Its capital is Nairobi. Kenyans also meticulously classify the beans by shape, color, and density. They can process and consume whatever amount and whatever quality of coffee they wish. Today, Kenya’s coffee farmers are reaping the fruits of that labor and producing the world’s best coffee. The country’s best coffee was exported and only the poorest quality coffee was sold locally. Kenya's coffee crops in general flower after the rains commence—this occurs in March and April, with the coffee cherry (fruit) ripening from May to July, and then again in September and October, with most of Kenya's coffee cherry coming to ripeness from October to December. Coffea arabica is by far the leader and accounts for 75-80% of the world’s coffee production. You can recognize Kenya through its tell-tale citrus flavors – grapefruit most often, but sometimes lemon and sometimes tart orange. History will have to be the judge to see who is correct. There are many African born beans that hold a very high reputation among coffee connoisseurs today. In fact, it's a terrific iced coffee on a hot summer day. Coffee was one of these crops. When it comes to plantations and estates, Rukuriri in the Embu East district is one of the most renowned. 100% Pure Kenya AA Coffee Beans with a rich body, pleasant vibrant acidity, fragrant aroma and winy aftertaste with overtones of berries and citrus. Here are some interesting facts about Kenyan coffee: The 1800s, when it all started. The Arabs who controlled coffee enslaved thousands of … Despite its proximity to Ethiopia (widely believed to be the region where people started chucking coffee grains into the ocean), coffee was cultivated in Kenya until 1893, when missionaries died tring to importe Bourbon coffee trees to kenya from Brazil. 1907. No two businesses are identical. Espresso Roast was formulated and created by Dave Olsen, famous for being an integral part of Starbucks from nearly the beginning. Through bold reforms and the bravery of many Kenyans, farmers began to freely produce and manufacture their products however they desired, changing the future of Kenya coffee forever. Today, thanks to sweeping reforms, coffee growers can do whatever they want with their coffee without attracting penalties. Coffee from Kenya is famous for its intense flavor and full body. Coffea arabica originated from the Ethiopian mountains, while Coffea robusta originated  in West African forests. Royal Cup Coffee and Tea is a family-owned business that is a proven leader in sourcing, roasting, blending and providing high-quality coffees and fine teas since 1896 and is the chosen partner for restaurants, hotels, offices and commuters across the country. Nairobi becomes the official capital of Kenya. At Royal Cup, we’re committed to serving the best coffee and tea products around – but we can’t do it alone. Of all of the Kenyan coffee brands, AA is the one you’ll hear about the most. The Kenya Coffee Board is trying to promote Ruiru 11 as an alternative to the farmers but their efforts are overshadowed by the rumors that it tastes like a low grade coffee from a different country. A great Kenya coffee will certainly likewise have a black-current flavor and scent. The region’s rich volcanic soil and pure rainfall create a deep, bright flavor within every sip. It wasn’t until 1960 that Kenyans began taking ownership of the growing and manufacturing of their beans; however, there were still endless governmental restrictions on the coffee-making process. Order now with Ama…, Make your last-minute holiday shopping easier by checking out our list of ideas that will arrive by Christmas!…. Coffee plant management involving pruning, timely harvest and processing are taken seriously. Kenya. Harvesting. The government is very involved in the country’s coffee production. Kenya's Coffee History. Coffea liberica originated from forests in West Africa and Coffea excelsa originated in the area around Lake Chad. British settlers begin their first experiments growing coffee in Kenya. From cherry to cup, Kenya’s coffee travels a unique journey. Kenya Coffee is often found in our supermarkets, but few people really know, so this article introduces you to Kenyan Coffee The Kenyan highlands, volcanic soils and good rainfall offer the best environment for production of high quality Kenya’s famous Arabica coffee. Espresso Roast has a history that’s very much tied to Kenya coffee. After the British colonized Kenya, they declared certain crops to be grown by the white settlers and the Africans were to provide free or cheap labor. The key achievements have been the ability for the farmer to follow their produce through the dry milling process. For reasons known best to coffee chemists, the strong acidity of Kenyan coffee is well-balanced resulting in a pleasant tang, rather than a bitter jolt. Ethiopia's history with coffee goes all the way back to the very beginning, as the very first Arabica coffee plant was found there in the ninth century. KCCD. Kenya’s diverse botanical landscape contributes to the coffee’s hints of blackcurrant, honey, and lavender. It consists of 60 species found all over the world. We love our products and enjoy sharing the stories of how they travelled into your cup. History of Coffee in Kenya Coffee was introduced in Kenya in 1893 when missionaries imported Bourbon coffee from Brazil. The border between Kenya and Uganda is established, making Kisumu and the area around Lake Victoria part of Kenya. Kikwetu Kenya Coffee Company is supremely privileged to bring that coffee, and a taste of Kenya, to your doorstep. Discover what Kenya coffee tastes like! A great Kenya coffee will certainly likewise have a black-current taste and aroma. History will have to be the judge to see who is correct.Kenya coffee has an intense level of acidity as well as a remarkable sweet taste with a completely dry winy aftertaste. © 2020 Royal Cup Coffee All-Rights Reserved. Despite its proximity to Ethiopia (widely believed to be the region from which coffee originated), one source states that coffee was not cultivated in Kenya until 1893, when French Holy Ghost Fathers introduced coffee trees from Reunion Island. Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora var. This resulted in generations of native born Kenyans never knowing their country produced the world’s best coffee, including Kikwetu founder Leecox. The history of coffee in Kenya is one with hard work, determination and a love of the land and the crop. Overview of the Kenyan coffee industry Another reference claims the British introduced coffee growing into Kenya about 1900. Our team travels the world finding the industry’s best partners who grow and produce the highest-quality crops, while also working to positively impact their local communities. Kenya, country in East Africa famed for its scenic landscapes and vast wildlife preserves. The birth place of coffee is relatively close to Kenya but getting it there was not an easy task and full of bloodshed. Kenya coffee has a bright acidity and a wonderful sweetness with a dry winy aftertaste. The continent of Africa has a long and rich coffee history. History Of Kenya Coffee. That flavor isn’t overwhelming, though. After the British colonized Kenya in 1895, they took control of all crops, including coffee. To learn more about our coffee from Kenya and how you can purchase them for your business or home, contact us today! READ MORE. It was not until after the Mau Mau war, which lasted from 1952-1960, that some Africans were allowed to grow coffee, but with strict control on how many plants one could grow, and never to use the coffee beans as a beverage directly. Check out our Kenya coffee here! In 1893, missionaries imported Brazilian coffee into Kenya – introducing the country to the beloved beverage. Kenya was at the time controlled by Britain and … Both C. arabica and C. robusta are important in the international coffee trade. robusta) grows in humid, lower elevation areas in Western Kenya. The largest and best coffee beans are graded Kenya AA. Kenya’s coffee production has dropped from 130 million tonnes annually to 40 million with projections that the output could drop lower. The Arabs who regulated coffee enslaved countless Kenyan’s where they dealt with the coffee vineyards in Kenya and also Arabia. There’s a sparkle to this coffee, a bright acidity, that makes it so refreshing to drink. Kenya grows Coffea arabica exclusively. Being the country best known for its quality coffee produce, Kenya has become the best land for the production of coffee. Our product is named after a Kenyan tree distinguished by its bright orange and red leaves. A few of the worlds finest coffees come from Kenya and as a single origin coffee it wins praise at the cupping table. Bigger beans typically have more essential oils that enhance the taste and aroma. The birth area of coffee is reasonably near to Kenya yet getting it there was not a simple task as well as full of bloodshed. About Kikwetu. Not only is Kenya AA Coffee one of the biggest coffee brands in Africa, it is also named the tenth best coffee brand in the world. Despite being a neighbor to Ethiopia, where C. arabica originated, coffee was not introduced to Kenya until 1893, when Missionaries tried to import Bourbon Coffee from Brazil. The hardworking people of Kenya have been perfecting their craft for generations. Kenyans are committed to nurturing their land and protecting the high quality of the crops grown in it. They can contract directly or through Cooperative Societies to sell their coffee and, perhaps most importantly, they can determine the price of their product. Learn where it comes from! In 2016 it produced 384 000 metric tons of coffee. The British colonial administration moves from Mombasa to Nairobi. Founded in 1984, it has long created many outstanding beverages. All the coffee had to be centrally processed and marketed. At this time in history, Kenya’s best coffee was exported around the world, leaving the locals with the lowest grade. KCCD is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kenya Cooperative Coffee Exporters and whose mission is to . (FAO) #9. In 1893, missionaries imported Brazilian coffee into Kenya – introducing the country to the beloved beverage. Although Kenya is a neighbor of Ethiopia, the cultivation of coffee started only in the late 1800s, due to a Scottish missionary, John Paterson. A really good Kenya coffee will likewise have a black-current flavor and also aroma. This journey, and the production process along the way, is what creates the perfect AA Arabica that makes Kenya’s beans some of the most sought after in the world. According to legend, a goat herder took notice of the plant when he realized the energizing effect it had on his herd. As well as producing Kenya Tea, it grows outstanding Kenya Coffee. Coffee has been used as a beverage since the fifteenth century. READ MORE. Diseases and insect pests control are given special attention. The story of Kenya coffee begins with the country’s history as a British colony. The birth place of coffee is relatively close to Kenya but getting it there was not an easy task and full of bloodshed. These qualities are all true of our Kenya coffee. Kenya’s famous Arabica coffee is carefully grown in the high altitudes of Mt. He actually started blending Espresso Roast for his independent coffee house, Cafe Allegro as well as the original founders of Starbucks. After the British colonized Kenya in 1895, they took control of all crops, including coffee. These trees, descendents from trees discovered in Brazil, would be used to develop the French Mission if the missionairs hadn't died tring to import the … Coffee board of Kenya is located in Nairobi city along Exchange Lane Off Haile Selassie Avenue in a building known as Coffee Plaza Building (10th floor of this building). Kenya is the origin of nature’s finest coffee containing more than 800 different aromatic compounds. In fact, it's a terrific iced coffee … Kikwetu is a Swahili word that translates to 'our home', 'our place' or 'where we live''. Ethiopia is often considered to be the birthplace of coffee. 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