Kivu Coffee Variety – Heirloom Coffee Beans From The Congo

There are a lot of coffee varieties around the world, however, not all of them are exclusive. When it comes to Kivu coffee beans, you can be sure that they can freely be called unique due to several important reasons. ​​These beans are grown on the rich volcanic soils that surround the beaches of Lake Kivu. Kivu is regarded as one of the top 1% of the world’s best-grade single estate coffees due to its unmistakable richness of flavor, smooth texture, and freshness. Kivu typically takes one month from harvest to cup, whereas other coffees might take up to two years – this makes this variety pretty attractive to the majority of coffee producers.

So, what Kivu beans are exactly? They are a variety of Arabica commonly grown in Congo. This location seems to have a perfect environment, enough rainfall, and a shadow to grow high-quality coffee beans. This coffee is pretty sweet as a light roast, with a blood-orange zest finish and a syrupy body. Kivu coffee has a full-bodied taste that fills the tongue and is likely to be a favorite of any light roast coffee enthusiast.

In this review, we are going to talk about everything you need to know about Kivu coffee, including its background and top products. So make sure to keep reading to explore more!

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The Background Of Kivu Coffee Beans

As we already mentioned, Kivu coffee beans are mostly grown in Congo. Congo is one of Africa’s richest countries when it comes to different natural resources. Despite this, it is one of the continent’s poorest countries. Coffee production, on the other hand, has the potential to pave the way for economic success. Let’s take a closer look at the history of coffee-producing in the country.

Coffee was Congo’s second-largest export after copper in the early 1980s. Mobuto had nationalized the sector in the 1970s, and output had gradually increased until the mid-1990s. At the time, Congo was a key global producer, generating approximately 120,000 tonnes per year. In 2010, coffee production was less than a tenth of what it had been two decades before. In desperation, several farmers sailed across Lake Kivu to sell their coffee on the Rwandan side. The territories around Kivu are regarded to be some of the most volatile, with periodic outbreaks of rebel warfare. Coffee, on the other hand, is increasingly viewed as a possible savior for the region.

Nowadays, Kivu is a large region that borders Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda. It is a coffee-growing region that also produces cotton, palm oil, and gold. Kivu Green coffee output has recently increased to 960 tons, representing a dip in the world market but it is expected to see a quick increase soon. Sopacdi is one coffee-growing cooperative with more than 8,000 members, and its coffees are certified both Fair Trade and Organic – this is an accomplishment given the industry’s challenges.

Top 4 Kivu Coffee Brands on Amazon

Getting Kivu coffee might not be very easy if you wish to get it directly from the country. The process is related to a lot of headaches including logistics, payments, and many more. However, for those that still wish to have a taste of these exclusive, high-quality coffee beans, we have some good news. I mostly buy my coffee from Amazon, as you have the possibility to purchase your favorite product with one simple click and get it at your doorstep in less than a day, which sounds pretty exciting. In order to save your time, we have already done our research on top Kivu coffee brands, and you can easily check them out in the list down below.

How We Rated Them

We pay attention to the following:

• Price

• Company Background

• Taste

• Shelf-life

• Additives

For more detailed information on how exactly we rate the coffee products we suggest in our guides, click here.

Individual Overviews of Our Top Choices

For coffee enthusiasts, simply naming our favorite products will not be enough as a lot of things influence your decision-making process. That is why we chose to do individual overviews of the best Kivu coffee beans – that way, you will have the possibility to make sure whether a specific product is worth your time, money, and attention. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the process of discovering your new favorite type of coffee.

Kivu noir Specialty Coffee

We are happy to start our list with Kivu noir specialty coffee. With this product, your cup of coffee will be incredibly delicate, with undertones of sweet orange and chocolate, a subtle cherry-lime finish, and a balanced richness that makes for a fantastic coffee drinking experience. Kivu noir coffee is sourced from the finest Single Estate coffee estates in Africa. This is a real one-of-a-kind and exquisite coffee, grown on the lush beaches of Lake Kivu.

The best thing about Kivu coffee beans is the fact that they do not only offer a good taste but also serve a great purpose. The producer behind this coffee – Kn strengthens and supports women for a better future. The main purpose is to maintain safe and healthy working conditions that will benefit all the parties involved.

From my personal experience, I can say that this coffee has a distinct flavor and is unlike anything I’d ever tasted. It is important to note that if you are picky about the flavor of your coffee, then this product might not be the best idea for you but if you want to be experimental, then it is definitely worth trying.

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Congo Organic Kivu

Congo Kivu coffee has a uniquely zesty and lively flavor. This coffee is herbaceous in the form of a light roast. Congo Kivu coffee has a full-bodied taste that fills the tongue and is likely to be a favorite of any light roast coffee enthusiast.

Before we talk more about the coffee itself, let’s take a look at the company behind it. Virunga Coffee, which was founded in 2011, provides us with this Organic Congo Kivu coffee. Their aim is to transform lives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo via mutually beneficial trade by becoming a significant coffee actor in the region. Virunga Coffee intends to do this by boosting the amount and quality of coffee in South and North Kivu. This is accomplished by concentrating on areas such as Good Agricultural Practices implementation, investment in processing infrastructure, and bringing an inventive attitude to find new methods to produce new goods.

Another important thing about this product is its packaging. The main reason why I liked it was the fact that it is not only good-looking but also has the ability to keep your coffee fresh for a long period of time. The 2-pound package of Congo Organic Kivu costs $24.99 which is a pretty competitive price considering the high-quality you get.

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Gran Parade Rwanda Kivu

The next on our list is Gran Parade Rwanda Kivu. This Rwandan coffee produced by women has a smooth chocolate body covered with vibrant berry and grape top notes that emerge as the coffee cools. It is considered a premium African coffee and shares some similarities with Kenya AA and Burundi Green Coffee Beans. So, if you love these two, then you will most probably be impressed by the taste of this product.

Within your first cup of coffee, it is possible to discover the notes of silky chocolate, blackberry, and marmalade. In terms of taste, this coffee will not be able to disappoint you. Additionally, if you love preparing your coffee from scratch, then I definitely recommend purchasing these Kivu coffee beans. As they come unroasted, you will be able to control the level of roast and produce the taste that suits your preferences the best. As for the brewing method, I personally used French Press, however, you are free to experiment and try other techniques as well.

A 16-ounce of this coffee costs $14.95 which is neither good nor bad. Personally, I would go for other options that offer better characteristics, however, this is still a perfect choice for those that love and enjoy unroasted coffee.

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Kivubelt Rwandan

Kivubelt Coffee is a 100% pure high-grade Arabica specialty coffee produced on the Rwandan shores of Lake Kivu. The high elevation, the humid tropical mist from Lake Kivu, and the rich volcanic soils coming from the Virunga volcanoes all combine to produce a perfect terroir for this one-of-a-kind coffee bean. Light dark roast with a moderate finish, is ideal for espresso, latte, and cappuccino, but also drip and french press coffee. This means endless tastes and possibilities for you!

One of the main characteristics of this coffee is the fact that it is very smooth with a buttery, somewhat sweet flavor. If you are a sweet coffee lover, then you will not need any sugar or creamer with this one as it already comes with a pretty sweet taste. Another great fact about this product is that the producer company helps over 500 Rwandan families by selling their coffee cherries. So if you are looking for Kivu coffee online, this one might be the best choice for you – but only if you love your coffee sweet.

Some might consider Kivubelt Rwanda a little bit pricey as a 16-ounce package costs $18.00 – however, the final product you get is definitely worth the investment you make.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Kivu Coffee Beans