Recommendations for Acidic Coffee Beans_Reasons Why Kenyan Coffee is Acidic_Are Acidic Coffee Beans More Expensive?

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The Source of Kenya Beans' Bright Acidity

Friends who prefer acidic coffee beans probably quite enjoy Kenyan coffee. Unlike the elegant acidity of Yirgacheffe, Kenyan coffee features prominent acidity, roundness, sweetness, and a rich mouthfeel. This can be attributed to the green bean varieties cultivated in Kenya: SL28 and SL34.

According to botanists at the SL Laboratory, SL28 and SL34 are genetic variants. Among them, SL28 possesses mixed heritage from French Mission, Mocha, and Yemeni Typica. The SL series was developed through research and selection based on Yemeni Moca ancient varieties and Bourbon from Réunion Island, now accounting for the majority of Kenya's coffee production. Relatively speaking, SL-28 has gained higher recognition, while SL-34 yields larger harvests at slightly lower altitudes.

Kenya also benefits from unique high-phosphorus soil and a double-washed fermentation green bean processing method.

Although Kenya borders the well-known Ethiopia, coffee cultivation in Kenya didn't expand until the early 20th century.

Kenya primarily cultivates four main varieties: SL28, SL34, K7, and Ruiru 11. SL28 is the most flavorful variety but is not very resistant to leaf rust, so it can only be grown in medium to high altitudes where leaf rust is less severe, resulting in lower yields. SL34 has good moisture resistance, making it suitable for cultivation in humid, rainy areas at medium to high altitudes. K7 is a Typica variant with some resistance to leaf rust and coffee berry disease, and its flavor is quite good, so it's planted in low-altitude areas prone to disease. Finally, Ruiru 11 is a Catimor variety with Robusta genes, offering the poorest flavor profile.

Kenya Green Bean Grading System

Kenya's green bean grading is also based on bean size:

E: Kenya's elephant beans, very large and quite rare.

AA: This is the most commonly seen grade on the market, typically beans that don't pass through an 18-screen (sieve holes of 7.22mm).

AB: This grade includes both A and B level beans. A grade doesn't pass through a 16-screen (6.8mm), while B grade doesn't pass through a 15-screen (6.2mm).

PB (Peaberry): These are what we commonly call small round beans. Typically, a coffee cherry contains two coffee beans, but peaberries occur when a coffee cherry contains only one bean.

Processing Examples

We happen to have AA-grade beans from the Embu region and PB peaberries from the Nyeri region, both processed using the double-washed method.

Hand-picked coffee cherries undergo manual sorting to remove defects such as unripe and overripe fruits, then are pulped. After about 36 hours of fermentation, they are dried in the sun on metal racks before having their parchment removed at the processing plant, becoming attractive Kenyan green beans with a blue-green appearance.

Although the grades differ, this doesn't necessarily indicate superiority or inferiority in flavor. Kenya's unique double-fermentation washed processing method enhances both the original acidity and cleanliness. The specialty Kenyan coffees we typically drink are SL28 and SL34 varieties, featuring rich berry notes, solid body, high sweetness, and vibrant acidity. Ultimately, the quality of the beans you receive depends on cultivation altitude, harvest season, weather conditions, batch, and roasting.

Recommended Acidic Coffee Bean Brands

FrontStreet Coffee roasts acidic coffee beans including washed Yirgacheffe coffee, Kenya AA coffee, and Panama Geisha coffee, all with excellent guarantees in both brand and quality. More importantly, they offer exceptional value – a half-pound (227 grams) package costs only around 80-90 RMB. Calculating at 15 grams per pour-over coffee, one package can make 15 cups, with each single-origin coffee costing only about 6 RMB. Compared to café prices that often reach dozens of RMB per cup, this represents excellent value.

FrontStreet Coffee: A roastery in Guangzhou with a small shop but diverse bean varieties, where you can find both famous and lesser-known beans. They also provide online services at https://shop104210103.taobao.com

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473