7 Essential African Coffees
The Best African Coffee
The Birthplace of Coffee & African Beans
African coffee beans come from a wide variety of growing regions that are spread across many different countries. Coffee from Africa benefits from an ideal climate due to a close proximity to the Earth’s equator.
If you’re familiar with the coffee Africa has to offer, you probably know that Ethiopian coffee and Kenyan coffee are the most widely recognized African coffee beans. But if you stop there, you’ll miss out on some of the best African coffee!
Here's a quick summary of picks for best African coffee brands!
The Coffee | Available As... |
|---|---|
Rwanda Ritesi | |
Ethiopian Yirgacheffe | |
Burundi Kavugangoma | |
Can't decide? Tanzanian Peaberry is a personal favorite. Or if you think you've tried it all, Congo Kivu could be a nice change of pace!
African Coffee Taste Profiles
As you can probably guess, there is an immense variety Among the flavor profiles of coffees from Africa. Variance in a number of factors that contribute to the final taste of coffee exist among the numerous coffee growing regions spread across Africa.
Each specific growing region within each specific country has a distinguished combinations of these factors. As a result of this, many unique and tasty coffee profiles are produced!
Although African beans are extremely variable, you are likely to find that they have some of the following characteristics;
These are of course, just generalizations. It's worth taking a closer look at the intricacies put forth by each African country in it's own right.
We've taken the liberty of selecting representations from 7 different African countries that showcase the best that the country has to offer!
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African Coffee History
The history of coffee in Africa is fascinating and spans several centuries. Coffee is believed to have originated in Ethiopia, making Africa the birthplace of coffee cultivation and consumption. The story of coffee in Africa is closely tied to ancient traditions, trade routes, colonial influences, and its emergence as a major player in the global coffee industry.
The Legend of Kaldi
According to popular legend, coffee was discovered in Ethiopia by a goat herder named Kaldi in the 9th century. Kaldi noticed that his goats became unusually energetic after eating the red berries from a certain plant. Curious about this effect, Kaldi tried the berries himself and experienced a similar stimulating sensation. This discovery led to the cultivation and consumption of coffee in the region.
Early Coffee Cultivation in Ethiopia
Coffee cultivation in Ethiopia began as early as the 14th century. The Arabica coffee plant, known as Coffea arabica, thrived in Ethiopia's highlands, particularly in regions such as Harar and Sidamo. Ethiopians developed unique coffee preparation methods, such as the traditional coffee ceremony, which became an important cultural and social event in Ethiopian society.
Coffee Trade and the Arabian Peninsula
By the 15th century, coffee had spread beyond Ethiopia to other parts of the Arabian Peninsula, including Yemen and the Arabian Gulf. Coffeehouses, known as "qahveh khaneh," became popular social gathering places where people would drink coffee, engage in discussions, and play games. The trade in coffee beans and coffee drinking culture spread to Persia, Egypt, and the Ottoman Empire.
The Spread of Coffee in Africa
Coffee cultivation gradually expanded to other parts of Africa. In the 17th century, coffee was introduced to present-day Sudan and later reached the eastern African coast, including present-day Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania. Arab traders played a significant role in disseminating coffee cultivation across the region.
Colonial Influence
During the European colonial era in the 19th and 20th centuries, coffee cultivation was further promoted and expanded in African colonies. Countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (then known as Belgian Congo) became significant coffee producers.
The Rise of African Coffee Producers
After gaining independence in the mid-20th century, several African countries established themselves as important players in the global coffee industry. Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, among others, became known for producing high-quality Arabica coffee. In West Africa, countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Cameroon became notable for Robusta coffee production.
Challenges and Opportunities
African coffee-producing countries have faced various challenges, including price fluctuations, climate change, political instability, and limited access to markets. However, many of these countries have embraced specialty coffee production and sustainable practices to showcase the unique flavors and characteristics of their coffee beans.
Today, Africa is a significant coffee-producing continent, with several countries contributing to the global coffee supply. African coffees are valued for their diverse flavors, ranging from fruity and floral to chocolaty and nutty, making them sought after in specialty coffee markets worldwide. The history of coffee in Africa continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to strengthen the coffee industry, improve livelihoods for coffee farmers, and preserve the rich coffee heritage of the continent.
The Best African Coffees
We have put together a list of the best coffees Africa has to offer. Here are 7 African coffees from 7 different countries, have a look!
1. Kenya AA Coffee
Roasted By: Volcanica Coffee
Roast: Medium
Taste: Rich, sweet, notes of wine, citrus and berries
Kenya AA coffee is considered by many to be one of the best coffees in the world. This medium roast has an intensely sweet aroma and is very rich. Sweet notes of berries and citrus and a vibrant wine-toned acidity make this a seriously stand-out African coffee. If you're a coffee drinker, you owe it to yourself to try a Kenya AA coffee, and this is a spectacular option!
Drip, Espresso & French Press Grinds available.
Not available as single serve
2. Congo Kivu Coffee
Roasted By: Fresh Roasted Coffee
Roast: Light
Taste: Rich, notes of cinammon, tart apple and chocolate
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a lesser known producer of African coffee. These lightly roasted beans offer a truly distinguished taste profile. If you think you've tried it all, this might be a nice change of pace for you! A pleasant bitterness is accompanied by notes of cinnamon, chocolate and tart apple. Typically, those that enjoy coffee from Congo, REALLY enjoy it. The only way to find out, is to give it a try!
Coarse, Drip & Fine Grind available!
3. Rwanda Ritesi Coffee
Roasted By: Cooper's Coffee Company
Roast: Medium-Dark
Taste: Rich, notes of caramel, brown sugar & ginger
Rwandan coffee is gaining in popularity, which is great for their local farmers and coffee drinkers world-wide! Competing in the African coffee game is tough, but Rwanda beans offer something distinguished enough to succeed nonetheless! This coffee has a sweet flavor profile with hints of brown sugar and caramel. If you are a fan of African coffee, you should definitely give some Rwanda beans a try!
French Press, Drip, Espresso & Turkish Grind available!
Not available as single serve
4. Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Coffee
Roasted By: Cubico Coffee
Roast: Medium
Taste: Complex, lime, floral & dark chocolate notes
Coffee from Ethiopia is very highly regarded, and for a good reason. Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee is another contender for best coffee in the world. These beans produce a complex cup that balances notes of lime and dark chocolate perfectly with a citric acidity and fruity sweetness. The fruity flavors fade away for a nice chocolate finish. Yirgacheffe beans are truly something special.
Not available as single serve
5. Tanzanian Peaberry Coffee
Roasted By: Volcanica Coffee
Roast: Medium
Taste: Rich, notes of fruit & wine
Tanzanian Peaberry coffee is another elite-tier coffee that is among the top coffees in the world. This Tanzanian coffee consists entirely of peaberries, which are thought to produce a more concentrated flavor profile. This coffee is rich, with notes of fruit and wine. A bright wine-toned acidity sticks around for a dry, yet light finish. You really need to just try a Tanzanian Peaberry to understand all of the hype around it.
Drip, Espresso & French Press Grinds available.
Not available as single serve
6. Burundi Kavugangoma Coffee
Roasted By: Mt. Whitney Coffee Roasters
Roast: Medium
Taste: Sweet, notes of brown sugar, tamarind & dark chocolate
This Burundi coffee and Mt. Whitney Coffee Roasters are both worthy of high praise. ALL of the profits that this fine roaster makes goes to the Father's Heart International Foundation! These medium roasted Burundi beans produce a sweet coffee with notes of brown sugar, dark chocolate and tamarind. A bright, wine-toned acidity that is characteristic of many African coffees is also prominent in this cup. This is another great African coffee that deserves more attention than it gets!
Not available as single serve
7. Uganda Bugisu Coffee
Roasted By: Teasia
Roast: Medium
Taste: Rich, notes of cherry, nuts and chocolate
Uganda is second only to Ethiopia in terms of coffee production. That being said, the majority of the Ugandan beans harvested are of the Robusta species. Uganda does however, produce some very high quality Arabica beans as well. This medium roasted Ugandan coffee is quite rich, showcasing notes of cherry, nut and chocolate. The signature bright wine-toned acidity is in full force here. Fans of African coffee should definitely check this one out!
Not available as ground coffee
Not available as single serve
How many different African coffees have you tried?
Are there any must-try coffees you would add to our list?
Let us know!
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