Rwanda is not just a land of thousands of hills that are there for nothing. The perfect landscape is the best region for the growth of Rwanda coffee.
At 1200-2000 masl height, you will find the world’s best coffee-growing landscape, producing rich and dense complex acidity and concentrated flavor.
What‘s the other reason people have a keen devotion to Rwanda? Its mineral-rich and fertile volcanic soil makes it an attraction to individuals, especially farmers who want to yield fresh cherries and beans.
Best Coffee Growing Regions in Rwanda
Regarding coffee production the tiny East African region is one of many for coffee production. As Rwanda is famous for growing the world’s best coffee, it has its roots in various areas to increase the time’s best coffee.
Virunga
If you remember the movie “Gorillas in the Mist,” which features Rwanda’s silver black mountain Gorillas, you must know Rwanda’s best coffee-growing region.
In this region where the Rwanda coffee beans grow at 1500-2000 masl, the coffee beans ripen slowly and with little liveliness of acidity.
Harvesting coffee from this region will shine at light or medium roast.
Coffee Flavor
- Intense fruit and sweet caramel flavor
- Also, have citrus fruit, brown sugar, sweet cherry, and cocoa nibs with well-balanced acidity and luscious mouthfeel.
Akagera
It is the South East country having a border connection with Tanzania. The region is present at 1200-1500 masl and is highly famous for its low mountains and fertile or rich soil.
With varying rainfall patterns and lower elevations, this region's coffee has an earthier taste and lower acidity, which is best for making a dark cup of coffee.
Coffee Flavor
- Has a fruitier profile like lychee, mango, and granadilla.
- The floral notes of the coffee have spicy and fruity undernotes
- It also has flavors like black pepper, cherry, cinnamon, and blackberry
Lake Kivu
The region is one of the best coffee-growing regions among Rwanda’s top coffee-producing areas. Its border matches with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The mountenouios region is present at the altitude of 1500 masl. The rolling green hills have rich volcanic soil, which produces chocolaty and Earthy coffee.
This region's coffee yields a perfect cup of coffee after the dark roast. The top coffee-growing areas of this region include Nyamasheke, Cyanungu, Gisenyi, Butare, and Kibuye.
Coffee Flavor
- It has sweet and white chocolate notes, perfect for espresso coffee brewing.
- They also have an intoxicating smell of floral jasmine and clever hints of orange and lime blossom.
- Coffee in this region has a creamy body with pleasant lingering acidity and luscious mouthfeel.
Muhazi
The region is located at 1200-1500 masl above the sea level. Due to pure lake water, abundant rainfall, and volcanic soil, the area is famous for growing the same kind of coffee.
Coffee Flavor
- It has a spicy-sweet and earthy flavor.
- The Rwanda coffee has brown sugar, dates, white chocolate, and a baking spice aroma.
- Regardless of the earthy flavors, the coffee has a medium body with delightful acidity.
Kizi Rift
The region is present at the height of 1800-2000 masl. In the heart of the country, the area runs from the majestic volcanic Virunga mountains to the Nyungwe rainforest.
The mineral-rich volcanic soil produces coffee and has an excellent coffee profile. The flavor profile of the coffee is smooth, balanced, and clean, with delicate floral aromas.
Coffee Flavor
- The coffee has fruity notes of apricot, cherry, and citrus fruits.
- It is also famous for its citric acidity, smooth body, and playful hints of blackberry and grapes.
Tips to Buy Rwanda Coffee
Buying coffee is a critical decision while you are about to pick the best quality coffee. The coffee is a specialty; you will hardly find it at your grocery shop.
Following are the guidelines that help you choose the best coffee, so consider some considerations while choosing the perfect coffee to delight your mornings or evenings.
- Look for the best coffee sellers who maintain quality, like Twiga coffee.
- Try to buy whole-bean coffee rather than ground coffee because you don’t know the exact ground date.
- Ensure you are buying Rwandan coffee; check the coffee bean bag.
- Try to buy coffee close to its roasting date because freshly roasted coffee has a unique flavor.
Final Words
Rwanda has the list of best Rwanda coffee-growing regions that produce coffee with varying flavor profiles.
Rwanda's top five coffee-growing regions are Virunga, Muhazi, Lake Kivu, Akagera, and Kizi Rift. Before choosing the best coffee for you, it's best to keep some considerations in mind.
