Burundi Long Miles Coffee: A Journey from Bean to Cup
Welcome to the captivating world of Burundi Long Miles Coffee, a story etched with dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of exceptional quality. This isn’t just about coffee; it’s about a movement that’s transforming communities and elevating the standards of specialty coffee in East Africa. Join us as we delve into the heart of Burundi, exploring the unique origins, meticulous processing methods, distinct flavor profiles, and profound ethical impact of Long Miles Coffee.
The Story Behind Long Miles Coffee: Planting Seeds of Change
Long Miles Coffee (LMC) is more than just a coffee company; it’s a social enterprise rooted in a deep commitment to empowering Burundian coffee farmers. Founded by Ben and Kristina Carlson, LMC was born from a vision to create sustainable livelihoods and improve the quality of life for the people who dedicate their lives to cultivating this precious bean. The story begins with a simple yet powerful question: how can we bridge the gap between coffee producers and consumers, ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation and recognition for their hard work?
In 2011, the Carlsons embarked on their journey, immersing themselves in the Burundian coffee landscape. They quickly recognized the immense potential for producing exceptional coffee, but also the significant challenges faced by farmers, including limited access to markets, inadequate infrastructure, and fluctuating coffee prices. These challenges often left farmers struggling to make ends meet, despite their tireless efforts.
LMC’s approach is multifaceted, focusing on several key areas: building washing stations closer to farmers, providing agronomic training and support, connecting farmers directly to international buyers, and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. By addressing these critical needs, LMC has helped to transform the coffee industry in Burundi, creating a more equitable and sustainable future for coffee farmers and their families.
Building Bridges: Washing Stations and Farmer Relationships
One of the most significant contributions of Long Miles Coffee has been the establishment of strategically located washing stations. These stations are not just processing facilities; they are community hubs, offering farmers access to essential resources and services. Prior to LMC’s arrival, many farmers had to travel long distances to deliver their coffee cherries to processing facilities, often incurring significant transportation costs and time. By building washing stations closer to the farms, LMC has reduced these burdens and made it easier for farmers to participate in the specialty coffee market.
Furthermore, LMC invests heavily in building strong relationships with farmers. They employ a team of agronomists who provide ongoing training and support, helping farmers to improve their farming practices, increase their yields, and enhance the quality of their coffee. This support includes guidance on everything from soil management and pruning techniques to pest control and disease prevention. LMC also provides farmers with access to high-quality seedlings and other essential inputs, helping them to maximize their potential.
Transparency and Traceability: Connecting Consumers to the Source
Long Miles Coffee is committed to transparency and traceability, ensuring that consumers can trace their coffee back to the specific farm or washing station where it was grown and processed. This level of transparency is crucial for building trust and fostering a deeper connection between consumers and producers. By knowing the story behind their coffee, consumers can appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into producing each cup.
LMC uses a sophisticated tracking system that allows them to monitor the entire coffee production process, from the moment the cherries are harvested to the point where the green beans are exported. This system provides detailed information about the origin of the coffee, the processing methods used, and the farmers who grew it. This information is then shared with buyers and consumers, allowing them to make informed choices and support coffee farmers directly.
The Terroir of Burundi: A Land Perfect for Coffee Cultivation
Burundi, a small landlocked country in East Africa, boasts an ideal terroir for cultivating exceptional coffee. Its high altitudes, rich volcanic soil, and abundant rainfall create the perfect conditions for growing coffee beans with complex flavors and distinct characteristics. The majority of Burundi’s coffee is grown in the mountainous regions, where the cool temperatures and well-drained soil contribute to the slow maturation of the cherries, resulting in a higher concentration of sugars and acids.
The country’s unique geography plays a crucial role in shaping the flavor profile of Burundi coffee. The high altitudes slow down the ripening process, allowing the beans to develop more complex flavors and aromas. The volcanic soil is rich in nutrients, providing the coffee plants with the essential elements they need to thrive. And the abundant rainfall ensures that the plants receive adequate hydration, resulting in plump, juicy cherries.
Key Growing Regions: Exploring the Varied Landscapes
While coffee is grown throughout Burundi, there are several key regions that are particularly renowned for their exceptional coffee production. These regions include Kayanza, Ngozi, and Muyinga, each with its own unique microclimate and soil composition. Kayanza, located in the north of Burundi, is known for its high-altitude coffee and its vibrant acidity. Ngozi, situated in the central part of the country, is celebrated for its balanced flavor and its smooth, creamy body. Muyinga, located in the northeast, is prized for its complex aromatics and its delicate sweetness.
The differences in terroir between these regions contribute to the diversity of flavors found in Burundi coffee. By exploring coffees from different regions, consumers can discover a wide range of taste experiences, from bright and fruity to rich and chocolatey.
Bourbon Variety: The King of Burundi Coffee
The Bourbon variety is the dominant coffee varietal grown in Burundi, accounting for the vast majority of the country’s coffee production. Bourbon is a high-quality Arabica varietal known for its complex flavors, vibrant acidity, and delicate sweetness. It’s a descendant of the original Arabica varietals introduced to the island of Bourbon (now Réunion) in the 18th century. Bourbon is well-suited to the high altitudes and cool temperatures of Burundi, and it thrives in the country’s rich volcanic soil.
The Bourbon variety is prized for its ability to produce exceptional coffee under the right conditions. However, it’s also a relatively challenging varietal to cultivate, requiring careful attention to detail and diligent management. Farmers must be vigilant about pruning, fertilizing, and protecting the plants from pests and diseases. But the rewards for their hard work are well worth the effort, as Bourbon coffee can command premium prices in the specialty coffee market.
The Art of Processing: Unlocking the Flavor Potential
The processing method used to transform coffee cherries into green beans has a profound impact on the final flavor of the coffee. Long Miles Coffee employs a variety of processing methods, each designed to highlight the unique characteristics of the beans. The most common processing method used by LMC is the washed process, which involves removing the pulp from the cherries before drying the beans. However, they also experiment with other methods, such as natural processing and honey processing, to create coffees with distinctive flavor profiles.
Regardless of the processing method used, LMC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency. They invest heavily in training their staff and providing them with the resources they need to perform their jobs effectively. They also implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure that every batch of coffee meets their exacting standards.
Washed Process: Clean, Bright, and Balanced
The washed process is the most common processing method used for Burundi Long Miles Coffee. This method involves removing the outer skin and pulp of the coffee cherries shortly after harvesting. The beans are then fermented in water tanks for a period of time, which helps to remove the remaining mucilage. After fermentation, the beans are washed thoroughly to remove any residual sugars or pulp. Finally, the beans are dried on raised beds or patios until they reach the desired moisture content.
The washed process typically results in coffees that are clean, bright, and balanced, with a distinct acidity and a crisp, refreshing flavor. It allows the inherent characteristics of the coffee beans to shine through, highlighting the nuances of the terroir and the varietal.
Natural Process: Fruity, Bold, and Complex
The natural process, also known as the dry process, involves drying the whole coffee cherries in the sun without removing the pulp. This method allows the sugars and acids from the fruit to penetrate the beans, resulting in coffees that are fruity, bold, and complex. The natural process requires careful monitoring and management, as the cherries are susceptible to mold and over-fermentation if not dried properly.
Natural processed coffees often have a distinctive sweetness and a syrupy body. They can exhibit a wide range of fruit flavors, such as berries, stone fruit, and tropical fruit. The natural process is a more labor-intensive method than the washed process, but it can produce coffees with exceptional flavor and complexity.
Honey Process: Sweet, Syrupy, and Balanced
The honey process, also known as the pulped natural process, is a hybrid between the washed process and the natural process. This method involves removing the outer skin of the coffee cherries, but leaving a portion of the mucilage (the sticky, sugary substance surrounding the beans) intact. The beans are then dried in the sun with the mucilage still attached. The amount of mucilage left on the beans can vary, resulting in different levels of sweetness and body in the final coffee.
Honey processed coffees typically have a sweet, syrupy body and a balanced acidity. They can exhibit flavors of honey, caramel, and brown sugar. The honey process requires careful monitoring and management, as the mucilage can attract insects and promote mold growth if not dried properly.
Tasting Burundi Long Miles Coffee: A Symphony of Flavors
Burundi Long Miles Coffee is renowned for its exceptional flavor profiles, which are characterized by bright acidity, complex aromatics, and a delicate sweetness. The specific flavor notes can vary depending on the origin of the coffee, the processing method used, and the roasting profile. However, some common flavor descriptors include: citrus, floral, berries, chocolate, caramel, and honey.
The high altitudes and rich volcanic soil of Burundi contribute to the development of complex flavors in the coffee beans. The Bourbon varietal, which is the dominant varietal grown in Burundi, is known for its exceptional flavor potential. And the meticulous processing methods employed by Long Miles Coffee help to unlock the full flavor potential of the beans.
Acidity: Bright, Crisp, and Refreshing
The acidity in Burundi Long Miles Coffee is typically bright, crisp, and refreshing. It adds a lively zest to the cup and helps to balance the sweetness. The acidity can range from citric to malic, depending on the origin of the coffee and the processing method used. Citric acidity is reminiscent of lemon or lime, while malic acidity is similar to apple or pear.
The acidity in coffee is influenced by a variety of factors, including the altitude at which the coffee is grown, the soil composition, and the processing method used. High-altitude coffees tend to have higher acidity, as the cooler temperatures slow down the ripening process and allow the beans to develop more complex acids.
Aroma: Floral, Fruity, and Complex
The aroma of Burundi Long Miles Coffee is typically floral, fruity, and complex. It can range from delicate and subtle to bold and intense, depending on the origin of the coffee and the processing method used. Common aroma descriptors include: jasmine, honeysuckle, bergamot, berries, citrus, and chocolate.
The aroma of coffee is created by a complex mixture of volatile compounds that are released when the coffee is roasted and brewed. These compounds are influenced by a variety of factors, including the origin of the coffee, the varietal, the processing method used, and the roasting profile.
Body: Smooth, Creamy, and Balanced
The body of Burundi Long Miles Coffee is typically smooth, creamy, and balanced. It refers to the tactile sensation of the coffee in your mouth, and it can range from light and delicate to full and rich. The body of coffee is influenced by the amount of oils and solids that are extracted during brewing.
Coffees that are grown at high altitudes tend to have a denser body, as the cooler temperatures slow down the ripening process and allow the beans to develop more complex compounds. The processing method used can also influence the body of coffee. Natural processed coffees tend to have a fuller body than washed processed coffees, as the sugars and acids from the fruit contribute to the body of the coffee.
Brewing Recommendations: Unlocking the Perfect Cup
To fully appreciate the exceptional flavor of Burundi Long Miles Coffee, it’s important to use proper brewing techniques. The ideal brewing method will depend on your personal preferences, but some general recommendations include: using filtered water, grinding your beans fresh, and using a precise coffee-to-water ratio.
Experimenting with different brewing methods and parameters can help you to unlock the full potential of Burundi Long Miles Coffee and discover your perfect cup.
Pour-Over: Highlighting Clarity and Nuance
The pour-over method is a popular brewing technique that allows you to have precise control over the brewing process. It involves slowly pouring hot water over a bed of coffee grounds, allowing the water to saturate the grounds and extract the flavors. The pour-over method is known for highlighting the clarity and nuance of the coffee.
For Burundi Long Miles Coffee, a medium-fine grind is recommended for pour-over brewing. The water temperature should be between 195°F and 205°F. The coffee-to-water ratio should be around 1:15 to 1:17. The brewing time should be around 3 to 4 minutes.
French Press: Emphasizing Body and Richness
The French press is a simple and forgiving brewing method that is known for emphasizing the body and richness of the coffee. It involves steeping coffee grounds in hot water for a period of time, then pressing the grounds to the bottom of the container. The French press produces a full-bodied cup of coffee with a rich, sediment-filled texture.
For Burundi Long Miles Coffee, a coarse grind is recommended for French press brewing. The water temperature should be between 195°F and 205°F. The coffee-to-water ratio should be around 1:12 to 1:15. The steeping time should be around 4 minutes.
Espresso: Concentrated Flavor and Intensity
Espresso is a concentrated brewing method that uses high pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee beans. It produces a small, intense shot of coffee with a rich crema (a layer of foamy, reddish-brown liquid on top). Espresso is the foundation for many popular coffee drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.
For Burundi Long Miles Coffee, a fine grind is recommended for espresso brewing. The water temperature should be around 200°F. The pressure should be around 9 bars. The brewing time should be around 25 to 30 seconds.
Ethical Sourcing: Supporting Sustainable Communities
Long Miles Coffee is committed to ethical sourcing practices, ensuring that coffee farmers receive fair compensation and are treated with respect. They work directly with farmers to build long-term relationships and provide them with the resources they need to improve their livelihoods. LMC also invests in community development projects, such as building schools and providing access to healthcare.
By choosing Burundi Long Miles Coffee, you are supporting a sustainable and ethical coffee industry that benefits both farmers and consumers.
Fair Prices and Direct Trade Relationships
Long Miles Coffee pays farmers significantly higher prices for their coffee than they would receive through traditional commodity markets. This allows farmers to earn a living wage and invest in their farms and families. LMC also establishes direct trade relationships with farmers, cutting out intermediaries and ensuring that farmers receive a larger share of the profits.
Direct trade relationships also allow LMC to have greater control over the quality of the coffee and to provide farmers with feedback on their farming practices. This helps farmers to improve the quality of their coffee and increase their yields.
Community Development Projects: Investing in the Future
Long Miles Coffee is committed to investing in community development projects that improve the quality of life for coffee farmers and their families. These projects include building schools, providing access to healthcare, and supporting sustainable agriculture practices.
By investing in these projects, LMC is helping to create a more sustainable and equitable future for coffee-growing communities in Burundi.
Conclusion: A Coffee with a Purpose
Burundi Long Miles Coffee is more than just a delicious beverage; it’s a coffee with a purpose. It’s a coffee that is grown with care, processed with precision, and sourced ethically. It’s a coffee that supports sustainable communities and empowers coffee farmers to improve their lives.
By choosing Burundi Long Miles Coffee, you are not only enjoying a cup of exceptional coffee, but you are also making a positive impact on the world. You are supporting a coffee industry that values quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.
We encourage you to explore the world of Burundi Long Miles Coffee and discover the unique flavors and stories that it has to offer. Thank you for joining us on this journey from bean to cup.
