Bourbon Arabica: Rwanda’s legacy crop

Bourbon Arabica coffee cherries

The Bourbon Arabica coffee variant holds a significant place in Rwanda's coffee history, tracing its roots back to the island of Bourbon, now Réunion Island, in the Indian Ocean.

This particular strain of Arabica coffee is renowned for its exceptional cup quality, characterized by a smooth body, balanced acidity, and pronounced sweetness.

It is believed to have been introduced to the island of Bourbon in the early 18th century, likely brought from Yemen or Ethiopia by French settlers. Over time, Bourbon Arabica became established as one of the primary coffee cultivars on the island, renowned for its exceptional cup quality and distinct flavor profile.

The variety eventually spread to other coffee-growing regions, including Rwanda, where it found favorable growing conditions and became an integral part of the country's coffee industry. Today, Bourbon Arabica is celebrated for its heirloom status and its contribution to the world of specialty coffee.

Today, Bourbon coffee is one of the most prevalent cultivars in Rwanda, contributing to the country's reputation as a producer of high-quality specialty coffee.

The journey of Bourbon Arabica to Rwanda not only underscores the nation's rich coffee heritage but also highlights the resilience and ingenuity of Rwandan farmers in nurturing and advancing their coffee industry.