Traditional preparation and cultural significance of chemo, an indigenous coffee-leaf beverage in Southwestern Ethiopia.

backgroundChemo is an indigenous hot beverage prepared from coffee leaves and traditionally consumed in Tepi Town, Southwestern Ethiopia. Although it is widely embedded in everyday life and local food traditions, systematic documentation of its preparation practices and socio-cultural roles has been limited. This study aimed to document the traditional preparation methods and ingredient composition of Chemo and to describe its perceived cultural, social, and livelihood-related roles within the local community.

methodsA mixed-methods ethnobotanical and socio-cultural study was conducted from August to October 2025 across eight sites in Tepi Town. Data were collected from 64 households and 16 key informants using semi-structured interviews, participant observation, focus group discussions, and free-listing. Botanical specimens were collected, identified, and deposited at the Mizan-Tepi University Herbarium. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically, focusing on recurring narratives and observed practices.

resultsCoffee leaves (Coffea arabica L.) were consistently identified as the core ingredient of Chemo, with households adding a range of locally available herbs and spices, including Ocimum basilicum L., Lippia abyssinica (Otto & A. Dietr.) Cufod., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, and Capsicum frutescens L. Preparation typically involved roasting or heating the leaves, grinding, and boiling, followed by the addition of butter, salt, and spices. Participants described Chemo as commonly served to guests, shared during communal activities, and consumed for perceived warming and restorative effects. Women were identified as the primary practitioners responsible for preparation and knowledge transmission. Reported challenges included seasonal shortages of ingredients, hygiene-related constraints, and limited market opportunities.

conclusionThe findings show that Chemo remains an important element of local food practices in Tepi Town, valued for its role in hospitality, daily social interaction, and household use. While the study does not quantify nutritional or economic outcomes, it provides ethnographic evidence of Chemo's cultural relevance and continued practice. Further research integrating chemical analysis, standardized socio-economic data, and comparative ethnobotanical perspectives is needed to better assess its functional properties and broader development potential.