit a fire under our team to follow suit. You can almost always find Emma reading a book with a coffee in hand. If you’re interested in reaching out to Emma, shoot her an email: emma@dessertoasiscoffee.com. She’d be happy to geek out over coffee with you — seriously, don’t hesitate to reach out!