When it comes to coffee, the term “Dark” Africa conjures up visions and aromas of rich roasts and quality coffee! Countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda are rich beyond comprehension and produce amazing coffee. Below you can find out more about these African countries and what makes them and their coffee so special.

Kenya

Producing some of the most exquisite coffee in the world, sources state that coffee was not cultivated in Kenya until 1893. That was until some peculiar men named the French Holy Ghost Fathers introduced coffee trees from Reunion Island. Well known for its full-bodied texture, intense flavour and pleasant aroma infused with tropical-tasting notes of cocoa, Kenyan coffee has rightly retained its ‘holy’ elements. The main crop is grown without shade, harvested during October to December and is subsequently processed similarly unique fashion – called “double fermentation”. First introduced by some peculiar “holy men” then, and retaining its special character unto this day – it’s no wonder why Kenyan coffee remains a favourite amidst similarly special blends from Africa.

Ethiopia

The history of Ethiopian coffee from Africa is rich and legendary and according to this, the 9th-century goat-herder named Kaldi first discovered the coffee plant after noticing the energizing effect of the plant. As the world's 7th largest producer of coffee, Ethiopia’s very economy revolves around coffee. As a matter of fact, half of the coffee is consumed by the Ethiopian population itself. No wonder these people are so productive, hey?! Tradition and culture-wise, the Ethiopian coffee bean has an aura of great importance.

The coffee experience in Ethiopia is intimate- shared with family and friends in daily coffee rituals. Coffee drinking in this country can last up to several hours – and who would’ve thought anyone could drink more coffee than your average Starbucks customer… Fruity, heavy, and almost wine-like, would be the perfect description of the taste of natural Ethiopian coffee. On the flip-side, washed coffee beans from this country have jasmine or citrus characteristics, and are lighter on the palate and tends towards a floral, tea-like delicacy. Their main times for harvesting runs from November through February.

Tanzania

Tanzania, as the 19th largest producer of coffee in world, had its introduction to coffee back in the 16th century. Until the Germans came to colonize the unsuspecting Tanzanians in Africa, coffee had been initially chewed as a stimulant by a group called The Haya tribe. They used coffee beans as money, and coffee growing could only be authorized by certain tribal leaders. When the Germans came, coffee began to be cultivated as a cash crop. As if they weren’t a big enough threat to the Tanzanians, the British then came along and took over the region comprising modern-day Tanzania.

Tanzanian coffees have a distinctive acidity with full bodied, fruity and floral aromatic tastes. Tanzania’s main harvesting periods differ in various regions. In the North, it runs from July – December. In Southern regions, the crop is tackled from July –December. In the west of Tanzania, they harvest from May – October. Coffee all year round from Tanzania!

Coffee Capsules Direct flavours from Africa

Now, we have some amazing coffee products from Africa to everyone’s liking here at Coffee Capsules Direct. Make your pick from what Africa has provided and choose from our range of delectably intoxicating coffees. Fortunately, some coffees such as the Avanti coffee beans are sourced from the best coffee growing regions in the heart of Africa, giving you a fruity taste of the best the continent has to offer. Opting for the Ethiopian choice will similarly entice your senses with its wild, floral, sweet and complex taste. Get a taste of Uganda, which offers you a uniquely fruity and exotic, bold tasting coffee.