A delicious contrast to our lineup of Central American coffees this Fall, Kenya Kiunyu is a fully washed-process coffee cultivated by smallholder farmers in Kirinyaga and processed at the Kiunyu Washing Station.
The high altitudes provide the warm days and cool nights to help nurture sweet, dense cherries that result in this coffee’s complex and concentrated flavors.
Flavor Profile
Origin
Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, Kenya
Tasting Notes
A vibrant acidity is complemented by concentrated flavors of black tea, kiwi, lychee, and caramel.
Roast Level
LightMed LtMedMed DarkDark
Origin Story
Kiunyu Washing Station
This Fully washed coffee was cultivated by smallholder farmers in Kirinyaga and processed at the Kiunyu Washing Station in Kiandumu, Kenya. On average, the farmers have approximately 250 to 350 trees on less than 1 hectare of land at altitudes of 1,650+ meters above sea level. The high altitudes provide the warm days and cool nights that help nurture sweet, dense cherry that result in this coffee’s complex and concentrated flavors. The Kiunyu Washing Station is owned and operated by the Karithathi Farmers’ Cooperative Society (FCS).
Farmers that deliver cherry to Kiunyu cultivate primarily the SL28 and SL34 varieties. These cultivars were originally developed by Scott Agricultural Laboratories (SAL) in the 1930s and 1940s and are widely planted throughout Kenya. They quickly became the preferred varieties for many growers in Kenya because of their deep root structure, which allows them to maximize scarce water resources and flourish without irrigation.
Batian is a relatively new variety that was introduced by the Kenya Coffee Research Institute (CRI) in 2010. It is named after the highest peak on Mt. Kenya and is a disease resistant, high yielding variety. Similar to Batian, Ruiru 11 is a new variety known for its disease resistance and high yields, and both varieties have the added benefit of quick maturation, and produce fruit after only two years.
Altitude
5,480 feet
Variety
Batian, Ruiru 11, SL28, SL34
Processing
Washed
Why We Love This Coffee
Two avenues are used to sell and export most coffee in Kenya: the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (central auction system) and a marketer direct-sale system. Cooperatives tend to prefer the first and use the auction system to sell their coffees based on quality. In order to bid on coffees through this competitive auction system you must be a licensed marketer. Auctions are held every Tuesday with samples of the coffees going out to the marketers and cuppers the week prior. This way, marketers can cup the coffees for the week and decide which ones they would like to bid on.
Sustainably Sourced
Good Coffee, Better Planet
Farmers delivering to Kiunyu have access to lower-cost seedlings and inputs such as fertilizer, as well as lines of credit. Lower input costs result in higher profits and quality of life for the producers. Additionally, agronomists support each farmer and regularly take soil samples, resulting in more targeted input application. Prior to the soil sampling program, fertiziler was formulated and applied using a generalized recipe rather than one uniquely suited to the farm’s exact needs. With better access to technology, information, and agronomical assistance, farmers can apply the right fertilizer recipe at the right time, improving yields and coffee quality. Farmers also receive training on how to attain and maintain Rainforest Alliance certification.
Sustainably Sourced
