Kenya – Kii washed

PRODUCER

The Nyeri region is located in central Kenya, between the eastern base of the Aberdare Range and the western slopes of Mount Kenya. It is renowned for its fertile highlands, which are ideal for agriculture, particularly for growing coffee and tea. The combination of fertile soil, seasonal rainfall, high altitude, and cool nighttime temperatures contributes to the quality of coffee beans, which are dense and high in acidity. The produced coffees have high acidity, full body, and complex flavors with notes of ripe fruit. The Rumukia Farmer’s Co-operative Society, comprising 212 women and 248 men, oversees 115,000 coffee trees interspersed with native species to support local agroforestry.

PROCESSING

The Tambaya wet mill is located in the Mukurwe-ini district. It processes coffee using the washed method and utilizes water from the Gura River, which flows from the Aberdare Ranges into the town. The processing method at Tambaya includes pulping the ripe coffee cherries, fermenting them for 12 to 48 hours depending on climatic conditions, washing, and then drying the beans on raised beds to achieve optimal quality.

VARIETY

The SL34 variety is a significant coffee variety developed in the 1930s through research by Scott Agricultural Laboratories in Kenya. This variety, genetically related to the Typica-Arabica family, excels at growing in high altitudes with sufficient rainfall, allowing it to produce high yields of quality coffee. It is valued for its complex flavor, which includes fresh citrus acidity, full body, and a clean, sweet finish.

The SL28 variety is one of the most renowned coffee varieties, developed in the 1930s through research by Scott Agricultural Laboratories in Kenya. This variety was selected for its excellent drought resistance and ability to grow at medium to high altitudes, making it ideal for cultivation in various climatic conditions. The flavor profile is very complex and pronounced, characterized by high acidity with notes of blackcurrant, berries, and citrus. Its body is juicy and sweet, often with tropical flavors.