Get to know a coffee bean every week - Kenya.
Kenya is located in eastern Africa and is one of the world's famous coffee producing areas, bordering Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. Located near the equator, there is ample sunshine and rainfall. At the same time, the average altitude is as high as 1,713 meters. You must know that high altitude is one of the key factors for growing good-tasting coffee. In addition, Kenya’s soil is rich in organic matter and minerals, which is also very beneficial to the growth of coffee.
Kenyan coffee, unique flavor expression.
Kenyan coffee is famous for its bright acidity and rich fruity aroma, and has a unique flavor experience among specialty coffees. The acidity is usually fruit acid with strong acidity such as berry and lime, which will give the coffee an extra fresh taste. Fruity aroma is often described as the aroma of berries, citrus, blackcurrant and other fruits. Generally speaking, if a bean can have a very strong sour berry aroma, it can almost be concluded that it is Kenyan coffee.
Overall, the flavor profile of Kenyan coffee is very unique and distinct. Its strong acidity will make some people avoid it, but the refreshing berry aroma will also make some people particularly obsessed with it. If you want to try a refreshing and strong coffee like fruit tea, Kenya is not to be missed.
What types of Kenyan coffee are there?
Among the current coffee varieties in Kenya, SL28 and SL34 are relatively well-known and common. SL28 and SL34 are both high-quality Arabica varieties bred by the Kenya Coffee Research Institute. They have some differences in growing conditions. SL28 prefers high altitude and cool climate conditions. The growth environment is relatively harsh, and its resistance to pests and diseases is relatively weak. SL34, on the other hand, is more heat-resistant, more adaptable, and has relatively relaxed growth conditions.
There are also slight differences in taste. The acidity of SL28 coffee beans is very prominent, and the taste is fresh and bright, with fruit flavors such as citrus, blackcurrant and berry, and the taste is refreshing and energetic. The SL34 coffee beans are more balanced, with relatively soft acidity, a taste of citrus, fruit and chocolate, and a fuller and softer taste.
How to classify Kenyan coffee?
Grading is based on the particle size of coffee beans. The larger the size of the coffee beans, the higher the quality of the coffee. Internationally, numbers 9-22 are generally used to indicate the particle size of coffee beans. The calculation of the screen size is 1/64 inch, which means that the hole size of the No. 20 screen is 7.9 mm.