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African Coffee Major Producing Countries and Regions | Introduction to Kenyan Coffee Bean Varieties, Growing Regions and Flavor Characteristics

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange. For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style). FrontStreet Coffee - African Coffee Origins. Introduction to Kenyan Coffee Growing Conditions. Kenya is located in East Africa below the equator, where high-quality Arabica coffee beans are cultivated. The coffee beans have thick flesh and a round shape, classified into seven grades based on bean size, while the flavor is characterized by

Professional coffee knowledge exchange. For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style).

FrontStreet Coffee - African Coffee Origins: Introduction to Kenya Coffee Growing Conditions

Kenya is located in East Africa, situated on the equator. The coffee beans grown there are high-quality Arabica varieties. These coffee beans are characterized by their thick, fleshy, round shape. The grading system classifies beans into seven levels based on size, while flavor is divided into six quality tiers from top to bottom. Among coffee connoisseurs, "Kenya AA" is highly praised and acclaimed for its slightly acidic, rich aroma, making it very popular among Europeans. Especially in the UK, Kenyan coffee has surpassed Costa Rican coffee to become one of the most favored varieties.

The main specialty coffee growing regions primarily come from the following counties: Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Murang'a. Additionally, Embu and Laikipia are also relatively common regions.

The main varieties in Kenya are SL28 and SL34, which were cultivated and named by "Scott Laboratories." Both SL28 and SL34 are genetic variants. The original goal in developing SL28 was to mass-produce coffee beans that combined high quality with resistance to pests and diseases. Although SL28's yield didn't meet the expected high volume, its copper-colored leaves and broad bean shape offer wonderful sweetness, balance, and complex, varied flavors, with distinctive citrus and plum characteristics. SL34 shares similar flavors with SL28, but beyond its complex acidity and wonderful sweet finish, it has a heavier, richer body and is cleaner. SL34 beans resemble SL28 in appearance but are better adapted to sudden heavy rainfall.

Kenyan coffee is primarily processed using the washed method. The Kenyan washing process follows the initial steps of the standard washed method: first, natural fermentation for 12 hours (mainly at pH 4.5-4.8), then washing away 80-90% of the mucilage layer, followed by another 24 hours of natural fermentation. After thorough cleaning, the beans are soaked in water for 24 hours, then dried before being stored in warehouses.

Kenyan coffee is graded by both bean size and flavor. Bean sizes include AA, AB, and PB. AA sizes are screen 17 and 18, AB is screen 15 and 16, and PB refers to Peaberries. Flavor grades are, in order: TOP, PLUS, and FAQ. FAQ - "Fair to Average Quality" may contain some slight defective beans, but these do not affect the flavor.

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The washed processing method enhances the brightness of coffee bean acidity and showcases rich fruit flavors. When lightly roasted, Kenyan coffee's bright fruit aroma and acidity are sometimes described as resembling fruit tea. It is a favorite single-origin coffee among many coffee professionals. For this reason, Kenyan coffee has earned the reputation as the "Cup of Connoisseurs."

In summary: FrontStreet Coffee is a coffee research institute dedicated to sharing coffee knowledge with everyone. We share without reservation because we want more friends to fall in love with coffee. Additionally, we hold three discounted coffee events every month because FrontStreet Coffee wants to offer the best coffee at the lowest prices to more friends. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past six years!