Burundi Nyagishiru Natural
Nyagishiru station is located near the Ruvubu River in Muyinga province in the northeast of Burundi. The 200 raised beds dry coffee cherries harvested by 850 families living in the 12 surrounding hills from which the station takes its name. The coffee-producing families that supply the station are paid a premium of 20% above the local market rate. The staff at the washing station are also paid 50% above the market rate for casual labor in Burundi.
Washing station: Nyagishiru
Process: Natural, Raised Bed
Region: Muyinga
Elevation: 1750 MASL
Flavor notes: fig, key lime pie, peach, black tea
“Natural process” refers to the means by which the coffee cherry is separated from the interior seed (the coffee bean we know and love). The cherries, once harvested, are placed in thin layers on the beds and left to dry in the sun for anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. They are turned daily, often by hand, to prevent excess fermentation or mold. Prolonged exposure to the sun results in a fruit material that is brittle and wrinkled like a raisin. The remaining pulp is returned to the farmers as an organic compost to increase yields.
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