Kenya is located in the eastern part of the African continent, which in 1963 became an independent state (formerly a colony of Great Britain). It is currently one of the developing countries of Africa.
One of the country's main sources of income is considered to be the export of Kenyan coffee. This article describes the development of this production in this country. We will also consider the varieties and types of coffee drinks, recipes for their preparation.
Plantation History
There are two explanations for the appearance of coffee in Kenya. According to one version, in 1893, the first seedlings of this plant from Reunion Island were introduced by religious enlighteners of the Holy Spirit community. At the beginning of the 18th century, coffee came to this island from Yemen.
Young trees delivered by sea were planted near the capital of Kenya - the city of Nairobi. Thus, this first agricultural enterprise became the basis for the development of the coffee industry.
The second version is based on historical documents, which say that the British since 1900 engaged in the cultivation of coffee trees on plantations. They sprouted in Ethiopia in the wild, grain was brought by missionaries.
For decades, Britain was a monopoly of coffee plantations, which led in the middle of the XX century to the uprising of the masses. After independence, all coffee enterprises became the main industry in the country's economy.
There is now a Coffee Department in Nairobi whose main task is to control coffee production throughout the Republic of Kenya.
Coffee Beverage Labeling
Alpine plains formed as a result of volcanic eruptions, unique environmental conditions contributed to the cultivation of Kenyan coffee varieties. Due to their taste, they began to be considered elite and gained world fame.
All grains of the Kenyan product are marked with letter combinations. For example, there is coffee beans "Kenya AA". What does it mean?
The fruits of the coffee tree, marked with the symbol "AA", are elongated grains. Thanks to them, coffee beans "Kenya AA" is obtained with a gentle sour taste.
Large round grains of coffee trees sprouting only in Kenya are labeled “AB” and are characterized by a persistent smell along with a fruity-citrus flavor.
Ruiruiru Coffee
Ruiruiru Kenya coffee beans are considered unique among gourmets. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the first sips seem sweet, and then characteristic bitterness begins to be felt.
The taste qualities of this coffee from Kenya depend on the heat treatment of the beans. The stronger the roasting temperature, the more cherry and chocolate flavors of the drink appear. It is noteworthy that Ruiruiru has no sour taste.
On the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the popular Kenya AA Ruiruiru coffee variety sprouts. This finished drink has a breading flavor. Often these roasted and ground beans are added to coffee blends to improve the taste.
A distinctive feature of the drink, which is brewed from Ruiruiru grains, is that the aroma of the drink changes over time. For example, you start to drink and it seems to you that the taste of the drink is sweet, there is a caramel aftertaste. But when you already drink about half a cup of coffee, it will already be bitter.
"Kenya AA Kagumoini"
This arabica variety is classic. It grows on fertile soils in the Kenyan mountains. In this equatorial zone, coffee can bloom up to eight times a year. Due to the fact that plantations grow at a height, the taste of the finished drink becomes more multifaceted. By the way, this also applies to the citrus-spicy aroma.
Kenya AA Washt
It is aromatic and strong coffee. His taste is pronounced. The variety of this coffee is arabica. Grains of its superior quality. They undergo wet processing. Coffee "Kenya AA Washt" is produced in beans. You can find a ground version.
Coffee "Kenya Samburu AA"
Another kind of Kenyan coffee. Its variety is arabica. This alpine arabica is from Kenya, which grows at an altitude of 1,200 - 1,800 meters above sea level. Harvested in October - February, as well as in April and May. Coffee "Kenya Samburu AA" has a pleasant taste with notes of black grapes and hints of spices. Suitable for different cooking methods. The aroma of the drink is pronounced.
Starbucks Kenya ("Starbucks" arabica from Kenya)
This coffee consists of a mixture of medium roasted Kenyan beans. The brewed drink has a rather unusual taste of juicy and ripe fruits, with barely perceptible notes of blackberry, black currant, grapefruit. Thanks to its illuminating fruity aftertaste and impeccable consistency, every coffee lover admires this drink. It invigorates and perfectly refreshes. You can even use it cold, for example, with ice. Starbucks is great for making ristretto.
Bourbon Drink What is it like?
Coffee "Bourbon" from Kenya is considered one of the most popular in Europe. The drink is made from fruits that for centuries have accumulated their taste.
Six seedlings of this tree were brought from Yemen to France at the beginning of the XVIII century and planted on the island of Bourbon (modern name "Reunion").
After some time, the young trees were transported to Brazil, and coffee plantations were created on its territory, which still exist today.
This variety is also grown on Kenya's coffee plantations. The instant coffee drink Bourbon Select-a-Vantage Kenya, which is based on grains of this variety, is a kind of combination of aroma and rich taste.
The advantages of this variety are its balanced composition, light coffee bitterness and a wine-fruit smell. The unique taste of "Bourbon" beans is due to the fact that the product dries on the branches of a coffee tree. Plantations of this variety are few in number; harvesting is carried out only by manual method. Therefore, the price of this drink is high.
Varieties of "Bourbon". Description of species
There are several varieties of it:
- Yellow Bourbon is considered a rare type of coffee. Its feature is the thin skin of berries. Thanks to this, the grains absorb the heat of African sunlight.
- The fruits of "Bourbon Santos" are harvested on trees whose age is not more than four years. The grains are relatively small and have a deformed appearance. Their value lies in the pronounced taste.
- The nutty flavor is of the Bourbon Flat Bit Santos variety. These beans are harvested on the same trees as Santos grains. The only difference is that the plant must be over four years old. Due to this, the beans are large in size and have an oblong shape of dark brown color.
- Now in demand is Bourbon Espresso. This variety is made from various varieties of Bourbon grains. The peculiarity of this drink is the slow roasting of beans, which gives it a pleasant coffee taste.
"Kenya Nyeri Gichataini AB"
It is a freshly roasted coffee bean. Variety - Arabica subspecies SL28, SL34.
These grains are optimal for cooking in Kemex and Purover, it is possible to cook in a drip coffee maker. Grains can be added to espresso blends. They will provide the drink with berry shades of taste and delicate sweet jasmine notes of aroma.
Jardine is coffee from Kenya. Description of varieties and species
A high-quality drink and one of the most popular among coffee fans is Jardin, which includes elite beans from coffee trees native to Kenya.
This product is jointly produced by two companies: the Russian “Orimi Trade” and the Swiss Jardin Cafe Solution SA As a result of a special production technology (double frying of beans in a vacuum), “Jardin” retains its coffee smell and taste for a long time.
On all packs, the strength of the drink is indicated in the form of numbers 3, 4 and 5. For lovers of a strong rich taste, manufacturers recommend a package with the number 4 or 5. A light aromatic drink is contained in packages that have a digital designation of "3".
Three varieties of this drink are considered the most popular. Jardin Dessert Cup coffee has a strong double roasting of beans (the number 5 is on the pack) with the aroma of chocolate. This variety is made from five types of Kenyan beans. Jardin All Day Long coffee (number 4) has medium-roasted beans.
For lovers of a soft drink, a Jardin Continental 3-pack of coffee is suitable. The composition includes a bean mix of two types of coffee trees grown in Kenya and Colombia. Also popular is the Jardin Coffee Kenya Kilimanjaro.
Note that the entire range of "Jardin" is contained in hermetic packaging. There are products presented in grains. Also sold instant coffee "Jardine" from Kenya. Nowadays, many people prefer this particular species.
Coffee recipe
Lovers of a coffee drink to improve digestion, appetite, and for colds offer coffee made from beans from Kenya, which includes red pepper. To do this, prepare 2 teaspoons of any Kenyan beans, 100 g of water, half a teaspoon of butter, a pinch of salt and red pepper, the amount of sugar to taste.
Ground coffee beans should be poured into a turk and roasted over low heat. Then add water, sugar and bring to a boil. After this add spices, oil, mix thoroughly and bring to a boil again. The prepared drink should be drunk in small sips from a pre-warmed cup.
Little conclusion
Now you know what “Kenya AA” coffee is, its description was made, and some other types were also considered. Now you can easily choose a drink to taste.