Leaves Kenya Gathaithi AA Whole Bean

7oz / 200g Whole Bean
Notes: Pomelo, Blackberry, Rhubarb, Cane Sugar, Smooth
Region: Nyeri
Producer: Gathaithi Factory
Varietal: SL28, Ruiru 11, Batian
Process: Washed
Elevation: 1720 m
 
From Proud Mary:
 
"Gathaithi Farmer’s Cooperative Society (FCS) is located in the famed Nyeri region of Kenya, 160km north of Nairobi. It’s sandwiched between the elegant Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare ranges, placing it in the perfect location to grow beautiful coffees. The red-volcanic soils of the area provide the necessary nutrients to optimize annual production.\
 
Overseen by factory manager, Peter Karienye, coffees from Gathaithi are processed in the traditional Kenyan style. The washing process includes an additional soaking phase, which is believed to increase amino-acid development, leading to more intense acidity, and bolder fruit and citrus flavors.Gathaithi has a pre-financing program for its 1,600+ members. Funds are set aside from the previous year’s harvest, which members of the cooperative can access for pre-financing of school fees, access to farm inputs and funds for emergency needs."
 
From Sey:
 
"Gathaithi Cooperative was registered in 2000, and currently has 1,656 active members. The cooperative is located on the mountain side of Mt. Kenya, at Gaki Location, Gathaithi sub-location, Tetu, sub-country, in Nyeri County.
 
“SL” is in reference to single tree selections made by Scott Agricultural Laboratories in 1935-1939. SL28 is of the Bourbon genetic group, and was selected for its drought resistance as well as its extremely high cup quality. SL28 is one of the most well-known and well-regarded varieties in Africa. It has consequently spread from Kenya to other parts of Africa as well as Central and South America. SL28 is non-hybrid, and very susceptible to disease.
 
Ruiru 11 is a Catimor hybrid that owes its existence to a coffee berry disease epidemic in 1968 that lead to the loss of 50% of Kenya’s production. The crisis sparked action. In the 1970s, the coffee research station at Ruiru—which gives Ruiru 11 its name—began an intensive breeding program of varieties that are immune to coffee berry disease, ultimately leading to the release of Ruiru 11 in 1985. Batian is resistant to both leaf rust and coffee berry disease. It was created via single-tree selections from fifth filial (F5) generations from the male parent of some Ruiru 11 progenies.
 
Batian is a composite variety, mixing three different pure line varieties. The varieties involved in the original crosses are: SL28, SL34, Rume Sudan, N39, K7, SL4 and the Timor Hybrid."