Rwanda Abadatezuka

PROCESS: Washed
VARIETY: Bourbon
ELEVATION: 1,850-2,200 meters
ROAST: TBD
BODY: Full
NOTES: Sweet and tart with a creamy mouthfeel; plum, citrus and black tea flavors

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. Coffees are brought to the Cyato washing station from the surrounding areas of Kivoga, Kageyo, Rusumo, Gatare, and Nsinduka. 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.

The Washed process in Rwanda includes a unique soaking step, not unlike that often found in Kenya. The cherries are delivered to central processing units the day they are harvested, where they will be depulped and fermented in open-air tanks made of concrete or cement for 12–18 hours. After fermentation, the coffees are soaked in water for 24 hours, after which their mucilage will be removed and spread on raised beds to dry.