DR Congo Muungano

The Democratic Republic of Congo may be a newcomer to the ranks of specialty coffees, but the flavor profiles have made it an instant hit.  Delicate, floral, citric, and sweet, these coffees fit nicely into the East African archetype.  This green coffee from Muungano cooperative washing station is a classic example.

Ripe red fruits like cherry and pomegranate give way to the juicy citric acidity, and silky smooth body.  The type of coffee that really develops in your cup as you drink it. It's also loaded with floral aromatics at lighter roast profiles.

At the Muungano washing station, they collect cherry from small holder farmers who work the hills surrounding Lake Kivu.  The shores of this lake are famous for producing fantastic coffees on all sides.  Whether they be in Rwanda, or in the DRC.

For payment, the small holder farmers are payed upon delivery cherry, and then once the coffee has been processed and sold they receive a second payment based on quality.  This requires that all lots be traced carefully, and encourages care in cherry selection and processing.  At the end of the harvest year, farmers are paid a dividend based on the group's retained earnings.