COFFEE PLANT - Ughanda Imbalu Natural Filter 250g

Origin : Ughanda

Processing: Natural

Varietal: SL14, SL28

Altitude: 1800-2200 m a. s. l.

Farm: The Coffee Yard Washing Station

ABOUT THE FARM

The Coffee Yard is a company founded and run by Norman Mukuru. Its export partner is The Coffee Gardens, who have known Norman for many years. Their cooperation is based on mutual trust, knowledge exchange, and the joint development of coffee processing expertise. An important part of this relationship is also the creation of programs that ensure full producer traceability. Thanks to this consistently built partnership, it has been possible to expand operations to include exporting Norman’s coffees to international markets.

Norman established The Coffee Yard at the foothills of Mount Elgon. Coffee cherries are delivered to the station from the Sironko, Mbale, Bulambuli, and Kapchorwa regions. The facility serves as a large reception and drying center for coffee. Norman has nearly 20 years of experience in the coffee industry, and since 2018 he has specialized exclusively in naturally processed coffees. Since then, he has continuously refined his processes to achieve flavor profiles that meet market expectations.

ABOUT THE COFFEE

Coffee cherries are delivered to The Coffee Yard from four surrounding districts, where Norman and his team process them exclusively using the natural method. The first step is flotation, followed by manual sorting to remove damaged, underripe, overripe, or defective cherries. The fruit is then pre-dried to remove excess moisture remaining after contact with water.

After this stage, another round of selection is carried out based on color and moisture level, allowing for the creation of the most uniform coffee lots possible. Cherries that do not meet the set parameters are discarded. The next step is fermentation, the course of which depends on the desired flavor profile—it can take place either in sealed barrels or in open tanks. More floral profiles are typically achieved through fermentation in open containers, while the coffee in this package was fermented in barrels.

The final stage of the process is drying, which lasts approximately 21 days. The coffee is dried on raised beds or on tarps until it reaches a moisture content below 12%. Once drying is complete, the beans are stored to rest and stabilize. Norman’s team then proceeds with hulling and preparing the green coffee for export, using both manual sorting and color sorting with a colorimeter.

ROASTER’S OPINION

This package contains a blend of two of the most recognizable botanical varieties—SL14 and SL28—delivered to The Coffee Yard from the Mount Elgon area. Norman Mukuru specializes exclusively in natural processing, which he carries out in two variations. The lot available here underwent a more intensive fermentation conducted in sealed barrels.

The applied process gave the coffee a bold and unconventional character. On one hand, the flavor profile features classic African notes of orange and other citrus fruits. On the other, there is a pronounced wine-like acidity and balsamic notes, typical of coffees subjected to long and intensive fermentation. The coffee stands out with a high body, medium wine-like acidity, pronounced sweetness, and a subtle umami accent. This is a very interesting and unusual offering for its country of origin.

BREW RECIPE

This is an intense, highly fruity coffee that is easy to brew. To make the most of it and avoid excessive intensity, we recommend the following recipe, which allows the coffee to open up properly.

Drip method (e.g. Origami)

18 g of medium-coarse ground coffee (24 clicks on a Comandante)

Water temperature: 95°C

Pouring schedule:

0:00 – 55 ml (gently stir the dripper)

0:30 – 120 ml

1:00 – 180 ml

1:30 – 240 ml

2:00 – 300 ml

Finish with a gentle stir.

Store in a cold and dry space.