Gakenke, Espresso - Burundi

The Gakenke washing station has 1,780 member farmers, spread over 22 hills in the commune of Gatare, in the province of Kayanza. These farmers are organized into groups of 30 people, each led by a production manager in order to facilitate communication and organization with the washing station. Each farmer owns an average of 250 coffee trees These farmers are organised into groups of 30 people, each led by a production manager in order to facilitate communication and organisation with the washing station. The focus on high-quality processing gives the coffee a juicy and floral aromatic profile, with notes of black tea, red fruits.

In Burundi, most coffee trees are of the Red Bourbon variety, which is appreciated for its quality. This coffee is IMPACT certified, ensuring that agricultural practices prioritize environmental protection and support for biodiversity.

During the harvest season, all coffee beans are selectively hand picked and sorted to remove defects and under ripe cherries.  The cherries are pulped within 6 hours of delivery and then separated according to their density. The cherries ferment in the water of a nearby stream for 10 to 12 hours. Qualified agronomists regularly check the beans by hand to ensure that fermentation is stopped at the optimal time. The station's employees tread the coffee for 30 minutes in the fermentation tank. This crushing removes the mucilage. The parchment is then washed with clean water and sent to the washing and sorting channel.

After washing, the coffee is poured onto wooden trays or nylon bags and transported to the drying tables, each grade corresponding to its quality level. Each tray and each parchment bag keeps its traceability label containing all the necessary information.

The coffee dries slowly for 2-3 weeks. During this time, it is turned regularly to ensure even drying. The humidity level is carefully monitored and any parchment with visible defects is removed.

• Region: Gatara, Kayanza
• Country: Burundi
• Elevation: 1,500 - 1,800 masl
• Variety: Red Bourbon
• Process: Washed

Available in 250g bags.