KENYA - PEABERRIES - WASHED

OVERVIEW:
Kenya Peaberries Washed is a classic representation of Kenya’s highland terroir, bringing together smallholder-grown lots from multiple regions across the country. This coffee showcases the bright, complex acidity and layered fruit notes Kenya is famous for—delivered in the compact form of peaberries. With its sparkling grapefruit acidity, rich citrus and berry notes, and caramel finish, this coffee delivers clarity, intensity, and elegance in every cup.

PRODUCERS:
This lot is made up of meticulously selected peaberries from smallholder farms, most of which are under 5 acres in size. These farmers belong to local Farmer Cooperative Societies (FCS) and deliver their ripe cherries to nearby washing stations, also called “factories.” Each station follows strict sorting, washing, and drying protocols to uphold Kenya’s global reputation for quality.

ALTITUDE AND LOCATION:
Peaberries in this lot come from a variety of highland regions across Kenya’s central and western coffee zones, including Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, and parts of the Rift Valley. Grown at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 meters above sea level, these coffees benefit from fertile volcanic soils, high elevation, and ideal rainfall patterns—perfect for slow cherry development and dense, flavourful beans.

PROCESSING – WASHED:
All cherries are hand-picked, sorted, and depulped at the factory level. After fermentation in water tanks, the parchment is washed and graded by density before being dried on raised beds under the sun. Peaberries are separated during grading—these naturally occurring round beans form when only one seed develops inside the cherry instead of two. Their compact shape is thought to roast more evenly and develop unique flavour clarity.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
Despite its proximity to Ethiopia, coffee only arrived in Kenya in 1893, brought by French missionaries. Under British colonial rule, large estates were established while indigenous farmers were barred from growing coffee. That changed in the mid-20th century, and today, smallholders account for more than 70% of Kenya’s production. The country’s auction system—established in the 1930s—remains one of the most transparent and quality-focused systems globally, helping coffees like this stand out on the world stage.

Kenya Peaberries Washed is a lively, fruit-forward coffee perfect for adventurous brewers and citrus-loving palates. We roast this coffee lightly to highlight its crisp blackberry and grapefruit notes, letting the juicy acidity shine while preserving its caramel finish. Ideal for a filter roast.