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Zambian Coffee Beans – How They’re Grown & Where To Buy Them

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Zambia

$ 0.88 - $1.12 per ounce

  • How to serve: Usually served as black coffee
  • flavor: Very light acidity and soft texture. Hints of nutty and fruity after tones
Varieties Arabica, Robusta
How to Serve Usually served as black coffee
Flavor Very light acidity and soft texture. Hints of nutty and fruity after tones
Recommended Machine Cold Brew, Pourover, Stovetop
Good As Americano, Espresso, Ristretto
Price Range $0.88 – $1.12 per ounce
Caffeine Level 0.8% on average

With its closeness to the equator and abundance of height, Zambia’s northern region provides the greatest environment for Arabica coffee growing (Mafinga Hills being the highest place in the region at 7500fasl). It is also possible to discover some Robusta coffee beans in the country. Agriculture dominates the local economy, with coffee being the major source of income. However, it is important to note that the hilly terrain and lack of transportation infrastructure make this area difficult to operate in – that being said, the industry has the potential to grow more in the future.

Zambians began drinking coffee significantly later than their neighbors Malawi and Kenya. Coffee was imported to Zambia in the 1950s via cultivar seed stock from Kenya and Tanzania. In the 1970s, initiatives were initiated to investigate the optimum techniques for both irrigated and rain-fed farms. This was done so that small-holder coffee growers could be recruited into the coffee business, therefore increasing coffee output.

In this Zambian coffee review, we will further talk about what are the top alternatives to Zambian coffee beans, what are the best coffee-producing regions in the country, and what are recommended machines for brewing your beans. So let’s get started and find out all about it!

What Are The Best Coffee Producing Regions in Zambia?

Zambia coffee beans are cultivated largely in the Lusaka region and the Northern Area of the Muchinga Mountains. This Northern District is divided into four main areas: Isoka, Nakonde Kasama, The Isanya, and Katehi. Coffee plantations are located in northern Zambia and encompass a total of 2,438 hectares. Due to its close proximity to the equator, the Northern province of the nation offers the greatest conditions for coffee growing. Mafinga Hills, situated between Zambia and Malawi, is the region’s highest peak, with coffee growing at 7500 feet.

Zambia’s climate is very dry and different from the humid tropics of West Africa as well as Central America. Therefore the coffee produced here has a much different taste. Sadly, some of Zambia’s coffee-growing locations have very low elevations, which frequently results in a more bland and flavorless flavor profile. This is because high elevations allow coffee plants more chance to form their characteristics: a high elevation bean will be much thicker and stuffed full of the greatest flavors. That is not to suggest that almost all Zambian coffee beans suffer from a lack of elevation. Nevertheless, when this is combined with regular droughts as well as poor soil management, this is the reason why sometimes the quality of Zambian coffee decreases.

Top Alternatives to Zambian Coffee Beans

Unfortunately, it is very hard to find Zambian beans on Amazon, so here are some alternatives that are just as good if not better than Zambian beans. Well, owing to the contemporary world and its solutions, it is now fairly simple to obtain the goods you desire. Below this list, we will also discuss several brands on Amazon that are not really Zambian coffee brands but are very very similar.

Tanzanian Coffee Ethiopian Coffee Nigerian Coffee Kenyan Coffee

Top 5 Alternate Products to Zambian Coffee Brands on Amazon


How We Rated Them

We pay attention to the following:

For more detailed information on how exactly we rate the coffee products we suggest in our guides, click here.

Individual Overviews of Our Top Choices

We think that just naming our favorite brands and their products will not be enough for you to figure out which one suits your interests the best. That is why we decided to provide separate overviews of our top options. So, sit back and enjoy the journey of choosing your new favorite brand of coffee.

Volcanica Yirgacheffe

Price: $$19.99 (subject to change)

Size: 16 oz

Type: Yirgacheffe

Roast: Medium/Light

Producer: Volcanica

Beans: Whole

Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee is unique due to the fact that the majority of the crop is harvested from natural coffee trees, providing this coffee with a wonderfully distinctive flavor and nice acidity. Yirgacheffe is a coffee area in southern Ethiopia that offers flowery and fruit-toned coffees from classic Arabica types that have been cultivated in the region for many years. This is an organically cultivated, medium/light roast whole bean, enabling the inherent flavor characteristics to shine through for a truly exceptional taste.

When I first brewed this coffee, the aroma of the beans was simply enough to make me love this product. I used Moka Pot which produced a great taste – in my cup, I could discover sweet notes of fruits, such as blueberry and blackberry. However, that does not mean that you should only stick to this technique. In fact, it is better to experiment so you are able to find your favorite taste.

All in all, if you are looking for the best alternatives for organic Zambian coffee beans this is probably one of the greatest options that you can find on the Amazon online store.

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Tanzanian Peaberry Medium Roast

Price: $$14.99 (subject to change)

Size: 12 ounces

Type: Arabica

Roast: Medium

Producer: Coffee Bros

Beans: Whole

This single-origin Tanzanian Peaberry coffee is produced by Coffee Bros and is loved by the majority of coffee lovers on Amazon. In fact, exceptionally good reviews on the website convinced me to try this product myself.

All of the Coffee Bros’ coffee is sourced to achieve precise flavor notes. Tanzanian Peaberry has a rich chocolate flavor with a hint of citrus acidity and a strong and smooth body.

Over the last several months, I have tested a dozen different kinds of coffee in search of the right bean for my espresso beverages, and I believe I have finally discovered a winner. The lemon and honey flavors can immediately be felt from the first sip. The acidity is noticeable but not overpowering. What I have noticed is that as the coffee temperature fell, the brightness increased. Overall, there was a good mix of richness and acidity. I believe that Tanzania Peaberry is a great choice for medium roast lovers and especially for the ones who are in search of the taste that Zambian brew Coffee has.

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Vietnamese Butter Roasted Robusta

Price: $$11.99 (subject to change)

Size: 12 ounces

Type: Robusta

Roast: Medium

Producer: VN Roaster

Beans: Ground

The next product on our list is Vietnamese Butter Roasted Robusta. What makes this coffee stand out from the others is the fact that beans are roasted precisely in butter, which makes the finish incredibly rich, smooth, and unique. My favorite thing about this coffee is that the beans are easily ground so that you can easily use any brewing method with them.

Even if you do not drink coffee, this one is only worth purchasing because of the bag. I believe that the packaging of these beans is one of the best that you will ever come across. Do not be tricked by the photos, as they are not able to describe the real quality of the bag – You have to feel it yourself. Now, more about the coffee itself – it has a peculiar buttery taste and fragrance which can be liked by all kinds of coffee drinkers – no matter the beginner or a specialist.

If you don’t love a strong coffee, then you might consider other options as well. However, with this price (a 12-ounce package for $11.99), Vietnamese Robusta is definitely worth every cent.

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Tanzanian Peaberry Arabica

Price: $$10.99 (subject to change)

Size: 12 ounces

Type: Arabica

Roast: Medium

Producer: Good as Gold

Beans: Whole

A distinctive coffee with a silky buttery texture and a subtle & sweet aftertaste – that is how I would describe Tanzanian Peaberry Arabica. One of the best things about this product is that its beans are roasted in an exclusive air roaster. Innovative air-roasting enables the brand to obtain the brightest and purest taste notes due to its ability to generate the most evenly-roasted beans without flaming or scorching – exceeding even traditional air roasting in terms of accuracy and quality.

This coffee has a medium roast and a light body. It has a lovely aroma and a very smooth flavor. I believe that this one is a perfect choice for medium roast lovers, however, a lot depends on the brewing method you decide to choose. I myself brew it using French Press but with other techniques, you will also have the ability to discover other tastes.

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Kenya AA Peaberry Coffee

Price: $$14.99 (subject to change)

Size: 16 ounces

Type: Kenya AA

Roast: Medium

Producer: Out of Africa

Beans: Whole

Kenya AA Peaberry coffee is well-known for its full-bodied taste, rich flavors, and strong aroma. Beans are hand-picked and sun-dried under shade-grown trees. Kenya Peaberry coffee is derived from the very same plants as normal coffee beans, but a coffee cherry generally contains two seeds. Peaberry accounts for around 5% of overall coffee output, making this coffee extremely uncommon and unique in terms of flavor.

In your cup of coffee, you can discover a tangy scent, citrus aroma, and a winey taste of black currants. Kenyan coffees are true to their name. This was the very first time I have used this company for Kenya AA coffee, and I am quite impressed with the packaging and flavor. Another thing I would like to pay attention to is the price. For a 16-ounce package, you will have to pay $14.99 which is a pretty competitive price compared to similar products available on the market.

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Recommended Machines for Brewing Zambian Coffee Beans

How do you like your coffee made? Do you prefer brewing it yourself or getting a delicious cup in your favorite cafe? In my personal opinion, it is always a good idea to brew Zambian coffee at home, so you will get the finest taste and fragrance possible. Below are some of my favorite coffee brewing techniques, including Pour Over and Drip. Make sure to check out the guides and choose your favorite.

Pour Over – Best For Zambian Coffee

The first technique we will discuss is Pour over that is pretty common for coffee shops. However, it is perfectly possible to use it at home. You just need to have all the necessary items and follow easy instructions. The following is the list of things you will need:

I strongly recommend using a scale, as it can help you measure the coffee and water so you get a better taste in the end. The brewing process looks something like the following:

  1. Grind your coffee beans
  2. Wet your filter
  3. Place it in the brewer and then add coffee
  4. Wet coffee with hot water and leave it for 45 seconds or less.
  5. After that, keep pouring the remaining water in a circular motion (slowly)
  6. After the coffee is filled with all the water, swirl carefully.
  7. Remove the filter and enjoy your coffee!

Best Pour-Over Makers

Drip – If You Have Arabica Beans

With the help of a drip machine, you will have the possibility to easily brew your coffee in a matter of minutes. Make sure that you have the equipment listed below:

If you are lucky enough to find all these items at home, then simply follow these easy steps:

It is usually a good idea to preheat coffee and cup so that your coffee tastes much better. All in all, whether you are using coffee makers for a fast fix or for dessert dinners, it guarantees every cup of coffee you are serving tastes wonderful.

Check Out Drip Machine Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions on Zambian Coffee Online

What type of coffee is grown in Zambia?

What does Zambian coffee taste like?