Congo Kivu Virunga (Katana Station)

ORGANIC/SINGLE ORIGIN
Strong Medium Roast
Notes: Chocolate, Spice, Smooth
Process Method: Natural

More about this roast:
Although I have still not personally been on the ground in the Congo (it’s on the bucket list). Our close buddies at Olam own a pretty cool coffee operation in the Congo called Virunga Coffee, it is bringing up specialty coffee in the Kivu region that is return, commands a higher dollar value and pumps much needed money back into infrastructure and expansion of the project.

This organic natural-processed ‘Kivu 3’ lot is from Katana station in South Kivu, one of 8 such stations operated by Virunga Coffee Company, set up by Schluter Ltd. (now Covoya Europe) in 2012 to produce specialty coffees in eastern DRC and improve livelihoods for smallholder farmers in the region.

The Katana area is blessed with abundant rainfall, and the excess water supply ensures ample irrigation for small-holder farmers. Situated at an altitude of 1693 masl, the coffee in this region benefits from altitude, volcanic soils, and proximity to the equator, all contributing factors in its excellent quality. The station processes natural and honey coffee on shaded, raised beds.