Coffee of the Month - July 2024 - Congo, Kivu

Kivu is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo's mountainous region near Lake Kivu, this area is characterised by great vegetation and fertile volcanic soil which is ideal for the production of fine Arabica beans.  Newfound peace in the area has seen farmers planting new coffee trees and cooperatives have been set up to help build important infrastructure and streamline the process of exporting coffee, currently there are 1500 coop members each averaging around 1 hectare of Bourbon planted trees. 

Ripe cherries are delivered to the station for careful sorting and floatation to sort by density. Once the highest quality cherries are selected they are de-pulped then fermented for 24 hours. The bean is then dried in the sun for around 10 days until the optimum moisture content has been reached, at this point the coffee is rested in a cool dry place for 1-2 months before being milled, sorted and graded.

Growing Altitude: 1500 - 1700 masl

Milling process: Fully Washed

Aroma: Spicy, Fruity

Body: Lively, Medium

Acidity: Bold

Cup Characteristics:

Lemongrass, Grapefruit, Watermelon, Chocolate