Ugandan coffee: a coffee guide

Uganda is a coffee production powerhouse and outside of gold, is Uganda’s top export. Its popularity is a testament to consistent, high-quality beans and we’re happy to supply Ugandan coffee to our roasters.

So, what’s the story behind Uganda?

To start off, Uganda is a country in east-central Africa that has many ecosystems within it. From volcanic mountains to forested swamps of the Nile River and lush rainforests, the land is richly fertile for coffee. In this post, we break down Ugandan coffee properties and what makes it so tasty.

An introduction to Ugandan coffee beans

Most coffee grown in Uganda, about 80%, is of the Robusta variety while the remaining 20% is Arabica. Robusta beans are widely used in espresso blends because it’s known to produce a better crema (the creamy layer on top of a shot of espresso) compared to Arabica. Robusta is hardier, more disease resistant and produces more yields. For someone looking for a good caffeine boost, Robusta is your go-to.

In general, Arabica beans are known for having a better taste compared to Robusta. They tend to be smoother and sweeter, with flavour notes of chocolate and hints of fruits or berries.    

Coffee growing season in Uganda

Uganda has two coffee-growing seasons. Arabica coffee is from October to February and all year for Robusta (peaking in November until February). Robusta is the largest exported coffee varietal in Uganda and the second largest export in the world.

The Ugandan coffee bean harvesting process

Ugandan coffee is still largely naturally processed, but it’s becoming more common to export “wash processed” coffee. After harvesting, coffee beans need to be dried before they can be packaged and exported. Traditionally, coffee beans are left to dry with some of their plant matter still intact. This is considered to be the naturally processed method and was favoured until washed processing came into the picture. Wash processed coffee removes as much of the mucilage as possible before the coffee dries. Many people prefer washed coffee as it gives a better representation of the coffee’s natural flavour.

For those who love coffee, don’t miss out on all the things Uganda coffee has to offer. With the different varieties, you’re sure to find a bean that works for you.

‍