Sidamo is one of three trademarked coffee regions in Ethiopia (along with Harrar and Yirgacheffe).
The Sidamo region is south of the capital, Addis Ababa. It is the most southern and most productive province in the country. The region is well known for having ideal climate conditions for growing coffee. This is all due to high altitudes, between 1,600–1,900 meters, ample rainfall, optimal temperature and rich soil and Sidamo beans are harvested from October through January.. Due to the higher elevations, the growth of beans is slow. While this delays production, the slower growth allows the beans to absorb more nutrients from the soil and develop a more complex and robust flavor profile.  Since the climate is ideal, Sidamo plants can be harvested without agricultural chemicals.
Washed Sidamos are typically high-quality coffee with unique flavors like sweet lemon and floral, plus an ideal balance between acidity and body. Sometimes this type can be compared favorably with coffee from the Yirgacheffe region.
Typically, the quality of washed coffees is more consistent than that of unwashed coffees.