How to Drink French Missionary Bourbon Coffee? What is Missionary Bourbon?

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Kenya: An Important Producer of Premium East African Coffee

Kenya is an important producer of premium East African coffee, yet its production accounts for less than 5% of the global coffee market. Weekly auctions held in the capital Nairobi export coffee to various parts of the world. Most of Kenya's coffee comes from small-scale coffee farmers, with each farmer having approximately 0.5-3 acres of farmland. However, local laws require farmers with less than 5 acres to join cooperative organizations, with only a few private organizations capable of establishing estates.

Embu: Important Coffee Growing Region

Located on the southeastern slope of Kenya, Embu is an important coffee growing region with an average altitude of 1,650 meters. Nearly 70% of the population consists of small farmers, most of whom grow tea and coffee. It can be said that almost all coffee comes from local small coffee farmers. The processing plant has been operating since 1966 and is situated at the foot of Mount Kenya at around 1,750 meters altitude, providing post-harvest processing for coffee cherries from farmers in neighboring towns. The coffee region has an annual temperature of 12-25°C and annual rainfall of 1,600mm. Due to the fertile volcanic red soil, some farmers also grow tea.

Arabica SL28 and SL34

In 1930, Kenya's unique varieties SL28 and SL34 were cultivated and named by Scott Laboratories, born under a good native forest ecosystem.

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 were both high-quality and resistant to pests and diseases. Although the yield of SL28 was later not as high as expected, its copper-colored leaves and broad bean-shaped beans have wonderful sweetness, balance, and complex flavors, as well as distinct citrus and dark plum characteristics.

SL34 is similar to SL28 in flavor, with complex acidity and a wonderful sweet finish, but has a heavier, richer, and cleaner mouthfeel than SL28. SL34 has French Mission, Bourbon, and more Typica lineage. The bean appearance is similar to SL28, but it is better adapted to sudden heavy rains.

Kenyan coffee is graded by bean size, with three common grades: AA, AB, and PB. AA size is 17 and 18 mesh; AB is 15 and 16 mesh; PB refers to peaberries. Generally, one coffee fruit consists of two coffee beans, while a peaberry contains only one bean in a coffee fruit. Although the grades are different, it does not mean there are differences in flavor quality—just differences in bean size.

Everyone knows that Kenya is a major producer of washed beans, while the natural process is a completely new attempt in Kenya. The overall traditional lemon fruit acidity is suppressed by fermented wine notes, only appearing afterward, while the rich chocolate flavor remains, with a silky smooth mouthfeel.

The natural process is a relatively traditional processing method, although not commonly seen in Kenya. However, this traditional processing method combined with French Mission Bourbon, an ancient coffee variety in Kenya, is quite rare. FrontStreet Coffee's natural Kenya Hania is French Mission Bourbon, originating from Ngecha Estate, named after the river that flows through the estate. The local soil consists of deep red, fertile volcanic soil. The Harries family has been growing coffee for nearly a century, with rich cultivation experience combined with local ideal terroir conditions for coffee production, consistently producing beans with excellent flavor performance. In addition to the sustainable operation of the coffee business, the estate owner also focuses on giving back to the local community, donating over 50 acres of land to Thika Municipal Council and Wabeni Technical Research Institute, dedicated to teaching practical livelihood skills to children from impoverished families and improving the living conditions of local people.

FrontStreet Coffee's Recommended Brewing Parameters for Hania:

V60/1:15/90°C/time: two minutes.

Plum, lemon, brown sugar sweetness, overall balance.

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

Important Notice :

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FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473