In the heart of Rwanda's Western Province , on the slopes of the Nyamasheke region , an exceptional coffee with soul is being created - Rwanda GITWE by Father's Coffee Roastery. This washed Red Bourbon coffee offers a delicate yet complex flavour that combines notes of oolong, fresh pomelo, lime blossom and juicy pear. The altitude of 1760 m above sea level, the rich volcanic soils and the careful processing give rise to the essence of Rwandan elegance.
The Gitwe processing station is a unique place not only because of its location near Lake Kivu, but also because of the people who make it. More than 90% of the workforce are women, making it an exceptional example of female leadership in the world of specialty coffee. The station is owned by RTC, which operates 15 buying points and actively supports local farmers - especially the older ones - to conveniently transport their cherries for processing. The team at Gitwe focuses exclusively on specialty coffee and every step in the process is done with the utmost care and respect for the raw material and nature.
The washed coffee processing at the Gitwe station is an example of precision and tradition. The freshly harvested cherries are first sorted by hand and stripped of their skin and pulp. This is followed by fermentation in tanks for 8-12 hours, which helps to develop the typical purity and delicacy of flavour. After a thorough washing, the beans are dried on raised African beds for 10-15 days. During the drying process, they are turned regularly to achieve an even result. The resulting coffee is fresh, delicate and perfectly reflects the character of the local terroir and the care of the women behind it.
- Altitude: 1760 m above sea level.