Burundi Coffee Beans: A Comprehensive Guide

Burundi coffee beans are renowned for their rich tradition and are one of the country’s primary income sources. Due to its economic conditions, Burundi’s coffee cultivation is eco-friendly and traditional, avoiding the use of pesticides. Located in the heart of Africa, Burundi is a coffee-producing nation with a history worth knowing to appreciate each cup of coffee we enjoy. 

The coffee grown in this region of Africa is truly unique. It can be enjoyed in any form you prefer, as long as it is in bean form. If you haven’t had the chance to try it yet and are curious to learn more about Burundi coffee, we invite you to keep reading.

History of Coffee in Burundi

Burundi coffee beans have a rich history that dates back to the 1920s when coffee was introduced under Belgian colonial rule. By 1933, every farmer was required to cultivate at least 50 coffee trees, significantly impacting the Hutu population, who were predominantly farmers. Despite various political instability and conflict periods, coffee remained a critical part of Burundi’s economy.

After gaining independence in 1962, Burundi’s coffee production faced challenges, including nationalization and declining quality. However, peace agreements in the early 2000s led to revitalization efforts. The World Bank funded a $55 million project in 2016, improving production by over 15% between 2016 and 2018. Today, Burundi’s coffee industry is characterized by its organized smallholder farmers and the exceptional quality of its coffee beans-

Flavor Profile

Burundi coffee beans are rapidly gaining a reputation for producing exceptional coffee. Essentially, these beans offer a bright note of stone fruits, a juicy acidity, and a silky body.

The best coffees from Burundi are fully washed and often consist of Bourbon, although other varieties are also harvested. In many ways, Burundi shares similarities with its neighbor Rwanda: both countries have similar altitudes and coffee species, and both face the challenge of being landlocked, which can hinder the swift export needed to ensure that raw coffee reaches consumer regions in good condition. Like in Rwanda, Burundi’s coffee crops are also susceptible to the potato defect.

Growing Regions

Most Cultivated Varieties	Traditional Processing Method
Red Bourbon	Washed

Harvest Season	Annual Export – 60kg bags	Coffee Cultivation Start
February to June	Approximately 246,000 bags	20th Century

Export Season	Growing Altitude
September to November	1,200 to 2,000 meters

This small African country has emerged recently as a source of high-quality specialty coffees. The main growing regions in Burundi include Kayanza, Ngozi, and Kirundo. Burundian coffees are known for their bright acidity, medium body, and flavors that span notes of red fruits, citrus, and floral tones.

Bururi

Cibitoke

Gitega

Karuzi

Kayanza

Kirundo

Makamba

Muramvya

Muyinga

Mwaro

Ngozi

Rutana

Tips for Buying Burundi Coffee

When buying Burundi coffee beans, it’s essential to consider a few tips to ensure you get the best quality and flavor. Firstly, always opt for whole beans to maintain freshness and grind them just before brewing at home. This preserves the delicate flavors and aromas that make Burundi coffee unique.

Make sure to purchase from reputable sellers who source their beans directly from Burundi and ensure fresh roasting. Ideally, have the beans roasted within a week of arrival and consume them within 2-3 weeks for optimal flavor. Be cautious of coffees sitting on supermarket shelves or warehouses for extended periods, as they may lose their freshness.

For the best brewing experience, consider using a French press or a pour-over coffee maker. These methods highlight the bright acidity, juicy fruit notes, and silky body that Burundi coffee is known for.

Conclusion 

Burundi coffee beans tell a powerful story of resilience and determination. Despite Burundi’s economic challenges and being among the lowest-ranked countries on the Human Development Index, its coffee industry stands out for its exceptional quality and unique flavors. Burundi’s dedication to coffee production is remarkable with a small land area of around 28,000 square kilometers and a population of approximately 12 million. By choosing Burundi coffee, you support a community that is overcoming adversity through hard work and passion, bringing some of the finest coffee beans to the global market.

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