Rwanda: Western Province, Gitesi Washing Station, Washed – Filter Roast
Gitesi is a family-owned coffee washing station founded in 2005 by Alexis and Aime Gahizi in the Karongi region of Western Rwanda. They have strong ties to the local community, with over 1,800 coffee farmers delivering cherries to Gitesi. The station operates a bonus payment system to incentivize quality production and loyalty.
During the picking season (March to August, with main selections in May to July), small family-owned farms deliver cherry to Gitesi. Farmers sort the cherries for ripeness and quality before delivery. Upon arrival, cherries undergo further sorting and floaters are removed.
The fermentation process, facilitated by Rwanda's cool climate, involves using a Penagos 800 Eco Pulper to remove skin and mucilage. After dry fermentation, parchment is washed and graded by density. Hand-sorting occurs on pre-drying tables, followed by drying on African beds under shade for up to 15 days. This meticulous process ensures high-quality coffee production.
The Gitesi Project is a charitable initiative founded by Tim Williams and Aime Gahizi to support coffee-farming households in Karongi, Rwanda. Since 2015, the project has raised over AU$66,000 to provide dairy cows, cowsheds, and veterinary services to more than 75 families. Additionally, the initiative now includes health insurance for 100 of the community's poorest farmers annually. The goal of the project is to improve financial stability and health outcomes for these households.
Region: Karongi, Western Province
Farm: Gitesi Coffee Washing Station
Tasting Notes: Silky smooth with notes of cranberry, vanilla and red currants, balanced with a panela sweetness
Altitude: 1732 masl
Variety: Bourbon
Process: Washed
Grind options: Whole Beans, Aeropress, Plunger, Batch Brew, V60, Cold Brew
Gitesi is a family-owned coffee washing station founded in 2005 by Alexis and Aime Gahizi in the Karongi region of Western Rwanda. They have strong ties to the local community, with over 1,800 coffee farmers delivering cherries to Gitesi. The station operates a bonus payment system to incentivize quality production and loyalty.
During the picking season (March to August, with main selections in May to July), small family-owned farms deliver cherry to Gitesi. Farmers sort the cherries for ripeness and quality before delivery. Upon arrival, cherries undergo further sorting and floaters are removed.
The fermentation process, facilitated by Rwanda's cool climate, involves using a Penagos 800 Eco Pulper to remove skin and mucilage. After dry fermentation, parchment is washed and graded by density. Hand-sorting occurs on pre-drying tables, followed by drying on African beds under shade for up to 15 days. This meticulous process ensures high-quality coffee production.
The Gitesi Project is a charitable initiative founded by Tim Williams and Aime Gahizi to support coffee-farming households in Karongi, Rwanda. Since 2015, the project has raised over AU$66,000 to provide dairy cows, cowsheds, and veterinary services to more than 75 families. Additionally, the initiative now includes health insurance for 100 of the community's poorest farmers annually. The goal of the project is to improve financial stability and health outcomes for these households.
Region: Karongi, Western Province
Farm: Gitesi Coffee Washing Station
Tasting Notes: Silky smooth with notes of cranberry, vanilla and red currants, balanced with a panela sweetness
Altitude: 1732 masl
Variety: Bourbon
Process: Washed
Grind options: Whole Beans, Aeropress, Plunger, Batch Brew, V60, Cold Brew
Gitesi is a family-owned coffee washing station founded in 2005 by Alexis and Aime Gahizi in the Karongi region of Western Rwanda. They have strong ties to the local community, with over 1,800 coffee farmers delivering cherries to Gitesi. The station operates a bonus payment system to incentivize quality production and loyalty.
During the picking season (March to August, with main selections in May to July), small family-owned farms deliver cherry to Gitesi. Farmers sort the cherries for ripeness and quality before delivery. Upon arrival, cherries undergo further sorting and floaters are removed.
The fermentation process, facilitated by Rwanda's cool climate, involves using a Penagos 800 Eco Pulper to remove skin and mucilage. After dry fermentation, parchment is washed and graded by density. Hand-sorting occurs on pre-drying tables, followed by drying on African beds under shade for up to 15 days. This meticulous process ensures high-quality coffee production.
The Gitesi Project is a charitable initiative founded by Tim Williams and Aime Gahizi to support coffee-farming households in Karongi, Rwanda. Since 2015, the project has raised over AU$66,000 to provide dairy cows, cowsheds, and veterinary services to more than 75 families. Additionally, the initiative now includes health insurance for 100 of the community's poorest farmers annually. The goal of the project is to improve financial stability and health outcomes for these households.
Region: Karongi, Western Province
Farm: Gitesi Coffee Washing Station
Tasting Notes: Silky smooth with notes of cranberry, vanilla and red currants, balanced with a panela sweetness
Altitude: 1732 masl
Variety: Bourbon
Process: Washed
Grind options: Whole Beans, Aeropress, Plunger, Batch Brew, V60, Cold Brew
