Experience a coffee like no other with Burundi Nemba Oro — bright, juicy, and bursting with fruit-forward flavour.
At Farrer’s, our heritage in coffee roasting stretches back generations, but our passion for discovery is always evolving. Every bean we roast tells a story — of place, people, and process — and our latest single-origin release, Burundi Nemba Oro Natural, is one of the most captivating yet.
From the Mountains of Burundi
This stunning coffee comes from the Nemba Washing Station in the northern province of Kayanza, Burundi, an area renowned for its rich volcanic soils and high-altitude conditions — perfect for cultivating exceptional Arabica coffee. Over 3,000 smallholder farmers, each with an average of just 150 trees, contribute their carefully handpicked cherries to Nemba Station.
The farms are situated around 1,700 metres above sea level, close to the Kibila Forest. This high elevation slows the ripening process, allowing the cherries to develop a natural sweetness and complex acidity that’s unique to the region.
The Art of Yeast-Inoculated Fermentation
What truly sets Nemba Oro Natural apart is its innovative yeast inoculated dry natural process, a technique that elevates the coffee’s flavour to extraordinary heights. During the harvest season, only the ripest cherries are handpicked before being placed in epoxy-coated concrete fermentation tanks.
Here, LALCAFÉ ORO™ yeast, developed by French company Lalcafe, is introduced to guide the fermentation process. The cherries are left to ferment for up to 80 hours — far longer than traditional washed coffees, which typically ferment for just 12 hours.
This extended fermentation allows a fuller development of flavour and aroma. The result? A cup that’s intensely juicy, bright, and complex, with a vibrant fruit character and delicate floral finish.
LALCAFÉ ORO™ also helps stabilise the process, preventing unwanted microorganisms from affecting the final profile. It’s a controlled, science-led approach that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation — exactly the kind of thoughtful production we value at Farrer’s.
The Flavour Experience
Once fermentation is complete, the coffee goes through meticulous washing and grading. Beans are separated into seven grades according to density, before being slowly dried for 10 to 14 days on raised tables under the Burundian sun.
This careful process results in an outstanding cup profile:
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Aroma: Pink grapefruit and blood orange
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Body: Juicy and honeyed
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Acidity: Bright, citric, and balanced
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Finish: Maple syrup sweetness with a hint of black pepper
On the palate, you’ll discover a symphony of flavours — raspberry, cherry, passionfruit, dark chocolate, rose, and elderflower — all working in harmony. It’s the kind of coffee that stops you mid-sip, urging you to savour each moment.
With a cup score of 87, Burundi Nemba Oro Natural sits comfortably within the specialty category, appealing to those who appreciate nuance and character in their coffee.
Sustainability and Community
At Farrer’s, we’re committed to sourcing coffees that not only taste exceptional but also have a positive impact on the communities behind them. The Nemba Station operates as part of a cooperative model, ensuring that smallholder farmers receive fair pay and ongoing support for sustainable agricultural practices.
The focus on quality, traceability, and environmental care means every cup of Nemba Oro Natural helps preserve Burundi’s coffee heritage while supporting the people who make it possible.
Brewing Tips
To truly experience this coffee’s complexity, we recommend manual brewing methods such as pour-over, Chemex, or Aeropress. These methods highlight its juicy acidity and floral aromatics. For espresso, expect a bold, fruit-forward shot with a lingering sweetness that pairs beautifully with milk.
Why You’ll Love Nemba Oro Natural
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Single-origin Red Bourbon from Burundi’s renowned Kayanza region
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Unique yeast inoculated natural process for enhanced sweetness and depth
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Ethically and sustainably sourced from smallholder farmers
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Cup Score: 87 — certified specialty coffee quality
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Flavour Profile: Bright citrus, red berries, dark chocolate, and passionfruit
Whether you’re an adventurous coffee lover or a curious newcomer to specialty brews, Nemba Oro Natural offers something truly special — a taste of Burundi’s rich terroir and the dedication of its producers, brought to life by Farrer’s expertise.