How Rwanda Washed Bourbon Coffee Originated and How Rwandan Coffee Bean Grades Are Classified

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Coffee Variety Information

Variety: Bourbon

Related: Heirloom variety

Origin: Bourbon Island

Optimal Growing Altitude: 800 meters and above

Type: Heirloom variety

Commonly Found In: Various coffee-growing regions worldwide

Primary Color: Reddish, yellowish, and orange, but predominantly red

Cherry Size: Medium

Leaf Characteristics: Broad and short

Processing Method: Washed, sun-dried on raised African beds

Rwanda Coffee Processing

Like many African countries, Rwanda's coffee is primarily produced by small-scale farmers. During each harvest season, farmers gather ripe coffee cherries and send them to processing stations for handling. Farmers hand-pick ripe coffee cherries and bring them to processing stations where they first undergo manual selection to ensure no unripe or damaged fruits are mixed in. Next, the pulp is removed, followed by a 12-18 hour washed fermentation process in a cool, low-temperature environment. The coffee is then thoroughly cleaned of mucilage in channels. During the drying process on raised beds, processing station staff manually turn the beans, carefully ensuring that under adequate sun exposure, the parchment beans do not lose moisture or dry unevenly until the moisture content stabilizes below 14%.

We have previously introduced several specialty coffees from the Nyamasheke region of Rwanda. This carefully selected Mushonyi comes from the Rutsiro district, located north of Nyamasheke and also situated along Lake Kivu. High altitude, fertile volcanic soil, and excellent climate conditions create premium quality coffee. We will continue to deeply explore Rwanda, this gem of a coffee-producing region. This batch is a direct trade purchase from the processing plant - the freshest batch from the 2015 harvest season (approximately June to September)!

Detailed Coffee Information

Variety: BM-139 (Bourbon)

Processing Station: Mushonyi Washing Station

Farm Owners: 1,756 member small-scale farmers (each small farmer cultivates approximately 253 trees)

Flavor Profile: Red apple, cherry, cinnamon, honey

Mushonyi Washing Station's award record is truly impressive - besides winning the Cup of Excellence championship in 2010, they achieved remarkable results in 2011 alone with four batches securing 1st place, 12th place, 16th place, and 28th place!!!