Kenya Kirinyaga AA Washed - Mitondo Factory

Rhubarb, grapefruit, pomelo, herbal
TOP LOT
Log in to view price
Bag Weight 30 KG BAG
Harvest Season 2020/21
Status Spot
Lot Number P608097-1
  • Out of Stock Bag(s)
Log In To Buy / Sample

About This Coffee

Mitondo Coffee Factory is operated by the Mwirua Farmers Cooperative Society founded in the 1960s. Cherries are delivered by small holder farmers before being depulped and fermented underwater for 15–24 hours. The coffee is washed three times before being laid to dry. 

Country of Origin Kenya
Harvest Season 2020/21
Coffee Grade KEN CA WA AA
Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
Plant Species Arabica
Processing Washed
Cup Score 86.25
Region Kirinyaga
Farm Name Mitondo Factory

History of Coffee in Kenya 

It seems likely that coffee grew wild within the region that would become Kenya, buried deep inside impenetrable forests, or perhaps hiding in plain site; but it wasn’t until 1895 that missionaries both protestant and catholic attempted to grow coffee for commercial purposes. The 100 seeds from Reunion Island that would serve as progenitors to the Kenyan coffee industry arrived on a train, carried by priests belonging to an order known as “Holy Ghost Fathers.” On August 12th, 1899, they arrived at the spot that would quickly become the country’s capital city. One of the early protestant medical missionaries was Dr. Henry Scott. After his death in 1911, a new hospital complex was named after Dr. Scott and when the department of agriculture took over the complex in 1923 they kept the name: Scott Agricultural Laboratories, or “Scott Labs.” This is the origin of the “SL” in SL28 and other coffee varieties selected at the lab. 

Growing Coffee in Kenya 

Coffee is grown through the highland regions of Kenya, including Kisii, Nyanza, and Bungoma in the west; Nakuru and Kericho in the Great Rift Valley; Machakos, Embu, and Meru to the east of Mt. Kenya; and the Taita hills near the coast. The largest and oldest coffee growing areas are the central highlands, particularly Nyeri, sandwiched between the foothills of Mt Kenya to the east and the Aberdare mountain range to the west. Most coffee in Kenya is grown between 4,500 and 6,500 feet. Nearly all of Kenya’s 700,000 coffee producers are small land holders belonging to cooperatives. Most common varieties in Kenya are Ruiru 11, SL28, SL34, and K7. SL34 and K7 were developed from heirloom bourbon known as “French Mission,” which was the primary variety grown prior to the 1930’s that can still be found today, as can Blue Mountain on some farms. Kenyan coffees are graded by screen size and while there are several grades, specialty coffee is AA, AB, or PB (peaberry), used in combination with quality grade FAQ or FAQ Plus (Fair Average Quality). 

  • Cup Score 86.25
  • Region Kirinyaga
  • Farm Name Mitondo Factory
  • Producer Type Small Holder Farmers
  • Processing Washed
  • Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
  • Plant Species Arabica
  • On Sale No
  • Top Lot Yes
  • Status Spot
  • Coffee Grade KEN CA WA AA
  • CTRM Contract Number P608097-1
  • Country of Origin Kenya
  • Warehouse Continental NJ

Downloads