Burundi coffee beans

Africa is one of the world’s major coffee-producing regions. This magical land, known as the cradle of humanity, grows a wide variety of coffees with distinct flavor profiles. Today, we’re introducing Burundi, known as the “Heart of Africa,” and another unique African coffee flavor: the taste of Burundi coffee.

HowToTrip's Front Street Coffee - Burundi Heart of Africa
Growing Region: Bubanza
Variety: Bourbon
Elevation: 1400–1700m
Grade: AA
Processing Method: Washed
Flavor: Honey, kumquat, violet floral notes, bright acidity, smooth mouthfeel, rich aroma, long-lasting and complex aftertaste

Compared to other African countries, Burundi is a relatively young coffee-producing nation. Locals originally had no tradition of drinking coffee; cultivation began in 1930 under Belgian colonial rule. In the early years, many farmers resisted growing coffee. However, after the 1990s, with guidance from World Bank and International Monetary Fund projects, the Burundi coffee industry turned a corner. As political stability improved, the coffee sector began to develop steadily.

In 2011, the Specialty Coffee Association held its first coffee competition in Burundi, drawing attention to the flavors of the Heart of Africa. Currently, there are five main Burundi coffee bean growing regions: Kayanza, Ngozi, Muyinga, Kirundo, and Kirimiro.

The charm of Burundi coffee lies in its bright acidity and fruity aroma. According toHowToTrip's Front Street Coffee cupping and brewing results, Burundi’s acidity is neither as light and bright as Ethiopia’s nor as intense and heavy as Kenya’s—it falls perfectly in between the two.