Uganda Natural Liberica Excelsa Scr 14+ 2024

Liberica Coffee from Uganda

Liberica coffee, or Coffea liberica, is a distinct species of coffee, different from both Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (Coffea canephora). Native to Western Africa, Liberica thrives at lower altitudes and higher temperatures, making it ideal for smallholder farmers.

In Uganda, Liberica is locally known as Kisansa coffee, with trees that can reach heights of up to 10 meters and bear large leaves. Its resistance to pests, diseases, and drought makes Liberica a preferred choice among farmers in the Uganda’s Luwero District. Read more about Liberica and other coffee species here.

Natural Process Coffee in Uganda

Historically, Uganda has been known for producing natural process coffees, but much of its green coffee was once dominated by "drugars" (dried Ugandan Arabica) beans, which were often inconsistent and of poor quality. This led to low earnings for farmers. Today, new receiving stations have revolutionized the process, allowing for the collection and processing of high-quality natural and washed Ugandan green coffees, including experimental micro-lots. These improvements have enabled farmers to receive much higher prices than they were accustomed to with "drugars".

In the natural process, only the ripest coffee cherries are harvested, with drying taking up to four weeks. The cherries are dried whole, without removing the fruit, on raised beds under the sun. Regular turning of the coffee ensures even drying, increases airflow, and prevents spoilage. Once dried, the cherries rest in conditioning bins until they are hulled just before shipment.

Uganda Green Coffee

While Ethiopia is Africa's top coffee producer, Uganda stands as the continent's leading exporter of this valuable commodity. Despite this, Uganda has yet to reach its full potential. Advances in farming and processing are helping the region overcome historical socio-economic challenges. Upgrades in quality and new washing stations are significantly improving the lives of smallholder farmers. Learn more in our Uganda Coffee Origin Report.