Uganda - Bukonzo Dream - Natural

The name is derived from The Bakonzo Tribe. A group of descendants living throughout the Rwenzori Mountains, covering both Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Individuals do not necessarily identify as citizens of either country, they will proudly announce their Bakonzo heritage. Omwani worked closely with the washing station manager, Chris, who was from the Tribe. Chris relayed that his dream would be to have coffee from the Bakonzo people roasted and enjoyed by the people of the UK. Fast-forward and this then became a reality, which is turning into a great success! And that is how Bukonzo Dream was born...

This coffee is produced by a group of over 2000 connected farmers working under “profit-for-purpose” business, Agri Evolve. Agri Evolve offered an outlet for farmers to sell their unprocessed coffee, take ownership of the quality control and together improve the reputation of the coffee produced in the Rwenzoris. They guaranteed a fair market price and their long-term presence attracted international attention from buyers around the world. Due to this, Rwenzori coffee has been reinstated on the global coffee map.

Over time, investment meant not only huge improvements in processing-equipment but also education and skill, providing demonstration farms and hiring experienced staff. Facilities improved considerably and the interest in Agri Evolve grew amongst the farming community as they were seen as a staple reliable place to sell coffee.

Lots are organised by geographic regions coordinated with specialist buying centres, often broken down even further into specific day-lots. Focus is on controlling the natural processing of cherries while paying special attention to controlling quality, utilising round-the-clock techniques, constantly refining every process to create the best possible Rwenzori coffee.

This lot of Bukonzo Dream is made up of cherries from the farmers in a small trading centre called Kituei. Kituei is located near the Kasese district, to the west of the main city Kasese within the Rwenzoris.

The cherries are harvested and collected from the buying centres and then delivered to the Nyabirongo washing station during the main and fly harvests. Upon arrival at the washing station, the coffee cherries are first sorted and then floated to pick out the initial under-grades / underripes. After drying on the raised beds for 3-4 weeks, turned regularly and picked again by the seasonal workers, the fresh cherry slowly dries in the sun and turns into what is locally known as ‘kiboko’. From here, the coffee is then hulled, graded, and bagged. 

Details
Free Tracked 48 shipping in the UK when you spend over £30! Please see our FAQs for more information. Place your order before 10.30am, Monday to Friday and it will be sent the same day. No coffee leaves our roastery if it is more than 7 days from the roast date. Coffee ordered for Monday dispatch may be subject to delays depending on weekend ordering patterns and roasted stock levels.

We source speciality grade coffee which is fully traceable and ethically sourced. Read more about our ethics.

Tips
All our coffee beans are roasted fresh and are best consumed within 6 weeks of roast date. Always reseal in our airtight bag and store at ambient temperature. 

Giving back

At Dear Green, we believe in giving back. That is why we contribute to various charities that share our values and ethics. Allowing you and us to make a positive social and environmental impact, with every transaction, all year round.

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