Cupping Notes: Chocolate, raisin, tobacco, apple
Country Of Origin: Uganda
Region: Rwnezori
Co-Op: Bukonzo Organic Farmers Cooperative Union
Farm Name: Various Small Holders
Plant Species: Arabica
Varietals: SL14, SL28, Nyasaland
Processing: Washed
Certifications: FLO Fairtrade Certified, Organic Certified
About This Coffee
Bukonzo Organic Farmers Co-operative Union was started in 2009 to try to increase the prices gained by farmers for their coffee production. This region of SW Uganda has historically been made up of home processed and natural coffees of lower commercial qualities. Recognising the excellent growing conditions for arabica production, Bukonzo invested in 36 local micro washing stations designed to process high quality fully washed coffees, as well as securing organic certification for their farmers. This approach has allowed an increase in premiums reaching the farmers in what is one of the most impoverished parts of the country, creating a sustainable industry for which they can provide for their families. Bukonzo also place a large emphasis on environmental sustainability, using organic fertilizers from local livestock and intercropping with bananas, beans, fruit trees, coco-yams, vanilla, passionfruit, and mango trees.
The Swiss Water® Process uses pure green coffee extract and proprietary carbon technology to remove caffeine from green coffee beans. Swiss Water® has specified the pore size of the carbon to match the caffeine molecule to ensure only the caffeine is trapped when the caffeine is captured from the green coffee extract.
History of Coffee in Uganda
While the commercial cultivation of coffee is defined by geopolitical boundaries, the wild coffees of East Africa do not recognize borders. Indigenous Robusta once grew wild in such abundance in DR Congo that “Congo” was at one time the nickname for all Robusta, no matter where it was grown; but the moniker could just as easily have been Uganda, where Robusta is also indigenous and still grows wild in the region around Lake Victoria. Commercial cultivation began early in the 20th century and grew quickly. Only 250 bags were exported in 1909. By 1918, exports had reached 75,000 bags. Like coffee in much of post-colonial Africa, coffee production in Uganda struggled with disease, disruption, and dictatorship for the last half of the 20th century, but exports have been relatively stable in recent decades and Arabica production has increased. In 2020, coffee exports exceeded 5 million bags for the first time.
Growing Coffee in Uganda
In Uganda, most coffee is often grown under shade and intercropped with banana, beans, and peanuts in highland regions in volcanic soils. Traditionally, smallholders grow on less than 2.5 hectares, using natural processing to dry coffee cherries in very small spaces around their homes. Gradually, semi-washed processing has been introduced and some fully-washed coffees have become available recently.
Canada Post Strike
Canada Post has started a National strike. They will not be accepting parcels during this time but will keep any parcels that are on their way safe.
We are still accepting orders and are attempting to ship orders for free over $100*. This is getting more and more difficult as other carriers such as Purolator are no longer accepting more parcels into their system. Please ensure that your home address and not P.O. Box are used in your shipping address. We are currently using UPS and few smaller carriers for our free shipping options. Most locations we have been able to find ways to ship your orders but if this is not the case we will contact you and try to work to find a solution.
If you wish, you can still choose the Canada Post shipping option and we will hold the orders until the strike is finished and ship them at that time.
We are sorry about this inconvenience and appreciate your continued business.
Jonathan Yeo
Owner Pre-Umber
Canadian Customers
Pre-Umber is happy to offer our Canadian customers free shipping on all orders over $100.00 (Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon there is a flat rate fee) Orders qualifying for free shipping will be sent via Canada Post Expedited Parcel service. You will also have the option to choose a faster Canada Post service if you prefer.
If your cart just doesn't seem to total up to $100.00, don't worry. Pre-Umber offers real-time carrier shipping through Canada Post. Just go through the checkout process until you see the shipping charges options. You can choose various Canada Post options depending on how badly you need your coffee :) You will see real-time pricing so you can rest assured knowing exactly what you will be charged.
Pre-Umber wants you to enjoy your coffee or merchandise as soon as we can get it to you, so we always strive to send your order out within 24 hours of having received it.
To see the Canada Post delivery standards please follow this link and use our Postal code T4J 1R1. Delivery Standards
United States of America Customers
Pre-Umber is now shipping to customers in the continental United States of America. We are using Canada Post/USPS for shipping so as to include the greatest number of customers.
We are offering a flat rate shipping fee:
0 - 12 Pounds a flat rate of $20 CND (way cheaper in USD)
12 -20 Pounds a flat rate of $35 CND (still way cheaper in USD)
31-55 Pounds a flat rate of $60 CND (still very cheap in USD)
If you would rather not use the flat rate option you can choose to use Expedited Parcel USA or Xpresspost USA at your own expense.
We do our best to ship all orders within 24 hours of receiving the order and many are shipping within a matter of hours.
We look forward to serving all your home coffee roasting needs.