Burundi Bavyeyi
Story
Jeanine Niyonzima-Aroian is without a doubt one of the most influential individuals in Burundi coffee today. Raised in Bujumbura, Jeanine would go on to earn an MBA and eventually reconnect with her birth country by founding Burundi Friends International. After a few years marketing Burundi coffees stateside, Jeanine realized she had every reason to lead the business, and JNP Coffee was born. JNP Coffee, along with a few local women’s rights advocates, formulated the Burundi chapter of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance.
Coffee grown in Ngozi Province has a special meaning for Jeanine, as that is where her mother grew up. Memories of her mother, leading the family’s coffee harvest to cover school fees, are woven into the name for this coffee. “Bavyeyi” in Kirundi translates to “parents,’’ a name given to honor the generations of hardworking parents whose labor in coffee provides shelter, nourishment, and educational opportunities to their children. The producer group is women-owned and works closely with JNP Coffee’s trained Q Graders in Burundi on best quality practices and lot curation. This coffee itself is comprised of five unique processing lots from different days throughout harvest. Drying naturals in the high and cool Ngozi climate is a painstakingly slow process, often taking 45 to 60 days to complete. Despite having one of the longest drying periods in the world, the cup profile is noticeably mild, expressing a piqued raisin sweetness, rich almond paste, and brisk orange acidity.
“Burundi coffee is exceptional. In the mountains of my country, warm days, cool nights and rich volcanic soil nurture the heritage coffee plants. JNP Coffee partners with the farmers of Burundi by paying them directly and based on the higher prices their coffees command. Paying for value empowers farmers to improve their lives.” – Jeanine Niyonzima-Aroian
The Bavyeyi is currently available on Slow Bar!
Coffee Notes
Tasting notes: Mixed Berry, Rhubarb, Graham Cracker, Milk Chocolate
Region: Ngozi Province, Burundi
Process: Natural
Altitude: 1800 m
Varietal: Bourbon
Producer: Bavyeyi Producer Group
