By Kelvin Kasiwulaya/Thelma Wandayi
Gweru, Zimbabwe –A scent of freshly ground baobab coffee fills the air nearby a corner of Mtapa Section 4, Gweru, it is the captivating aroma drawing locals and visitors to Ambuya Mavis Dube’s house.
Every morning, as the golden sun starts to rise above the horizon, a deep woody, robust earthy, slightly sweet and fruity, fragrance lingers the air of freshly brewed organic baobab coffee from Ambuya Dube’s kitchen.
Surrounded by sacks of baobab seeds from Gokwe, she expertly cracks them open, revealing the preciousness. This is where her journey begins.
Ambuya Mavis Dube, a 59-year-old widow is making waves in the world of organic coffee.
She has embarked on an extraordinary business venture, manufacturing organic Baobab coffee.
Dube’s journey into the world of organic baobab coffee was inspired by a chance encounter with a dear friend from Kenya.
Fascinated by the friend’s stories about the extraordinary health benefits and ancient art of making this unique beverage, Ambuya Dube decided to explore the riches stored within baobab seeds.
Ambuya Dube began her manufacturing business late last year after being astounded by the health and business benefits of baobab coffee. “The health benefits are immense, it works as an immune booster,” she proudly states.
Extensive research has proven the numerous healing effects of baobab seed on the human body, making it a well-loved ingredient in traditional medicine.
Harnessing the natural resources surrounding her in Zimbabwe, Ambuya Dube ethically sources baobab seeds to produce her remarkable coffee powder.
Baobab Seeds
Ambuya Dube dedicates endless hours to meticulously preparing the baobab coffee blend.
To produce her organic coffee, Ambuya Dube sources fresh baobab seeds from Gokwe, with respect for nature ingrained within her, she carefully handpicks the finest baobab seeds, cherishing their ability to grace her coffee with unparalleled flavors, she then cleans them, thereafter she soaks them in water, dries them, and carefully roasts them on an open fire.
Ambuya Dube hand grinding her Baobab seeds
Drawing on centuries-old techniques passed down from her Kenyan friend, she precisely grinds the roasted seeds into a fine flavorful powder, forming the base for the baobab coffee, ready to be savored by coffee lovers.
The roasted seeds are then finely ground into a flavorful powder, forming the base for the baobab coffee.
When brewed with hot water, this magical elixir turns into an irresistible beverage, inviting enthusiasts to embark on a sensory journey.
The immense care taken during the production process ensures every cup of her organic coffee captures the essence of Africa’s ancient roots.
“The rich flavor of baobab coffee, combined with its countless health benefits, is truly extraordinary,” Ambuya Dube shares with a gleam in her eyes.
Baobab coffee, derived from the antioxidant-rich fruits of the iconic baobab tree, is a powerhouse of nutrients. Packed with an abundance of vitamin C, iron, potassium, and calcium, this organic brew not only energizes but also nourishes those who indulge in its velvety goodness.
The demand for baobab coffee is skyrocketing across the African continent, as more people discover its exceptional qualities.
Word of Ambuya Dube’s exceptional product has spread like wildfire through neighboring towns, driven by consumers seeking healthier alternatives and snapped up by those manufacturing baobab fruit juices and ice lollies has earned her the adoration and loyalty of a growing customer base.
Dube’s entrepreneurial spirit has not only rekindled her own life but has also brought newfound hope to her family.
Her mission goes beyond personal gratification.
The incredible transformation that her manufacturing business has brought to her life as a widow drives her to do more. “I am now able to pay my bills and buy groceries,” she confesses
Selling a 500-gram bottle of her organic baobab coffee for $2, she is determined to make it affordable for all.
Although still a young business, established just last year, Ambuya Dube envisions a future teeming with even grander ambitions.
Her utmost desire is to expand her operations and introduce modern machinery to amplify production capacity. With this vision, she dreams of branching out into a vast repertoire of organic products inspired by the extraordinary health benefits found in the region’s abundant resources
“I face a time constraint; you see the traditional grinder takes considerable effort and time. My hope is to soon acquire an automated grinding mill that will enhance my production capabilities,” said Ambuya Dube.
Orders continue to pour in, with her producing over 100 (500-gram) bottles of coffee each week, Ambuya Dube’s organic baobab coffee has expanded attracting a loyal clientele from South Africa and Botswana.
Ambuya Dube is determined to increase her capacity to meet the overwhelming demand.
She has lofty dreams of also employing two passionate youths to assist her in the manufacturing process.
“I receive orders daily and per week I can produce about 100 bottles.l even have customers from South Africa and Botswana who order the coffee.I believe that the magnificent baobab tree grants us more than just coffee. I hope to unveil a range of complementary organic products, each brimming with the essence of Africa. I also hope to empower and share this trade to the youths as well,”Ambuya Dube artistically expresses.
Ambuya Dube continues her journey turning seeds into a symbol of hope.In an era when individuals are increasingly conscious of their health, Ambuya Dube’s venture encapsulates an inspiring story of self-sufficiency, rejuvenating an age-old fruit’s potential, one cup of organic baobab coffee at a time.