Say hello to Gwiza, our first Rwandan coffee grown by a co-op of women farmers. The group of women farmers are called Gwiza, which means "abundance. Members of this group receive extra premiums from the sale of this coffee, as well as agricultural practice training, from seedling to harvest.
Abadatezuka Cooperative is a group of smallholder farmers in Rwanda's Western Province who deliver their coffee in cherry to the Cyato Washing Station, which is located in the Cyato sector of the Nayamasheke district in that region. The producers here grow coffee at elevations all the way up to 2,200 meters above sea level, and the washing station is located at 1,850 meters above sea level. The washing station was established in 2017.
One interesting facet to coffee here is that the native honeybees that live in and around the Nyungwe forest where the coffee is grown are said to be responsible in part to the "unique profile" this coffee has. The bee-assisted pollination, fertile ground (black humus and sandy soil), and cool lake-affected climate thanks to the area's proximity to Lake Kivu contribute to the flavors found in the cup. The farmers use no synthetic inputs, either as fertilizers or as pest control.
We are so excited to be able to offer an African bean sourced directly from women-owned farms! We hope you enjoy this seasonal coffee.
Gwiza is a single-origin bean, balanced and savory with notes of molasses, black tea, clove and lemon flavors.
Roast Level: Medium
Origin: Rwanda
Region: Cyato sector, Nyamasheke district
Altitude: 2,200 meters asl
Processing Method: Washed