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Mountain Microlot Marvel: Craftsmanship from Uganda
The Background: Uganda’s Coffee Industry
Uganda has earned its reputation as a major contributor to the global coffee industry. As the second largest coffee producer in Africa and the continent’s leading exporter, Uganda plays a vital role in meeting global coffee demands. The country’s coffee production is divided into two primary types: 75% of its output is robusta, while the remaining 25% is arabica. The latter, although produced in smaller quantities, is particularly prized for its rich flavour profile. Arabica thrives in the cool, elevated regions of Uganda, most notably around the slopes of Mount Elgon, where this Microlot is cultivated.
Mount Elgon: A Perfect Coffee-Growing Environment
The slopes of Mount Elgon provide an exceptional environment for arabica coffee cultivation. Located in eastern Uganda, this ancient volcanic mountain straddles the border with Kenya and is renowned for its fertile soils and ideal climate conditions. The Bugisu and Kapchorwa regions for cultivation are situated on Mount Elgon’s slopes. These are situated at elevations ranging from 1,950 to 2,050 metres above sea level, a critical factor in producing high-quality coffee beans. The altitude not only ensures cooler temperatures, which slow the maturation process and allow for the development of complex flavours, but also fosters a unique combination of sweetness, acidity, and body in the beans.
Coffee Varieties in Uganda
Uganda’s coffee-growing regions are home to various coffee varieties, each contributing to the depth and complexity of the final product. This particular Microlot is a blend of several arabica varieties, cultivated with care by local farmers who have honed their craft over generations. The diverse varieties used in this Microlot are selected to enhance the coffee’s flavour profile, resulting in a cup that is both rich and smooth. Each variety adds its own unique characteristics, from fruity notes to subtle floral undertones, creating a harmonious blend that reflects the richness of Uganda’s coffee heritage.
Precision in Harvesting and Sorting
The quality of this Ugandan Microlot benefits from the careful hand-picking and sorting processes employed by local farmers. Coffee cherries are selectively picked at peak ripeness to ensure that only the best fruit is used. This careful selection is crucial for producing high-quality coffee, as unripe or overripe cherries can negatively affect the flavour. After picking, the cherries undergo hand-sorting during and after the drying process. This meticulous sorting ensures that only the finest beans make it into the final product.
The Honey Process: Crafting a Sweet Symphony
The honey processing method used for this Microlot is a meticulous and labour-intensive process that significantly impacts the coffee’s flavour. Unlike the washed process, where the mucilage is fully removed from the beans before drying, the honey process involves leaving some of the mucilage on the beans during drying. This residual mucilage contributes to the coffee’s natural sweetness, enhancing its flavour and body. The term “honey” refers to the sticky, sweet layer of mucilage that remains on the beans during drying, not to any use of actual honey. This process requires careful attention, as the beans must be dried slowly and evenly to prevent over-fermentation. The result is a coffee that is sweet, with pronounced cocoa notes and a smooth, velvety texture that sets it apart from other processing methods.
Flavour Profile: Cocoa, Tea & Gooseberry Experience
Tasting this Ugandan Microlot offers a blend of sweet and savoury flavours. The first sip reveals a pronounced cocoa note, sweet and rich, that forms the backbone of the coffee’s flavour profile. As the coffee cools, subtler flavours begin to emerge, including a gentle green tea note that adds a refreshing, slightly astringent quality. The finish is marked by a distinctive gooseberry flavour, a bright, tart note that lingers pleasantly. The combination of these flavours creates a coffee that is both complex and balanced, offering something new with each sip. This flavour profile is a direct result of the high altitude, careful processing, and diverse varieties used in this Microlot.
Supporting Local Farmers: The Role of Bariguna Coffee
Bariguna Coffee Ltd. plays a crucial role in bringing this Ugandan Microlot to the global market. Working in partnership with two local producers, Bariguna helps create access to buyers who are dedicated to fair and committed relationships. This partnership is essential for the sustainability of the local coffee industry, as it ensures that farmers receive fair prices for their coffee, allowing them to invest in their farms and improve their livelihoods.
Bariguna supports producers in enhancing their farm management and processing methods, to achieve higher-quality coffee that commands better prices. This collaboration not only benefits the farmers but also crafts the finest coffee Uganda has to offer.
Ethical and Sustainable Practices
Sustainability and ethical practices are at the heart of this Microlot’s production. Many of the farmers who contribute to this Microlot engage in organic farming practices, largely due to limited access to chemical fertilisers and pesticides. This organic approach results in coffee that is not only better for the environment but also often superior in flavour, as the beans develop naturally without the interference of chemicals. Bariguna Coffee Ltd.’s involvement further ensures that these farmers are supported in their efforts to produce high-quality coffee in a sustainable manner.
Brewing Recommendations: Filter for the Full Flavour Experience
To fully appreciate the complex flavours of this Ugandan Microlot, it is recommended to brew it using a filter method. Filter brewing, whether through a pour-over, drip coffee maker, or Chemex, allows the coffee’s delicate flavours to shine through.
The filter method emphasises the sweet cocoa notes, while also highlighting the subtler green tea and gooseberry flavours. The result is a clean, crisp cup of coffee that truly showcases the quality of the beans. For the best results, use freshly ground coffee and filtered water, and experiment with different brewing times and temperatures to find the perfect balance for your palate.
By purchasing this Microlot, coffee enthusiasts are not only enjoying a delicious cup of coffee but also supporting ethical and sustainable practices in the coffee industry.
Our Microlot from Uganda is now available online or in our Coffee Roastery Victoria Central Gozo for one time purchase or subscription.
