Rugali, Rwanda
Rwanda Rugali Natural – Sun-Dried Sweetness from Lake Kivu's Highlands
Experience the vibrant heart of Rwandan coffee with Coffeeangel’s Rugali Natural. Grown in the fertile volcanic soils of Nyamasheke District along the shores of Lake Kivu, this naturally processed Red Bourbon microlot bursts with ripe fruit character and syrupy sweetness.
Delivery
- Local Collection from our shops - FREE
- Orders over €35.00 to all-Ireland address - FREE
- Orders €35.00 or less to all-Ireland address - €8.50
- Orders to the mainland UK - €15.50
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Rugali, Rwanda
The Coffee.
- Origin: Nyamasheke District, Rwanda
- Washing Station: Rugali
- Producer Network: Over 1,000 smallholder families
- Variety: Red Bourbon
- Process: Natural (Sun-dried, 30 days on raised beds)
- Altitude: 1,450–1,600 metres above sea level
- Harvest: March – July
Taste profile.
Aroma: Fig
Flavour: Marmalade, Hibiscus, Blueberry
Acidity: Medium-High
Body: Full
The Story.
Established in 2016, Rugali Washing Station quickly became a pioneer in Rwanda’s specialty coffee movement, being among the first to legally produce and export natural processed coffees. Today, Rugali partners with over 1,000 smallholder families, providing vital income, technical support, and fostering knowledge-sharing throughout the community. The station’s location on the shores of Lake Kivu offers a unique microclimate-mild temperatures, volcanic soils, and ample rainfall-creating ideal conditions for slow cherry maturation and exceptional cup profiles.
Rugali is more than a coffee station; it’s a hub for local markets, economic activity, and positive change, championing female participation and sustainability in the Rwandan coffee sector.
Natural Processing.
Selective Harvest: Only the ripest cherries are hand-picked and sorted by smallholder farmers.
Pre-drying Floatation: Cherries are floated to remove underripe or damaged fruit, then cleaned to ensure only the best proceed.
Sun Drying: Whole cherries are spread in thin layers on raised African beds for 30 days, turned constantly during the day and covered at night for gradual, even drying.
Hand Sorting: Cherries are meticulously sorted throughout drying to remove any defective fruit, ensuring clarity and purity in the cup.
Final Preparation:Once fully dried, the fruit is hulled and the green coffee is laser-sorted and packed for export.
Why Rugali Natural Stands Out?
Expect a cup bursting with marmalade sweetness, floral hibiscus, and juicy blueberry. The fig aroma, medium-high acidity, and full, syrupy body make Rugali Natural a truly memorable Rwandan coffee-perfect for adventurous palates and those who love a fruit-forward brew.
Sustainability & Community Impact.
Rugali’s commitment to sustainability starts at the farm, where organic compost made from coffee pulp nourishes the soil and intercropping with bananas and beans enhances biodiversity. The station provides vital support and education to local farmers, reinvests in community initiatives, and has become a model for positive change in the region.
Brewing Recommendations.
Filter: 1:16 coffee to water ratio, 92–94°C water, medium grind, 2:30–3:00 minutes
Espresso: 19–20g dose, 40–50g yield, 22–25 seconds, 94°C
Best for: Pour-over, Aeropress, or immersion methods to highlight clarity and sweetness