Rwanda Kilimbi Honey
Rwanda is known as the “land of a thousand hills” and coffee is widely cultivated across most of those hills. Coffee is grown as a cash crop by upwards of 400000 smallholders whose farms are measured not in land area but number of trees. The average farmer has 200 trees and will sell their harvest to a local washing station. The first Central Washing Station (CWS) was built in 2001 and with strong government incentives in place that number has grown to over 300. This policy has seen an improvement in quality and added a 40% premium to the export value of Rwandan coffee.
Traceability
Country – Rwanda
Region – Nyamasheke District
Producer – 750 farmers supplying to Kilimbi Washing Station, processed and exported by Muraho Trading Co.
Altitude – 1650-1850masl
Specifics – Kilimbi washing station is one of the two first washing stations to be granted approval to produce natural and honey processed coffee in Rwanda by NAEB. The elevation of Kilimbi lends itself incredibly well to the production of exceptional washed, honeys and naturals. Drying beds stretch across a large open plain, where airflow and sunlight have maximum exposure to the coffee as it dries. Built in 2016, it is the birthplace of Muraho Trading Company, as their first washing station.
Like Gisheke, Kilimbi is only accessible by boat, with farmers travelling across Lake Kivu to deliver their farm’s harvests. Its estimated annual production is approximately 300 MT, which is produced each harvest into volumes of honey, washed, and naturally processed coffees.
At Kilimbi they have experimented with various honey processing techniques and currently use a refined process involving pre-pulp floatation to remove debris and low-density beans. After de-pulping, the coffee retains most of its mucilage, which is then gently rinsed to remove any floaters. The drying process at Kilimbi is carefully managed, with coffee laid out on drying beds between noon and 3 pm to maximize sun exposure and minimize the risk of over-fermentation. The coffee is dried for 35 days, with constant turning during the day and covering at night, ensuring consistent moisture levels and even drying for optimal quality.
HOBE HOBE HOBE OUR KILIMBI FAMILY!
Muraho Trading Company (MTCo.) is the brainchild of two brothers who were raised to call Rwanda home. They are driven to showcase to the world what Rwanda specialty coffee is all about. However, not only the coffee but more importantly the people and country that have given them so much. Rwanda has come very far from the horrific genocide against the Tutsi that took place in 1994 to the striving country it is today. This unbelievable turnaround is a huge credit to the Rwandese people and signifies the true meaning of HOPE to the rest of the world.
Phytology
Botanical species – Arabica
Varietal – Red Bourbon
Harvest period – March-July
Process – Honey process and sundried
Screen size – 15+
Bag Size – 60kgs
Packaging – GrainPro
Application Suggestion
Single Origin
Espresso
Filter
Sensory
S8011984-16 – Dried apricots, sweet aroma. Stoned fruits, dried peaches in flavour, malic acidity, creamy body.
Roast
Light/Medium
Medium