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Kenya AA Tegu microlot

We acquired a group of the elite Kenya AA coffees earlier this year, Tegu among them. None of the lots exceeded about 120 roasted pounds, so these are really small lots, and, each was vacuum packed at origin to retain its freshness. Tegu, and the other lots we acquired, were all specially prepared to be sold separate from larger lots due to their quality. Tegu is from the Nyeri district, in the Aberdare range, sometimes referred to as the "home of Kenyan coffee". The factory, as washing stations are called in Kenya, is located about 100 miles from Nairobi and 3 miles from Karatina town. Coffee from this region is of very high quality and is known to fetch top prices at auction.

The Tegu factory processes coffee from the Tekangu Farmers Co-operative Society which in turn has about 900 members, all smallholders. The average member has only 250 coffee trees on their farm, a very tiny amount equal to 2 or 3 sacks of coffee. Roughly 40% of the Society's members are women. The factory works with farmers to advise them about best agronomy practices. Coffee, gathered by hand, is grown under shade of Gravellea, Macadamia and Eucalyptus trees. Once harvested, it is quickly conveyed to the Tegu Factory, where is undergoes double washed processing and 100% sun drying on raised beds.

Farm elevations are 5800 feet. Varietals are Kenya classics SL-28 and SL-34, the bourbons that are known to be the best in East African coffee producing nations, and, that had their start in Kenya. Soils in the region are rich in organic matter and very fertile. Coffee is harvested and delivered to the factory within hours, where it is processed by the wet method, then spread on drying tables where they are rotated multiple times per day for even drying. Great care is taken to sustain bean quality throughout the process.


Coffee sun drying on raised beds at Tegu Factory

The Tegu factory is making a large effort with respect to sustainability and responsible farming practices and has initiated a certification program among its member farmers.

Cup Characteristics: Lush, juicy, lemon acidity with chocolate body. Fruity, clean, sweet. This coffee is complex melony coffee with blackcurrant flavor and presents a long, dry finish. Well balanced. Dark chocolate is present in both mouthfeel and aroma. Sweet and luscious with a clean, bright finish.

Roasting Notes: In our opinion, coffees like this, which offer delicate flavors, always benefit from being more lightly treated. Tune your roast mid way between first and second crack. Your goal is preserve the fruit by not going too dark. C+. Behmor users can use P3 or P2 as a starting point.


Volume Price
PoundsPrice LB
1$12.35
2+$11.73
Click to enlarge Kenya AA Tegu microlot
 
Click bag for larger view
 

 

Quantity in Basket: none

Quantity in pounds:



Kenya coffee facts:

Population (2006): 34.7 million People
Coffee Production: 880,000 bags (60 kg)
Country bag capacity: 132 pounds - 60 kg
Domestic Consumption: 50,000 bags
Coffee Export: 850,000 bags
Cultivated Area: 127,000 Hectares (314,000 acres)

Harvests: 2 per year
- Main crop October to December
- Fly crop June to August

Arabica Introduced:Introduced from Ethiopia via Yemen at the end of the 19th century, by the Fathers of the Holy Spirit Congregation. Bourbon varietal introduced from Reunion in 1901 by missionaries. Kent varietal introduced early 20th century from the Indies.

Specialty Coffee Regions:North and northeast of Nairobi; high plateaus surrounding Mt. Kenya. Soil is volcanic.

Grades: AA Plus, AA, peaberry

Farms:About 350,000 farms with an average of 0.2 hectares (about 1/2 acre). 8 major preparation cooperatives.

Botanical Varietals:Bourbon, Kent, various hybrids (SL-28, SL-34, Riuru 11), Blue Mountain (from Jamaica).


 


 

Comments

One of the great coffee producers. Coffee accounts for 27% of the country's exports and half of their agricultural output. Shading, by banana trees, is a common practice.

Kenya has a weekly auction system that has been in place for many years. It does not provide transparency of revenues to growers and the system is said to be flawed by a complex web of middlemen. There are allegations of corruption as well. The government is working to develop a more direct model whereby growers can offer their coffees more directly to foreign buyers thus reaping a better price.

 

 
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Fair Trade coffees where noted
are certified by Transfair USA.
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