<aside> 🧙🏻♂️ Roaster’s opinion - Fruity & Floral, High Acidity ****
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<aside> 🧑🔬 Calibration
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Nestled within the rich landscapes of Kirinyaga County, in the Central Province near the quaint Kianyaga town, is the esteemed Kiri Factory. This facility, operated by the Ngiriambu Farmers Cooperative Society (FCS), stands as a testament to the passion and dedication of over 1,400 members, of which 1,200 are actively engaged in the cultivation process. Elevated at approximately 1,450 meters above sea level, the factory enjoys the fertile red volcanic soil characteristic of the region, enhancing the quality of the coffee beans produced. Our maiden experience of acquiring coffee from this FCS this year was nothing short of delightful. With an impressive cupping score of 87.25, the beans introduced a rich tapestry of flavors, including blackcurrant, lemon balm, plum, and rosehip, punctuated with a lactic high acidity, setting them apart in uniqueness and quality.
The soul of Kiri Factory's outstanding coffee stems from its army of smallholders. The community, most of whom primarily cultivate the esteemed SL28, SL34, Batian and Ruiru 11 varieties, bring their cherry harvest to the factory's doorstep. Originating from the Scott Agricultural Laboratories (SAL) in the 1930s and 1940s, these cultivars are renowned for their deep root structures. This natural trait allows them to thrive and produce even in regions with limited water resources. Each individual farm plot, usually no larger than 1 hectare, is a canvas that narrates tales of commitment, sustainable farming, and the adherence to best agricultural practices. Blessed with an annual rainfall of about 1,200mm and temperatures comfortably ranging between 13-25°C, the region provides the optimal nurturing environment for coffee cultivation. The commitment of these farmers resonates through every stage, from flowering to harvest, always emphasizing quality and environmental preservation.
At the Kiri Factory, coffee processing is more than just a series of steps; it's a blend of meticulous art and precise science. The journey begins with a stringent cherry intake process, where visual sorting and floating techniques are employed to handpick only the most mature cherries. Once selected, these cherries undergo pulping and a fermentation process that lasts between 24 to 36 hours. After fermentation, they are carefully washed in clean water and soaked for an additional 24 hours. The wet beans, now referred to as parchment, are then laid out on specifically designed raised beds. Here, they are raked frequently to ensure uniform drying, which can take anywhere from 7 to 15 days, contingent on climatic and ambient conditions.
The Kahawa Bora mill further refines this process, emerging as a pivotal entity in the coffee journey. Beyond its primary milling functions, Kahawa Bora serves as a bridge, fostering and nurturing relationships between the coffee farmers and the roasters. By offering vital agricultural extension services and ensuring traceability from the farmer to the roaster, it amplifies the quality and story of every bean. This seamless integration allows small estate owners not only to bask in the glory of their high-quality produce but also to directly link their legacy and name to their coffee, ensuring recognition and value addition.
The overarching umbrella, the Ngiriambu FCS, fortifies this entire ecosystem. Through a gamut of services, from job placements and coffee nurseries to resale stores, it injects vigor into the community's aspirations. With a bold vision to almost double their coffee production, from the current 2 million Kgs of cherry to an ambitious 4 million Kgs, the society is on an unyielding quest. Emphasizing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, rigorous coffee processing standards, and a commercial approach tailored to the global market's evolving demands, it stands as a beacon of inspiration and resilience.
All these facets, when combined, resonate with Kenya's enduring legacy in the world of coffee. With a heritage steeped in excellence, the country, through entities like the Kiri Factory and Ngiriambu FCS, continues to tantalize global coffee aficionados with beans that are not just of premium quality but also carry the heartbeat of the land and its people.
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