Ugandan Coffee

Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, is famous for its diverse flora and fauna, but coffee is quickly gaining recognition as another treasure of the country. Coffee was first introduced to Uganda in the 19th century by British colonists, and since then, it has become a significant cash crop for the country. Uganda is now the eighth largest coffee producer in the world, with an estimated 4.5 million households engaged in coffee production.

Where its grown

Ugandan coffee is predominantly grown in the central and eastern regions of the country, where the climate and soil are favourable for coffee production. There are two main types of coffee grown in Uganda: Robusta and Arabica. Robusta, which is known for its strong flavour and high caffeine content, is the most commonly grown coffee in Uganda, accounting for about 80% of the country's coffee production. Arabica, which is milder in flavour and lower in caffeine, is grown in smaller quantities in the high-altitude areas of the country.

Uniqueness

One of the unique aspects of Ugandan coffee is the way it is processed. In Uganda, the majority of coffee is still processed using the traditional "wet" method, which involves removing the pulp from the coffee cherries and fermenting them in water for a few days before washing and drying them. This method can produce coffee with a distinctive fruity flavour profile.

Sustainability

Ugandan coffee is also known for its sustainability practices. Many coffee farmers in Uganda use intercropping, where they plant coffee trees alongside other crops such as bananas, beans, and maize. This practice not only helps to improve soil health but also provides additional sources of income for farmers.

Conclusion

Ugandan coffee has been gaining recognition in the specialty coffee industry in recent years. The country has a growing number of small-scale coffee roasters and exporters who are working to promote Ugandan coffee's unique flavours and characteristics. The coffee industry in Uganda is also working to improve the quality of coffee by providing training and resources to coffee farmers.

If you're interested in trying Ugandan coffee, look for coffee that is labelled "single origin" or "speciality" to get the best quality. Some of the flavours you might taste in Ugandan coffee include notes of dark chocolate, red fruit, and caramel. By enjoying a cup of Ugandan coffee, you'll not only be supporting the local economy but also experiencing a unique and delicious coffee that is unlike any other.

 

Try our African Moon Ugandan Coffee

dark chocolate, cherry, toasted nuts

 

References

 

• "Coffee Farming in Uganda: A Way of Life," African Coffee Academy. Link
• "Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA)," UCDA Official Website. Link