Where does Africa produce the best coffee? six African countries that grow high-quality coffee

African coffee is one of the best coffee in the world. Although famous for its fruity and wine acidity, each country offers unique assets due to differences in production, processing and climate.

Coffee is grown in many African countries, especially in East Africa. But only a few countries export high-quality Arabica coffee beans to western markets. There are six African coffee producing areas that you should know about. From mature coffee producing areas in Ethiopia and Kenya to emerging producers such as Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

1. Ethiopia

Coffee is now grown all over the world, but Ethiopia is considered to be its hometown. In addition, it is the largest coffee producer in Africa. The environment is so suitable for this crop that Ethiopian coffee grows in the wild and there are more than a thousand different coffee varieties in the country. Perhaps not coincidentally, Ethiopia is one of the few African countries that regularly drink coffee. Only about 50% of the crops are exported.

Coffee is all over the country. However, the high-altitude areas in the south are the most well-known in the world. These include the province of Sidamo, where the town of Yirgacheffe produces world-renowned coffee. Other popular places of origin are Guji and Haller. They are famous for their flavor characteristics similar to Yemeni coffee.

Compared with washed coffee, better naturally processed coffee retains clean citric acid and floral aroma, and adds a touch of sweetness and mellowness.

two。 Kenya

Kenya does not grow as much coffee as Ethiopia does, and its history is not as long as Ethiopia. However, Kenya AA beans are famous all over the world for their quality. It didn't happen by accident. In order to gain this reputation, the country has invested heavily in research and coffee production.

The Kenyan coffee system is unique in coffee auctions. This is a weekly government auction in which roasters and raw coffee dealers bid for coffee beans. Auction is considered to be the most transparent way of selling, which can help farmers buy better beans at higher prices.

The most precious Kenyan coffee beans are SL-28 and SL-34, named after the development of Scott Labs. Coffee beans are graded by size, and Kenyan AA coffee is the largest and most valuable.

Most coffee from Kenya is grown by small-scale producers and cooperatives. The largest coffee producing area in Kenya is the plateau around Mount Kenya. This kind of coffee is famous for its rich and bright acidity. The palate is complex and delicate, featuring juicy fruits such as blackcurrant and citrus and spicy wine flavors.

3. Burundi

Burundi is one of the ten poorest countries in the world. As an origin, it is relatively new to the international boutique coffee industry. However, it soon caused a sensation.

They export up to 100% of their coffee, and the bourbon varieties processed with water make up the high end.

The whole country of Burundi is relatively high above sea level. Its lowest point is more than 2500 feet and its highest point is more than 8700 feet above sea level. As a result, most of the coffee in the region has won the coveted title of strict high cultivation.

Because of the border between Burundi and Rwanda, you can expect the similarities of coffee between the two countries. The taste is clean and delicate, with bright fruit and floral aromas. Beans grown at high altitudes taste like citrus, ripe berries and tropical fruits. In contrast, chocolate and nuts are more intense and less acidic at lower altitudes.

4. Democratic Republic of the Congo

Decades of war and civil strife have caused losses to the coffee industry in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The establishment and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, clean water and electricity is therefore an ongoing challenge. Most importantly, high export taxes have resulted in many coffee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo being smuggled and sold under different names (2).

However, despite these difficulties, the Democratic Republic of the Congo managed to produce some very good coffee, mainly red bourbon varieties grown high in the Kivu Mountains. Kamabale Kisumba Kamungele, president of the Congo branch of the African boutique coffee association, said:

If coffee is properly cultivated and carefully processed, it will prove that its quality is very good.

Recently, assistance from development organizations and the Fine Coffee Association is helping to expand the industry. The best coffee in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has a rich and creamy taste. Looking for deep and full-bodied flavors, with berries, drupes, brown spices and potentially acidic citrus flavours.

5. Rwanda

The Rwandan genocide in the 1990s plunged the country into chaos and the coffee bean industry in Rwanda was hit hard. Nevertheless, due to the development of the national coffee strategy, it has gained renewed attention over the past two decades. Rwanda is now one of the top 30 coffee growers in the world, ranking ninth in Africa. Nevertheless, its future remains problematic as young people seek more stable employment (3).

As in other parts of the region, production comes mainly from small farms at high elevations. They all produce bourbon Arabica coffee. Most beans from Rwanda are wet-processed at public washing stations. Some of them are already famous for their high-quality products.

Rwandan caffeine is popular for its silky texture and rich mellow and is often described as creamy.

Flavors vary, including succulent berries, floral aromas, lemon or orange oranges, white chocolate, nuts, caramel and spices. The bright acidity of the best Rwandan coffee makes them comparable to the high-end Kenyan AA coffee.

6. Tanzania

Coffee is Tanzania's largest export crop, 70% of which are Arabica coffee beans, and it is playing an increasingly prominent role in the special coffee bean market. Japan is the largest importer of Tanzanian coffee, followed by the United States. Interestingly, most of the Tanzanian coffee exported to the United States is Tanzanian pea coffee, which is said to be sweeter and sweeter.

Coffee production is spread all over the country and there are nine main growing areas. Compared with other African countries, coffee varies greatly from place to place in Tanzania due to differences in altitude, climate, production and processing.

Most coffee is grown by small farmers and uses banana trees as natural shade. Some of the most high-end coffee is produced at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the most famous of which are Mosi, Kilimanjaro and Arusha. They all got the title of Strictly High Grown.

Tanzanian coffee is famous for its strong flavor and acidity. The highly cultivated African coffee beans from Mount Kilimanjaro are similar to some of the best Ethiopian coffee in fruity and floral aromas. You can taste kiwi fruits, juicy berries and sweet chocolate, while deeper barbecues produce spicier flavors.