Gitesi Espresso

Gitesi Coffee is sought out among roasters for their consistent quality and we are likewise excited to feature this washed Red Bourbon as our first espresso.

High altitude, a mild climate, and volcanic soils create ideal conditions for coffee cultivation around Lake Kivu, where Gitesi Washing Station is located. The smallholder farmers that bring their coffee cherries here grow Red Bourbon, an Arabica variety known for its round, bright red fruits and excellent cup quality.

Washing stations like Gitesi ensure that only the best quality beans are selected from the harvest. First, pulp is removed from the cherries and is transformed into fertilizer that is distributed to farmers at no cost. Next, the seeds are dry fermented, then “washed” to remove the outer pectin layer, and fermented again in clean water tanks.

This process of controlled fermentation produces rich aromatic precursors in the coffee. After fermentation, the coffee is placed on drying beds. Finally, the green coffee is packaged and ready to begin its long journey over land and overseas. Once in Berlin, we roast the green beans with great care to develop the coffee’s sweetness and smooth body .

The Gitesi Coffee Washing Station is located in the hills bordering Lake Kivu. It processes the coffee cherries from around 1,800 smallholder farmers. The farmers usually grow and pick their coffee cherries and then bring them to the washing station. The washing station then processes the coffee either as a washed coffee, natural, or honey.

To make their operations sustainable, Gitesi has created a comprehensive water purification system for their wastewater. The washing station also has a waste management system and produces organic and natural fertilizer from the pulp of the coffee cherries.