Introduction to Kenya Coffee Varieties SL28 and SL34 - Why Kenyan Coffee is Acidic

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Kenya: The Birthplace of Exceptional Coffee Varieties

Located in East Africa, Kenya is one of the major coffee-producing countries, with approximately six million people nationwide engaged in the coffee industry, mostly in the form of smallholders and cooperatives.

Kenya's coffee trees are mostly grown at altitudes between 1,400 and 2,000 meters, with growing regions including Ruiri, Thika, Kirinyaga, Mt. Kenya West, Nyeri, Kiambu, and Muranga. The main growing areas are the foothills of Mt. Kenya and Aberdare. In Kenya, many production areas strive to preserve the native forest ecosystem, protect natural gene banks, support the propagation of wild coffee varieties, and nurture diverse coffee trees.

The Legacy of SL28 and SL34 Varieties

In 1930, Kenya's unique varieties SL28 and SL34, cultivated and named by "Scott Laboratories," were born in this excellent environment. According to botanists at the SL Laboratory, SL28 and SL34 are genetic variants.

SL28: A Complex and Flavorful Variety

Among them, SL28 has a mixed lineage of French Mission, Mocha, and Yemeni Typica. The original goal of cultivating SL28 was to mass-produce coffee beans that combined high quality with resistance to pests and diseases. Although the yield of SL28 later did not meet expectations, its copper-colored leaves and broad bean-shaped coffee beans possess wonderful sweetness, balance, and complex, varied flavors, along with prominent citrus and dark plum characteristics.

SL34: Bold and Clean Flavor Profile

Meanwhile, SL34 has similar flavors to SL28—besides complex and varied acidity and wonderful sweet finish—it has a heavier and more intense mouthfeel than SL28, and is cleaner. SL34 has French Mission, Bourbon, and more Typica lineage. The bean appearance is similar to SL28, but it's better adapted to sudden heavy rains. It is these two important varieties that lead us to understand the unique Kenyan style: intense and rich fruit acidity, full-bodied texture, and beautiful balance.

FrontStreet Coffee's Recommended Brewing Parameters:

Pour-over: V60 dripper, small Fuji R440 grind level 3.5, water temperature around 90°C

French Press: Recommended grind level 4, water temperature 90°C

Siphon: Recommended grind level 4, water temperature between 90°C-91°C

AeroPress: Recommended grind level 3.5, water temperature 90°C

Important Notice :

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