Burundi Mahonda Washing Station (E)

This coffee comes to us from the Mahonda Washing Station in the Gitega region of Burundi. Named for the district in which it resides, the Mahonda Washing Station was created by Sogestal Kirimiro. “Sogestals” were management boards, comprised of private owners and government representatives that looked after the operations of washing stations. In 2020, most of the Sogestal washing stations, including Mahonda, were taken under control of the government, ODECA.

Gitega has a cooler climate and less rainfall than other areas in Burundi, meaning that the cherries grown there tend to mature at a slower rate. Located at 1932masl, the Mahonda Washing Station operates at a higher altitude than most stations in Burundi and works with farms from 13 different surrounding hills/districts. Throughout the year, around 144 small holder producers deliver their cherries to Mahonda. After being picked on family-operated farms that are typically less than 1 hectare, the cherries are brought to the washing station and floated upon arrival. This washed lot is fermented for 18-24 hours and then dried on raised beds for 15 to 20 days before export.