How to drink Mission Bourbon coffee? What is Mission Bourbon? Mission Bourbon

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Arabica Coffee Varieties

Arabica coffee varieties have evolved through repeated mutations and cross-breeding, giving rise to numerous cultivars such as Typica, Geisha, Bourbon, Caturra, and others. Bourbon is one of the inherent old tree species of Arabica and also one of the oldest existing coffee varieties. The Bourbon variety has low disease resistance and consequently low yields, with harvests only once every two years. However, its flavor is unique, with small and round beans.

Kenyan Coffee Classification

Kenyan coffee is divided into 7 grades, with AA being the highest grade, grown at altitudes above 1,500 meters.

Kenyan Coffee Varieties

When it comes to Kenyan coffee varieties, the three main types are SL28, SL34, and French Mission Bourbon.

SL28 and SL34 Varieties

Kenyan "SL28" and "SL34" are direct descendants of Bourbon, selected and cultivated by French and British missionaries and researchers in Kenya in the early 20th century. Over the past century, they have adapted to Kenya's high-phosphate soil, nurturing the characteristic acidic fragrance that defines Kenyan coffee. Premium Kenyan coffees come from these two varieties, but when transplanted elsewhere, they lose their distinctive character.

French Mission Bourbon

As for why it's called French Mission Bourbon (French Mission), it's because French missionaries first brought Bourbon coffee beans from the Gulf of Aden in Yemen to East Africa for cultivation. Therefore, original Bourbon coffee is still grown in Kenya today.

Currently, most Kenyan coffee varieties are improved from the original Bourbon SL28 and SL34, while French Mission coffee is the original Bourbon variety before improvement. In 1892 AD, French missionaries brought Bourbon coffee to Kenya for cultivation. During the growing process, they avoided scientific improvements, preserving the most original flavor of Bourbon.

Kenyan Coffee Grading

Kenyan coffee is graded by bean size, with three common grades: AA, AB, and PB. AA beans are sizes 17 and 18 mesh; AB are sizes 15 and 16 mesh; PB refers to peaberries. Generally, one coffee fruit contains two coffee beans, while a peaberry occurs when only one seed develops inside the coffee cherry, resulting in a smaller, rounder bean. Although the grades differ, this doesn't indicate any difference in flavor quality - only the difference in bean size.

Processing Methods

Everyone knows that Kenyan coffee is predominantly washed beans. The natural processing method is a completely new attempt in Kenya. The overall traditional citrus acidity is subdued by fermented wine notes, which only emerge later, while the rich chocolate mellow notes remain, with a silky smooth mouthfeel.

FrontStreet Coffee's Kenyan Natural

Natural processing is a relatively traditional 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 processed Kenya Hania is French Mission Bourbon, originating from the Hania 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, and their rich cultivation experience, combined with the ideal local terroir conditions for coffee production, has consistently resulted in excellent flavor profiles. In addition to sustainable coffee business operations, the estate owner also focuses on giving back to the local community, donating over 50 mu of land to the Thika Municipal Government and Wabeni Technical Research Institution, dedicated to teaching practical livelihood skills to children from impoverished families and improving the living conditions of local people.

Brewing Recommendations

FrontStreet Coffee suggests Hania brewing parameters:

V60/1:15/90°C/2 minutes.

Notes: Plum, lemon, brown sugar sweetness, overall balance.

About FrontStreet Coffee

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