Burundi Kibingo Intenso Natural

Kibingo washing station, part of the Greenco Coffee Company, is nestled in the northern mountains of Kayanza, Burundi. Greenco was founded in 2015 with a mission: to build a better future for Burundi's next generations through the production of coffee or "Hope Through Coffee". Currently the company operates 13 washing stations that support over 44,000 registered farmer members.

Greenco is dedicated to improving the socio-economic and environmental conditions in Burundi. Its washing stations have water treatment facilities and use solar panels for energy. In addition to providing training on farming practices, Greenco organizes classes about gender equality, financial planning, family planning, and more.

Kibingo washing station serves over 3,500 local smallholder farms, providing organic fertilizer from composted coffee pulp as well as low-cost, subsidized coffee seedlings. Kibingo also participates in a number of farmer outreach and support projects including Farmgate Initiative's Burunidi Livestock Project. This project provides livestock chains to small communities to improve their quality of life through increased revenue streams, larger harvest yields, and better nutrition.

This coffee was selectively hand-picked by each farmer and their family. After being accepted at the washing station, it is hand sorted to remove any damaged, underripe, and overripe cherries. To start the Intenso Natural process, coffee is placed in containers and Intenso yeast, from the French company LALCAFÉ, is added. LALCAFÉ INTENSO™ yeast was specially developed for coffee production over a four-year period of research and trials. Its specific metabolism and high capacity allow for the expression of fresh and fruity characteristics while respecting the unique flavors of each coffee.

After 36 hours of fermentation, the coffee is moved to drying tables to slowly dry for 2 to 3 weeks while being repeatedly sorted and sifted to ensure even drying. The coffee is left out to dry from sunrise to sunset and covered with a sheet during the evening or when it rains. The moisture level is carefully monitored and any cherry with visual defects is removed.

Greenco’s team of expert cuppers assess every lot, which is separated by station, date, and quality, at their coffee lab. This traceability is maintained throughout the entire process from cherry selection to export.