COFFEE INFO

COUNTRY: Rwanda
REGION: Karongi, Western Province
PRODUCER: Gitesi Washing Station
VARIETY: Red Bourbon
PROCESS: Natural

We’re super excited to present this natural processed lot from the Gitesi Washing Station in Rwanda’s Korongi district. Alexis and Aime Gahizi have been producing exceptional washed lots from several smallholder farmers through Gitesi since its inception in 2006 and their work with natural processing has had the same well-informed, dedicated approach to quality and sustainability.

Farmers make several passes of the trees, harvesting only ripe cherry and delivering
small, daily lots. Once at the station, work begins immediately with cherries sorted, floated and laid out to dry in a singular layer, ensuring even air circulation to reduce the chance of processing defects. This process is labour intensive, but the resulting lots are well-worth the effort. We’re delighted to be roasting and drinking what we think is a really special cup of coffee, one that's lip-smackingly tasty to boot!

Gitesi is both Rainforest Alliance and Cafe Practices certified. Part of their success
through the years comes from maintaining good relationships with producers through
offering competitive pricing, as well as incentivising quality through training in agricultural practices, financial literacy, crop provisions, and a successful cow distribution project to lower income families!