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Coffee Varieties and Flavors
- Coffee drinkers that like Sumatran coffee are likely to like Kenyan coffee. Both have complex flavors although Sumatran coffee is a "bolder" taste than the more balanced Kenyan coffee.
- Only 5 percent of Kenyan coffee bean crops are Peaberry beans. Similar to the AA Kenyan bean, the Peaberry is full-bodied and offers hints of wine and black currant flavor.
- There are four grades of coffee beans:
- Grade 1: Speciality Grade Coffee Beans.
- Grade 2: Premium Grade Coffee Beans.
- Grade 3: Exchange Grade Coffee Beans.
- Grade 4: Standard Grade Coffee Beans.
Regional Differences and Processing
- Ethiopian coffee tends to be more earthy and complex than Kenyan coffee. If you like variety, try an Ethiopian coffee!
- Kenyan and Ethiopian coffees both typically described as fruity and citrusy. But they also have their differences.
- Coffees around the world have different taste profiles. Guatemalan coffee tends to be more chocolately while Kenyan coffee is fruitier.
- Smallholder farmers at the foothills of Mount Kenya are the leading coffee producers in Kenya. Their beans deliver an intense, fruity acidity that combines perfectly with a full body and rich aroma.
Kenyan Coffee Profile
- Kenyan coffee is known for its in-your-face acidity and berry undertones.Black current is a flavor that is distinct to Kenyan beans, and one of the reasons a cup of coffee from Kenya tastes so unique.
- Why is Kenyan coffee so good?
- Kenyan coffee is renowned for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. The country’s high altitude, fertile soil, and ideal climate create ideal conditions for growing coffee beans rich in flavor and aroma.
- Kenya has five distinct coffee-growing regions, each with slightly different flavor profiles. The Central region has sharp citrus notes with chocolate and fruit.
Kenyan Coffee Characteristics
- Kenyan coffee is grown at high altitudes, resulting in a slow maturation process and a deep, complex flavor.
- The beans offer a flavor profile that is sweet and fruity with hints of berries and dried tomato.
- Kenya produces top quality Arabica coffee globally recognized for its unique and exquisite taste.
- Coffee beans grown in elevations between 1,400-2,000 meters high qualify for Strictly Hard Bean status, leading to a unique flavor profile.
- Kenyan coffee beans are mainly wet-processed, which accentuates the bright acidity and fruity flavors.
Kenyan Coffee Industry
- The Kenyan coffee industry started when British settlers planted the first coffee trees in the late 1800s.
- New Arabica varieties have been introduced, but some buyers believe they lack the classic Kenyan taste profile.
- Overall, the unique terroir and processing of Kenyan coffee create an intensely flavorful and acidic bean with tasting notes of berry, citrus, and wine.