5 Fascinating Facts Why Kenyan Coffee is Loved Worldwide.
We can all agree that a perfectly brewed cup of coffee is a hug to the brain.
Kenyan coffee is renowned worldwide for its mouthwatering aroma and an intense profile of flavor. This stuff is so intense flavored you might fall hard for it.
My love journey with coffee is inborn. For many decades my family way to grows coffee till today. Geographically, our coffee farm sits on the lower side of the Aberdares Ranges and on the leeward side of the Mount Kenya.
From plucking the coffee beans at certain times of the year to selecting the right beans and transporting the beans to the factory, my love has been immense after seeing the results of what comes after the beans have been roasted.
For its complexity in flavors and a mouthwatering aroma, the Kenyan coffee has earned its place among the coffee connoisseurs globally. From the farms to the coffee cups, there are lot of things that play out in making it one of the largest Kenya export.
So, what makes the Kenya Coffee stand out from the rest globally?
1. The Coffee Beans are Handpicked.
The cherries are handpicked at different times in a year. This is a labor intense activity since they do not all ripen at the same time. Farmers will be picking the cherries sort out the defective ones for processing. The green cherries are not picked since they have astringent taste similar to when you eat an unripe banana. The Kenyan farmers have a reputable tradition and history of handpicking the ripe cherries resulting to the production of high-quality coffee.
2. Grown in Volcanic Soil.
The Kenyan soil is rich in minerals as a result of the active volcanic system from the Great Rift Valley which is a geological wonder of the world. The flavor of the Kenyan coffee is enhanced by the rich minerals in the soil. The nutrients volcanic soil makes it easier to grow coffee without adding supplements to it like pesticides and fertilizers as it is done in monoculture farming.
3. Higher Altitude
With an altitude above 6,000 feet, this elevation enables the Kenyan coffee to develop complex flavors. Geographically, the equator passes though Kenya and its blessed to have a number of mountains like Mount Kenya and the Aberdares Mountains where coffee is grown freely. The higher altitudes, cooler temperatures and low oxygen, slow growth of coffee cherries allowing them to attain the floral, fruity and sweet flavors. The same conditions are attributed to build endurance of the great marathon runners from Kenya dominating the long-distance marathons worldwide.
4. Coffee cherry is a Fruit.
Just like many fruits, the cherries grow on the trees. The flavor of the coffee is highly contributed by the climate the methods of cultivation and altitude. For instance, in wine, this topography which is similar to coffee is called ‘terroir’ which distinguishes wine grown in Napa and French wine. Similarly, ‘terroir’ is quite sensitive just like wine and Kenyan topography happens to have the favorable conditions for the best coffee globally.
5. Unique Varietals
Coffee just like wine has numerous varietals. The common species are Robusta and Arabica. Arabica grows in high altitude areas and has a robust taste while the Robusta has higher yields, the taste is not as refined as the Arabica and its more resistant to pests and diseases while growing in a lower elevation area.
100% Arabica is tough to grow and expensive but it has a great aroma and taste. Kenya coffee farmers grow two varieties SL-34 and SL-24 which are common for their intense sweet flavor and are favored by the Kenya topography. Most of the countries which have tried to replicate these flavors have not succeeded. When you consider all these factors from the terroir to the topography, this is what makes the Kenyan coffee have a unique place in the coffee market worldwide.
What is the Current Production of Kenyan Coffee
Kenya produces roughly 1% of the whole worldwide production. The coffee production scaling down as a result of low returns and crop husbandry. Annual forecast by USDA (US Department of Agriculture) shows a 13.3% drop from 2019/2020. Currently, production is lower than a third of what was produced in the peak of 1988.
Where Can I buy Kenyan Coffee?
It is recommendable to buy directly from farmers or source directly from farmers who roast. Once you buy the coffee beans from farmers they will be able to continue growing and harvesting this precious commodity.
Why is Kenyan coffee recommendable?
It has a great taste and flavor. Uniquely it can be enjoyed both cold and as a hot brew. Kenyan coffee is delicious and its flavor is captivating all day every day.
