The Ntango Washing Station is located in Rwanda’s Nyamasheke District, mere meters from the vast and beautiful waters of Lake Kivu. Operated by our friends at Kula Coffee, the team and seasonal site collectors receive harvest from more than 1,000 small-holding farmers in the surrounding hills. The average farmer tends about 500 trees, with a historical average yield of 3-4lbs of cherries per tree. In this area trees tend to be rather old, and due to inconsistent access to markets in the past, the trees haven’t been consistently cared for well. Since Kula purchased the washing station in 2019, they have been working to provide coffee tree seedlings to replace old trees and expand farms, shade trees to support healthy growth, and agronomy support to encourage sustainable farming practices year-round.

“The Kula Coffee Fellowship was developed from lessons learned through years working in coffee communities in Rwanda as a comprehensive and holistic effort to support coffee farmers and the next generation of entrepreneurs in Rwanda. Throughout the program, coffee farmers are provided access to industry specific trainings, personal development services including mentorship and cooperative leadership training, and investment opportunities — with the end goal of supporting coffee entrepreneurs over the long-term to develop viable businesses and develop their household’s capacity to make informed and strategic choices about their health alongside the various social, personal, and financial dimensions of their lives.”

Rwandan coffees are known for their fruit flavors and nice acidity, and this lot showcases both. This sweet, bright coffee was grown at around 1500 MASL and is fully washed. Roasting this coffee brings out the vibrant fruitiness of golden apple and apricot while delivering a sweet, light sweet tea-like finish. We’re proud to be a part of such an impactful mission, and we hope you enjoy this bright, unique coffee.