Coffee from Kenya: types and classification

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

In the eastern part of the African continent is Kenya, which in 1963 became an independent state (a former colony of Great Britain). It is currently one of the developing countries in Africa.

One of the country's main sources of income is the export of Kenyan coffee. This article describes the development of this production in this country. We will also consider varieties and types of coffee drinks, recipes for their preparation.

History of plantations

There are two explanations for the arrival of coffee in Kenya. According to one version, in 1893 the religious educators of the community of the Holy Spirit brought the first seedlings of this plant from Reunion Island. Coffee arrived on this island from Yemen in the early 18th century.

Young trees delivered by sea were planted near the capital of Kenya - the city of Nairobi. Thus, this first agricultural enterprise became the basis for the development of the coffee industry.

The second version is based on historical documents, which says that the British have been cultivating coffee trees on plantations since 1900. They sprouted in Ethiopia inwild, grains were brought by missionaries.

For decades, Britain had a monopoly on coffee plantations, which led to a popular uprising in the middle of the 20th century. After independence, all coffee enterprises became the main industry in the country's economy.

Nairobi now has a Coffee Department whose main task is to control coffee production throughout the Republic of Kenya.

Labeling coffee drinks

High plains formed as a result of volcanic eruptions, unique natural conditions contributed to the cultivation of Kenyan coffee varieties. Thanks to their taste qualities, they have become considered elite and have gained worldwide fame.

All grains of the Kenyan product are marked with letter combinations. For example, there is Kenya AA coffee beans. What does this mean?

The fruits of the coffee tree, marked with the mark "AA", are oblong beans. Thanks to them, Kenya AA coffee beans are obtained with a delicate sour taste.

Large round beans of coffee trees, which grow only in Kenya, are labeled "AB" and are characterized by a persistent smell along with a fruity-citrus taste.

Coffee Ruiruiru

Kenya's Ruiruiru bean coffee is considered unique among gourmets. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the first sips seem sweet, and then characteristic bitterness begins to be felt.

The palatability of this coffee from Kenya dependsfrom heat treatment of grains. The higher the roasting temperature, the more cherry and chocolate flavors of the drink appear. Notably, Ruiruiru does not have a sour taste.

On the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the popular coffee variety Kenya AA Ruiruiru sprouts. This drink in finished form has a bread flavor. These roasted and ground beans are often added to coffee blends to enhance the flavor.

A distinctive feature of the drink, which is brewed from Ruiruiru beans, is that the flavor of the drink changes over time. For example, you start drinking and it seems to you that the taste of the drink is sweet, there is a caramel aftertaste. But when you drink about half a cup of coffee, it will already be bitter.

Kenya AA Kagumoini

This Arabica variety is a classic. It grows on fertile soils in the Kenyan mountains. In this equatorial zone, coffee can bloom up to eight times a year. Due to the fact that plantations grow at a height, the taste of the finished drink becomes more multifaceted. By the way, this also applies to the citrus-spicy aroma.

Kenya AA Wash

This is a fragrant and strong coffee. His taste is pronounced. This coffee is Arabica. Its grains are of the highest quality. They are wet processed. Coffee "Kenya AA Washt" is produced in beans. You can also find a ground version.

Coffee "Kenya Samburu AA"

Another kind of Kenyan coffee. Its variety is Arabica. This highland arabica coffee from Kenya, which grows at an altitude of 1200 - 1800 meters above sea level. going toits harvest in October - February, as well as in April and May. Coffee "Kenya Samburu AA" has a pleasant taste with hints of black grapes and hints of spices. Suitable for various cooking methods. The aroma of the drink is pronounced.

Starbucks Kenya ("Starbucks" Arabica from Kenya)

This coffee is made from a blend of medium roasted Kenyan beans. The brewed drink has a rather unusual taste of juicy and ripe fruit, with subtle notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, grapefruit. Thanks to its illuminating fruity flavor and impeccable consistency, this drink is admired by every coffee lover. It is invigorating and wonderfully refreshing. You can even use it cold, for example, with ice. Starbucks is great for making ristretto.

Bourbon drink. What is it?

Bourbon coffee from Kenya is considered one of the most popular in Europe. The drink is made from fruits that have accumulated their taste over the centuries.

Six seedlings of this tree were brought from Yemen to France at the beginning of the 18th century and planted on the island of Bourbon (modern name "Reunion").

After some time, young trees were transported to Brazil, and coffee plantations were established on its territory, which still exist.

This variety is also grown in coffee plantations in Kenya. Instant coffee drink Bourbon Select-a-Vantage Kenya, which is based on beans of this variety, is a unique combination of aroma andrich taste.

The advantages of this variety are a balanced composition, light coffee bitterness and a wine-fruity smell. The unique taste of Bourbon beans is obtained due to the fact that the product dries on the branches of a coffee tree. Plantations of this variety are not numerous, harvesting is done only by hand. Therefore, the price of this drink is high.

Bourbon varieties. Species Description

There are several varieties of it:

1. Yellow Bourbon is considered a rare type of coffee. Its peculiarity lies in the thin skin of the berries. Due to this, the grains absorb the warmth of African sunlight.
2. The fruits of "Bourbon Santos" are harvested from trees that are no more than four years old. The grains are relatively small and have a deformed appearance. Their value lies in their pronounced taste.
3. Bourbon Flat Bit Santos has a nutty flavor. These beans are harvested from the same trees as the Santos beans. The only difference is that the plant must be over four years old. As a result, the beans are large and oblong in shape and dark brown in color.
4. Bourbon Espresso is now in demand. This variety is made from a variety of Bourbon beans. The peculiarity of this drink is the slow roasting of the beans, which gives it a pleasant coffee taste.

Kenya Nyeri Gichataini AV

It is freshly roasted coffee beans. Variety - Arabica subspecies SL28,SL34.

These grains are optimal for cooking in Chemex and pour over, cooking in a drip coffee maker is possible. Beans can be added to espresso blends. They will provide the drink with berry flavors and delicate sweetish jasmine aroma notes.

"Jardine" - coffee from Kenya. Description of varieties and species

A high quality drink and one of the most popular among coffee fans is Jardine, which contains elite beans from coffee trees growing in Kenya.

This product is jointly produced by two companies: the Russian "Orimi Trade" and the Swiss Jardin Cafe Solution S. A. As a result of a special production technology (double roasting of beans in a vacuum), Jardine retains its coffee smell and taste for a long time.

All packages indicate the strength of the drink in the form of numbers 3, 4 and 5. For lovers of a strong rich taste, manufacturers recommend packaging with the number 4 or 5. A light aromatic drink is contained in packages with the digital designation "3".

The most popular are three varieties of this drink. Jardin Dessert Cup coffee has a strong double roasting of beans (the number 5 is on the pack) with chocolate aroma. This variety is made from five types of Kenyan beans. Jardin All Day Long coffee (number 4) has a medium roast of beans.

For lovers of a soft drink, a Jardin Continental coffee package with the number 3 is suitable. The composition includes a mixture of beans from two types of coffee trees grown in Kenya and Colombia. Also popular is coffee."Jardine" "Kenya Kilimanjaro".

Note that the entire range of "Jardine" is contained in hermetic packages. There are products presented in grains. Also sold instant coffee "Jardine" from Kenya. Nowadays, many prefer this particular look.

Coffee recipe

Coffee drink lovers to improve digestion, appetite, for colds offer coffee from beans from Kenya, which includes red pepper. To do this, prepare 2 teaspoons of any Kenyan beans, 100 g of water, half a teaspoon of butter, a pinch of s alt and red pepper, the amount of sugar to taste.

Ground coffee beans should be poured into a cezve and roasted over low heat. Then add water, sugar and bring to a boil. After that, add spices, oil, mix thoroughly and bring to a boil again. The prepared drink should be drunk in small sips from a preheated cup.

Small conclusion

Now you know what Kenya AA coffee is, a description of it was made, and some other types were also considered. Now you can easily choose a drink to your taste.