Are Uganda Coffee Varieties Arabica? Uganda Coffee Grading Classification Seems Familiar

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FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Ugandan Coffee

SL stands for Scott Labs. Beginning in the 1930s, Scott Labs was commissioned by the Kenyan government to conduct research on coffee breeding and classification, attempting to find varieties that could adapt to Kenya's natural environment, be suitable for large-scale cultivation, and possess commercial value. The SL series was developed through research and selection based on Yemeni Mocha ancient varieties and Bourbon from Réunion Island. Today's common SL-14, SL-28, and SL-34 are among many research achievements. The organization was active from the 1930s to the 1960s and no longer exists, but varieties like SL-28 remain Kenya's top coffee choice. Due to its proximity to Kenya, Uganda also conveniently selected SL series varieties.

Ugandan Coffee Classification System

Ugandan coffee classification is similar to Kenya's, both classified by size and density.

Classification Grades:

AA Plus (AA+): AA grade beans with particularly excellent cup quality (flavor, mouthfeel).

AA: Screen size 17-18.

AB: Screen size 15-16, accounting for the majority of production.

C: Smaller than AB screen size.

TT: Lighter weight beans sifted from AA and AB grade beans using air screeners.

T: Lighter weight beans sifted from C grade beans using air screeners.

E (Elephant Bean): Large mutation beans where two beans are fused together, also known as Elephant ear beans.

UG: Beans that do not meet the above standards.

PB (Peaberry): Classified by shape, unrelated to flavor or weight.

Knowledge Point:

Like Congo, Uganda is also an origin of Robusta coffee. As Africa's second-largest coffee exporting country, Uganda's Robusta exports account for seven percent of global production.

In Summary:

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