Episode 325 on Monday the 2nd of February, 2015. Kenya Karugiro AB Washed SL28.

Much of Kenyan coffee comes from Co-operatives, which means its tough to go visit a person or build a long term relationship. But there is a very transparent auction system in Kenya, and an opportunity to cup lots of coffee. This coffee comes from the Kamacharia Co-operative Society – which has 985 active members with approx. 200 trees each (0.5-1 acre of land each).The Production in 2012/13 was 120,000 kg’s cherry and the society has 4 wet mills: Kagumoini (not to be confused with mill of same name in Nyeri) , Riakiberu, Wahundura & Karugiro

This coffee comes from the Murang and is a well known coffee growing area on the foothills of the Aberdare mountains, which rise to 3,700 metres.

Growers selectively pick only ripe red cherries, and transport it manually to the washing station on the same day. Upon reception at the washing station, cherries are sorted to further check for over- ripe cherries, under-ripe cherries, and any foreign matter. Cherries then fed through hopper to de-pulper, where outer skin removed.

After pulping, coffee is fermented underwater for between 12-36 hours, in order to remove mucilage. Post-fermentation, coffee is washed and graded in sorting channels. Processing water is redistributed into seepage pits.

Parchment is then placed on pre-drying beds for 2-3 hours, until any surface water has evaporated, before being transferred to African raised beds, in layers of 3-5cm. In order to prevent parchment cracking, it is turned regularly, and covered at midday heat, to ensure uniform drying. When moisture levels reach 10.5-11%, it is removed from drying tables and placed in conditioning bins, where it is regularly turned to continue uniform drying.

This coffee was dry-milled at Thika Coffee Mills prior to export.

In the cup expect a bright citrus like acidity. It reminds me of one of those lemon lime fizzy pop, with an amazing effervescence.

Name: Karugiro
Affiliated to: Kamacharia Co-operative Society
Province: Central
District: murang'a
Average rainfall (mm): 1200mm per year. The rains are in two seasons, short and long rains. Main crop depends on long rains that come Mar/April. Fly crop receives some adequate rain between Nov/Dec.
Altitude (masl): 1600 - 1700
Average Number of Trees per Farmer: 200 
Drying Method: Sun
Harvest Method: Hand picking
Varieties: SL 28 
Coordinates: -0.592401, 37.053119
Soil: Rich Volcanic Loam