Kenya Kiambu
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Varietal: SL-28
Region: Kiambu, Muranga
Altitude: 1800-1900m
Harvest: Aug 2022
The Cappuccino Kid says...
"Mandarin orange, citrus, dark berry, and that prized black currant tea note, with snappy acidity this 100% SL 28 lot is an intoxicating fruit-floral aroma. Sure fire winner for fans of Kenyan coffee"
Processing
In Kenya the preferred processing method is the "washed" or "wet fermented" process where the fruit is removed from the seed as soon as possible after picking. The cherries are floated and sorted to ensure consistent ripeness levels, before being run through depulpers—machines that squeeze the fruit between rollers until the seeds pop out. The seeds are then placed into fermentation tanks with water to remove the remaining sticky sugar and fruit remnants (the mucilage). After the seeds are washed, they’re dried in the sun on patios or raised beds, or in machines until they reach the correct moisture level. This method showcases the innate quality of the coffee which in the case of Kenya is some of the very best in the world.
About Fran Farm, Muranga County, and Kenya Coffee
Kenyan cup profiles can be diversive often verging on Unami/tomato flavors which is not everyone's cup of coffee. Combined with a lack of transparency and traceability within the cooperatives and a pricing structure that continues to soar, it is a region we dont showcase often. Which is a shame because Kenyan coffees can be world class. Kiambu lies near the foothills of Gatamayo Forest Reserve, and at the border of neighboring Muranga County. Fram Farm is owned and managed by the Kariruki family. Getting his start in coffee through a small plot he inherited from his grandfather, James who is now 40 years old, has expanded their farm to nearly 30 hectares. The entirety of Fran farm is planted with the prized SL-28 Varietal, and sitting at roughly 1850 meters above sea level it produces outstanding coffee. This is our second year acquiring coffee from them.
About SL-28 Varietals
“SL” is in reference to single tree selections made by Scott Agricultural Laboratories in 1935-1939. SL28 is of the Bourbon genetic group, and was selected for its drought resistance as well as its extremely high cup quality. SL28 is one of the most well-known and well-regarded varieties in Africa. It has consequently spread from Kenya to other parts of Africa as well as Central and South America. Both varieties are non-hybrid, and very susceptible to disease.