●BURUNDI GITWENGE ( COE 2019#2)[C]

Burundi is a small country located in the south of Lake Tanganyika.

It is the poorest country in the world and has the lowest GDP in Africa. They also had the same tribal conflicts that Rwanda experienced. Unlike Rwanda, Burundi hasn’t experienced reconciliation yet.

Coffee is a big part of the economy in Burundi.

Coffee farms are mainly at a 1,600 meter elevation, beans are good and become firm due to a big temperature gap between day and night.

Coffee is their top export and is a crucial part of Burundi’s economy.

The average coffee farm size and quantity of production are quite small. Many small farmers bring their harvested coffee cherries to a washing station for processing.

Gitwenge washing station is located in the town of Gatara in the Kayanza Providence. They started in the 1990s and are known for their high skill.

On average there are 2500 coffee producers contributing to Gitwenge. All their beans are processed together, and they are divided based on their flavor quality and profile.

It means there are many varieties of coffee cherries from over 100 producers in one lot.

Gitwenge washing station became a prime location for purchasing coffee cherries from other products.

They are also passionate about education.

They teach other farmers about the best planting time, wet mill processing, drying in raised African beds, and harvesting and special picking for coffee cherries.

As a result, many lots won awards at Cup of Excellence from this washing station.

Burundian coffee has a light mouthfeel, a refreshing acidity, and sweetness reminiscent f orange and other citrus. It’s perfect as an everyday coffee. 

These beans are a Takamura exclusive.