30 MILES: COFFEE AND TEA

Coffee and tea are Burundi's largest exports and play a vital role in the country’s economy accounting for up to 80 percent of foreign currency earnings. During the harvest of raw and green coffee, the sector plays also a key role in stimulating the rural economy. Coffee accounts for about one third of the country's total export income.

Burundi’s coffee has become legendary for its clean delicate flavor, rich body, and bright acidity. The coffee from this country can also show some wild and fruity notes, and have a sweet berry taste, floral notes, hints of citrus, blueberry, or even pineapple. Burundi produces over 40,000 metric tons annually, mainly exported to Europe, the United States of America, and the rest of Africa.  It is the 15th largest tea producer worldwide and 90% of coffee harvested is exported.

With most of the coffee being exported, coffee is not widely consumed by locals, and especially not the farmers who grow it. The coffee cherries are too valuable for most farmers to keep and dry for home consumption. It’s a common daily ritual for farmers to drink a glass of fresh milk, or a thermos of hot tea, but almost never coffee.  

It is a reminder that coffee is a precious commodity. There are coffee farmers the world over who spend their days caring for this delicate crop and might never get a chance to taste it. It is a reminder that it is a privilege to be able to buy, brew, and drink coffee so easily in other parts of the world daily.