KENYA ICHUGA

black currant, elderflower, orange

Farm/coop/station: Ichuga

Region: Nyeri, Karatina

Altitude: 1700 masl

Owner:  Kiama Farmer Cooperative Society

Varietal: SL28, SL34, Ruiru11

Process: Fully Washed

The high altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level, combined with Nyeri’s nutrient-rich volcanic soil, create the ideal conditions for farmers delivering cherry to Ichuga station. This fruit-forward fully washed coffee is juicy and clean with notes of currants, berries and citrus

Farmers delivering to Ichuga cultivate primarily SL28 and SL34 in small coffee gardens that are, on average, smaller than 1 hectare. Ruiru 11 is a new variety known for its disease resistance and high yields. It has the added benefit of early maturity – cropping after only two years

Farmers selectively handpick ripe cherry and deliver it to washing stations near them. Cherry is carefully sorted at intake where under- and over-ripes, along with any foreign matter, are removed

Once sorted, ripe, red cherry is added straight to the hopper and pulped. Coffee is fermented and then washed in clean water to remove any remaining mucilage

Wet parchment is sorted and any damaged beans that remain are removed.  Then, parchment is moved to raised beds to finish drying. Here, it is turned regularly to ensure even drying and covered at the hottest part of the day and overnight to prevent cracking and/or condensation. Workers will also regularly inspect drying parchment and remove any damaged beans. Drying time is usually around two weeks, depending on the weather at the time

Once dry, parchment is delivered to Kahawa Bora Millers. The mill has the capacity to mill smaller lots separately to help preserve quality and traceability