Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee Co. launched its latest single-origin coffee: Ethiopia. Starbucks Ethiopia marks the first whole-bean packaged coffee available globally since the introduction of its Blonde Roast two years ago, the company says. The new Ethiopia coffee joins Starbucks’ selection of 20 core and 10 traditional and seasonal whole-bean coffees offered at Starbucks retail stores nationwide.

“We’ve taken great care in sourcing this coffee and applying the signature Starbucks roast to create a flavor profile that is both uniquely Starbucks and unique to specialty coffee,” said Craig Russell, senior vice president of global coffee at Starbucks, in a statement. “We want to honor Ethiopia’s rich coffee heritage while also giving our customers an exceptional flavor experience from the birthplace of coffee.”

The medium roast 100 percent Arabica coffee features flavors of dark chocolate as well as hints of peppery spice and sweet, mandarin-like citrus, said Anthony Carroll, Starbucks coffee development manager, in a statement.

Coffee was discovered in Africa more than 1,200 years ago and is where the first Arabica beans were grown, the company says. Today, coffee remains central to Ethiopian culture and heritage and is shared with family and friends through daily coffee ceremonies often occurring throughout the day and lasting up to several hours, it adds. Multiple steps in the ceremony include pan-roasting green coffee, grinding the roasted beans using a mortar and pestle, and preparing the roasted and ground coffee in a spherical-shaped pot called a jebena. The coffee is then served in traditional tasting cups, according to the company.

Starbucks Ethiopia coffee is available at Starbucks retail stores and online at www.starbucksstore.com for the suggested retail price of $13.95 for 1 pound. Customers can sample Ethiopia coffee at participating Starbucks stores in the United States on National Coffee Day, Sept. 29, and those who purchase a 1-pound bag of the new coffee will receive a commemorative Ethiopia tasting cup while supplies last. Ethiopia coffee will be available for customers to order as a brewed option through Oct. 15 at select Starbucks stores.