Simbi: The Story of a Resilient Coffee
At OR Coffee, we have a deep connection to the coffee from Simbi Coffee Washing Station, located in Rwanda's beautiful Huye district. This is more than just coffee; it's a story of hope and resilience. After the dark events of 1994, coffee has helped establish Rwanda as a top producer of specialty beans.
Our friend, Abdul Rudahunga, was inspired by his grandmother's coffee legacy and now supervises a community of around 1,850 small farmers. For years, they have been producing exceptional coffee for us, with each bean reflecting their dedication to quality.
The Journey from Cherry to Cup
The journey of Simbi coffee is a meticulous process. It starts with farmers hand-picking and carefully sorting each coffee cherry before it arrives at the washing station. Established in 2013, the station is equipped to process a significant amount of coffee each season.
Once the cherries are pulped, they go through a wet fermentation process and are then sorted by density in water channels. The parchment is dried for 24 hours under cover, then for an average of 15 days on uncovered drying beds. This careful process ensures that every bean carries the unique flavors that make Rwandan coffee so special.