Rwanda, Shyira - Natural

SWEET & FRUITY

Origin: Rwanda 
Region: Nyabihu District
Producer: Smallholder producers
Altitude: 1800-2000 masl
Variety: Red Bourbon
Process: Natural
Roast level: Light roast
SCA Score: 86 points

Built in 2017, Shyira is a washing station situated at 2,000 meters above sea level, collecting cherries from neighbouring smallholder producers. This is among the highest-grown coffee we know of in Rwanda, from a region where very few washing stations exist, making it especially unique. Cherries are handpicked on remote mountain plots and carried down narrow paths to be carefully sorted, washed, fermented, and dried on raised beds beneath alternating sun and fog.

Coffee cherries are hand-sorted to remove any underripe fruit or foreign matter. They are then floated in tanks to separate any remaining floaters before the drying process begins. After sorting, the coffee is laid evenly across raised beds, allowing consistent airflow while keeping it elevated to protect it from moisture and animals. The coffee dries for around 30 days, turned regularly during peak sun and covered at night. Once fully dried, the outer fruit layer is removed, leaving the green coffee ready for export.