KB Uganda Mubuku Whole Bean

8.8oz / 250g Whole Bean
Notes: Cherry, Tropical Fruits, Praline, Milk Chocolate
Region: Kasese, Western Uganda
Producer: 4,300 Farmers Delivering to Mubuku Washing Station
Varietal: SL14
Process: Anaerobic Natural
Elevation: 1300 - 2030 m
 
From KB:
 
"The Mubuku washing station is located on an 8-hectare (20-acre) site on the banks of the Mubuku River in the Kasese district. Originating in the ice caps of the Upper Rwenzori Mountains, the river flows into Lake George.
 
Throughout its journey, it meanders through fertile farmland on the eastern slopes of the Rwenzori range, passing through the Kasese station before reaching Lake George and the African Great Lakes system.
 
Kasese is located near the shores of Lake George, and the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park stretches south of the resort. The entrance to Rwenzori National Park is even closer, just one kilometer from our car wash. Both parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
 
The drier, warmer climate of the Mubuku washing station, combined with the presence of a quality control laboratory, provides an ideal environment for experimenting with natural anaerobic treatment. This setup ensures uniform drying and consistent quality at every stage.
 
More than 4,300 farmers supply cherries to the Mubuku station, spread across a vast network of farms and communities. For those living further away, transporting cherries daily can be a significant challenge. To address this, we have established strong relationships with trusted intermediaries who collect and deliver the cherries to the station. This network is essential for ensuring a smooth workflow and guaranteeing timely payment to the farmers.
 
Farmers primarily cultivate the SL14 variety, often in association with bananas, vanilla, and beans to diversify their income.
The cherries are transported daily to the processing plant, often along steep, muddy dirt roads. Upon arrival, they are sorted by flotation and then meticulously hand-sorted by skilled personnel. They are then placed in plastic drums with a capacity of 95 to 155 kg. The drums are sealed, and the cherries undergo anaerobic fermentation for 40 hours.
 
The installation of a state-of-the-art washing station will allow the Mubuku project to consistently produce high-quality specialty coffees, regardless of the processing method. It also paves the way for exciting new experiments that will unlock the full aromatic potential of these coffees, such as this natural coffee produced through anaerobic fermentation.
 
For our natural coffees produced through anaerobic fermentation, the quality of the cherries and a controlled environment are essential to prevent over-fermentation and maintain the highest standards. After fermentation, the cherries are spread on raised beds with an average capacity of 300 kg. Approximately 90 seasonal workers are employed at the drying tables, dedicating themselves almost exclusively to their upkeep. They frequently turn and rake the cherries to ensure even drying and visually inspect them for defects, removing any damaged beans.
 
Drying typically takes 18 to 24 days, depending on the conditions."