Kenya | Introduction to Assalia Coffee Beans from the Coffee Region

Kenya

The Republic of Kenya is located in eastern Africa, crossed by the equator in its central region. It borders Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, with the Indian Ocean to its southeast. The country covers an area of 582,646 square kilometers and is divided into 47 counties.

The Kenyan flag is based on the flag of the Kenya African National Union from before independence. It consists of three equal horizontal stripes of black, red, and green from top to bottom, with white edges above and below the red stripe. In the center of the flag is a shield and two crossed spears. The black symbolizes the Kenyan people, red represents the struggle for freedom, green symbolizes agriculture and natural resources, white represents unity and peace, and the spears and shield symbolize national unity and the struggle to defend freedom.

Kenya is predominantly characterized by highlands with an average elevation of 1,500 meters, while only the coastal areas consist of plains. The eastern branch of the East African Rift Valley runs north-south through the highlands, dividing them into eastern and western parts. The country has numerous lakes and many volcanoes, including the extinct volcano Mount Kenya in the central highlands, which reaches an elevation of 5,199 meters, making it the second-highest peak in Africa.

Kenya is located in the tropical monsoon region, with most areas experiencing a tropical savanna climate. The coastal regions are relatively hot and humid, while the highlands have a mild climate. The rainy seasons occur from March to June and from October to December, with the remaining months being dry. Annual temperatures range between 12-24°C, and annual rainfall decreases from 1,500 mm in the southwest to 200 mm in the northeast. The combination of high mountain elevations, volcanic soil, abundant sunshine, and appropriate rainfall makes the country's agriculture and tourism relatively developed.

Coffee Growing Regions

Kenya has numerous coffee growing regions, concentrated mainly in the southwestern and central parts of the country. There are 14 growing regions: Bungoma, Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Machakos, Meru, Mt. Elgon, Murang'a, Nakuru, Nyeri, Thika, Taita Taveta, and Trans-Nzoia. Among these, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, and Thika are the most famous. Kenya has two harvest seasons: the main harvest season from October to December, and a secondary harvest season from May to July.

Nyeri

Located in central Kenya, Nyeri is home to the extinct Mount Kenya, with coffee growing at altitudes between 1,200-2,300 meters. Due to its high terrain and fertile volcanic soil, Nyeri has become a major center for Kenyan coffee, with well-developed coffee-related industry facilities.

Kirinyaga

Adjacent to the Nyeri region, with elevations ranging from 1,300-1,900 meters. It is globally renowned for coffee with intense flavors, rich layers, and a solid mouthfeel. Together with the Nyeri region, it is recognized as one of Kenya's two most outstanding growing regions. Most producers in this area are small-scale coffee farmers who have joined cooperatives, which provide washing stations where farmers bring their coffee cherries for processing.

Murang'a

Belonging to the Central Province, this region also benefits from volcanic soil, with elevations between 1,350-1,950 meters. The region has approximately 100,000 coffee farmers, with more small-scale coffee farmers than large estates.

Kiambu

Located in central Kenya, this region also benefits from volcanic soil. It is primarily characterized by large coffee estates, though there are also numerous cooperatives. Coffee is grown at altitudes between 1,500-2,200 meters.

Thika

Thika is a small town located near Kenya's capital Nairobi, with many coffee fields surrounding Nairobi. Although Thika is an industrial town, it is surrounded by agriculture and waterfalls. The Thika region has approximately 2,000 farmers, with coffee grown at elevations between 1,520-2,200 meters. Compared to coffee beans from other Kenyan regions, Thika coffee exhibits more distinct tomato flavors.

FrontStreet Coffee Kenya Asalia AA TOP

Region: Thika region Estate/Processing Station: Asail Processing Station Altitude: 1,550-1,750 meters Varieties: SL28, SL34 Processing: K72 washed Flavor profile: Cherry tomatoes, dark plums, berries, citrus, green tea

The FrontStreet Coffee Kenya Asalia coffee beans that FrontStreet Coffee has acquired use the K72 washed processing method and are medium-light roasted. FrontStreet Coffee uses V60, with a 1:15 ratio at 92°C for brewing. You'll detect aromas of ripe tomatoes and floral notes. On tasting, you'll experience cherry tomato and dark plum flavors, with bright acidity, prominent sweetness, a juicy mouthfeel, and a clean finish.