Burundi - Sun Dried Natural
We are thrilled to present our latest African coffee offering from the farms of Busambo, Kayanza, Burundi. If you are like us, you may be asking, where is Burundi? So glad you asked!
Burundi is a small, landlocked nation in East Africa, bordered by Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Lake Tanganyika—the deepest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. Spanning nearly 28,000 square kilometers, Burundi is one of the continent’s most densely populated countries, with nearly 13 million people. The vast majority of the population practices subsistence farming, and cash crops like coffee and tea are essential lifelines, providing the income necessary for education, livestock, and household needs.
Reaching the coffee heartland requires flying into Bujumbura, the capital and site of the country’s only paved airport. A two-hour drive from the capital leads to the town of Kayanza, though reaching the farms of the Busambo community, requires an additional hour of travel over rugged dirt roads.
Near the Kayanza area is located the Umoco coffee washing station—named after the Kirundi word for “light”— which serves as the central hub for the surrounding hills. Producers typically deliver their cherries on foot, though some utilize bicycles or motorcycles. Coffee here is primarily grown in full sun, often without the use of fertilizers due to their high cost. For subsistence, families also cultivate bananas, maize, cassava, and beans.
At Umoco, the coffee undergoes a meticulous processing routine: a 12-hour wet fermentation is followed by a second 12-hour fermentation in cement tanks. The parchment is then dried for 20 to 25 days on traditional African raised beds.
These coffees thrive at exceptional altitudes between 1,800 and 2,200 meters above sea level, rooted in rich red clay soils. The region borders the Kibira National Forest, a dense canopy that fosters cooler temperatures and higher rainfall than other Burundian coffee regions. Known locally as the “up country,” this area also holds deep historical weight as the burial site of Burundi’s former kings, whose graves are sheltered by towering indigenous trees.
Operating in Burundi presents extreme challenges. It remains one of the world's poorest nations, with a per capita GDP often estimated between 10 and 20 USD. This poverty is intertwined with systemic issues, including food insecurity, ethnic conflict, fuel shortages, and political instability, all of which complicate the development of reliable, long-term trade relationships.
Government involvement often adds layers of complexity rather than relief. Heavy bureaucracy and frequent regulatory shifts create a difficult environment for producers. Furthermore, the national coffee authority, ODECA, acts as both a regulator and a producer, a conflict of interest that leaves only those producing high volumes or exceptional quality with a path to profitability.
Despite these significant obstacles, many Burundian producers remain committed to building resilient, quality-focused operations. Through your purchase, resources are dedicated to supporting these efforts by opening new markets, ensuring producers can access competitive prices and secure more sustainable futures for their families.
We've roasted this exceptional coffee on the lighter end of medium, to ensure that you are tasting the beautiful nuances and complexity of flavors this coffee has to offer. Finding a nice balance of the acidity and sweetness that African coffees are known for, while maintaining a tea-like finish.
We recommend brewing on your favorite method between 198-205 degrees.
Altitude: 1850-2100
Process: Sundried Natural
Varietal: Red Bourbon
Tasting Notes: Peach Cobbler, Pluot, Honeysuckle, Oolong Tea
Roast Level: Med-Light