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DR Congo Kivu Organic – Mukwinja

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P609726-2

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About This Coffee

About This Coffee

This organic fully washed ‘Kivu 3’ lot is from Mukwinja washing station in South Kivu, one of 8 such stations operated by Virunga Coffee Company, set up by Schluter Ltd. (now Covoya Europe) in 2012 to produce specialty coffees in eastern DRC and improve livelihoods for smallholder farmers in the region. Mukwija works with 699 farmers in South Kivu, who cultivate at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,500masl.

Despite the high potential of the coffees around Mukwinja, smallholder production is characterised by a very small farm size, lack of infrastructure for coffee processing and lack of access to high-quality markets. Virunga Coffee is providing technical assistance to coffee farmers on regenerative agriculture practices, as well as access to coffee inputs, namely high-quality coffee seedlings to increase farming productivity, and thus profitability. Our goal is to increase economic opportunities from coffee farming in South Kivu.

Country of OriginDemocratic Republic of Congo
Harvest Season2022/23
Coffee GradeDRC CA WA KIVU G3
Bag TypeGrain Pro / Ecotact
Plant SpeciesArabica
ProcessingWashed
VarietyBourbon, Typica

 

RegionKalehe, South Kivu
Farm NameVarious smallholders
Growing Altitude>1500m
SoilVolcanic, sandy clay
CertificationsOrganic certified

History of Coffee in Uganda

 

Coffee has deep roots in Uganda, with robusta beans growing wild around Lake Victoria long before colonial times. While Ugandans traditionally used these beans for cultural rituals, commercial coffee farming only took off during British colonial rule in the early 20th century. The British saw potential in Uganda’s fertile soils and introduced Arabica coffee in the highlands, while promoting robusta across the country. After independence in 1962, coffee became Uganda’s leading export, despite disruptions during periods of political instability. A revival in the 1990s, driven by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority, transformed Uganda into one of Africa’s top coffee producers, renowned for its high-quality robusta and specialty Arabica beans.

Growing Coffee in Uganda

In Uganda, the most ideal conditions for Arabica coffee cultivation are found in the high-altitude regions of Mount Elgon in the east and the Rwenzori Mountains in the west. These areas, with elevations ranging from 1,300 to over 2,300 meters above sea level, provide the cool temperatures and rich volcanic soils that Arabica coffee thrives on. Uganda produces both washed and naturally processed coffees, and in recent years, experimental methods like honey processing have also gained traction. The country grows a variety of Arabica coffee strains, including SL14, SL28, and Blue Mountain, with specialty coffee grades ranging from AA, AB to Peaberry, known for their distinct flavors and high quality.

Sample Roasting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Consistency is essential in sample roasting, but the timing of the first crack can vary from batch to batch. To ensure optimal results, use this guide to determine the ideal moment to end your roast based on how long it took to reach the first crack.

download the Guide