Rwanda Mushonyi
Fresh from Rwanda’s Western Province is our first East African release of the year – a fully washed Red Bourbon from the Mushonyi Washing Station. This coffee features notes of papaya, milk chocolate, and cantaloupe, with bright acidity and soft florals. Situated right at the edge of Lake Kivu at 1,827 meters above sea level, serves a community of over 1,200 smallholder farmers who cultivate coffee on the surrounding hills. These farmers typically grow about 300 coffee trees per plot, often intercropping with crops like bananas, eucalyptus, and cassava for additional income.
Mushonyi stands out in Rwanda for its innovative processing systems, which ensure the highest quality of coffee. Upon arrival, each cherry undergoes a strict sorting process. First, any lower quality cherry is removed through flotation, followed by an inspection for any visual defects. The cherry is then processed using the Pinhalense eco-pulper, which can handle up to two tons of cherry per hour and integrates flotation and mechanical mucilage removal. This advanced system ensures that only the best cherries continue along the processing line. After pulping, the coffee undergoes a ten-hour fermentation process in concrete tanks. The parchment is then washed, graded, and dried on raised beds, where workers carefully inspect and remove defects, ensuring uniform drying.
This is our fourth year partnering with Sucafina and RWACOF to offer this coffee from the Mushonyi Washing Station. As Sucafina’s sister company in Rwanda, RWACOF operates 30 of Rwanda’s 300 wet mills, including Mushonyi. Through this partnership, we contribute to RWACOF’s ongoing efforts to improve yields, provide farmer training, enhance quality standards, and promote environmental sustainability. RWACOF also places a strong focus on gender equality, soil analysis, and income diversification, highlighting their commitment to improving farmer livelihoods and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. We’re so excited to continue growing this relationship and offer this beautiful example of Rwandan coffee once again.