Gakenke Station Single Origin Coffee from Gatara, Burundi

Discover the Essence of Gatara, Burundi

Indulge in the rich and vibrant flavors of our latest offering from the Gakenke Station in Gatara, Burundi. This fully washed, single origin coffee is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the 1,780 smallholder farmers who cultivate it. Expect an exquisite cup characterized by black tea, berries, and a caramelized sweetness, all enveloped in a juicy body with a delightful floral complexity.

Origins and Processing Excellence

Gakenke Station, built in 1991, is renowned for its meticulous processing techniques. With 224 drying beds and a capacity to process up to 750 metric tons per season, Gakenke ensures every bean meets the highest quality standards. The station boasts two flotation tanks, ten fermentation tanks, and two soaking tanks, alongside 150 raised beds for drying. This rigorous process results in a profile that's juicy and floral, with distinct notes of black tea and berries complemented by a caramelized sweetness.

Community and Sustainability

Gakenke Station supports 1,780 registered farmer members spread across 22 hills in Gatare commune, Kayanza province. Organized in groups of 30, these farmers benefit from a robust support system that includes livestock rearing projects and Farmer Hub initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperatives and improving yields. Despite the ubiquity of coffee growing in Burundi, each smallholder produces a relatively modest harvest, averaging around 250 trees per farmer.

To support sustainable practices, Greenco, the company overseeing Gakenke, provides seeds from the Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Burundi (ISABU) and sells seedlings to farmers at or below cost. This initiative helps combat the challenge of aging rootstock, encouraging farmers to renovate their plantings without significant financial strain.

Quality Assurance and Traceability

The journey of each coffee cherry from harvest to cup is a meticulous process. Selective handpicking ensures only the finest cherries are processed. The pulping, fermentation, washing, grading, and drying stages are all closely monitored to maintain the highest quality. Beans are fermented in water for 10-12 hours, washed, and then separated by density in the washing-grading canal. Each lot is traceable, with detailed tags tracking its journey.

Social and Economic Impact

Greenco's impact extends beyond coffee production. By employing 3,000 people at the Budeca dry mill in Gitega and supporting 15,210 coffee-producing households, Greenco plays a crucial role in reducing unemployment and improving socio-economic conditions in rural Burundi. They also focus on environmental stewardship, equipping all washing stations with water treatment facilities and solar panels.

Why Choose Gakenke Station Single Origin Coffee?

• Rich Flavor Profile: Experience the harmonious blend of black tea, berries, and caramelized sweetness with a juicy body and floral notes.
• Meticulous Processing: Benefit from the high-quality standards of Gakenke Station, ensuring every bean is carefully handled.
• Community Support: Support smallholder farmers and sustainable practices that improve livelihoods and promote environmental stewardship.
• Traceability and Quality: Enjoy coffee that is traceable from farm to cup, with rigorous quality checks at every stage.

Elevate your coffee experience with our Gakenke Station Single Origin Coffee from Gatara, Burundi. Taste the dedication, expertise, and rich heritage in every sip.