Despite its proximity to Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, it wasn’t until the late 19th century when coffee was first cultivated in Kenya. It has since become one of the world’s most sought after coffees. The distinctive terroir of the Kenyan highlands, with fertile soil, rich in organic matter, reliable rainfall and stable temperatures between 60 to 80-degrees Fahrenheit, provides spectacular growing conditions.
Factor in the Kenyans’ meticulous method of processing – double washing and double fermentation procedures – and we are rewarded with the unique flavor profile of great Kenyans: complex fruit and citrus along with bright acidity.
In Kenya, the “factories” are more or less washing and processing stations. Factories generally belong to a Farmers Cooperative Society and each Society has three to four, or more, associated factories. The Society management committee helps make major decisions for the factories, and provides farmers with seedlings from the Coffee Research Foundation.
The Tambaya factory – part of the Rumukia Society – has 843 active members, which are actually smallholder farmers, each with an average of 250 coffee trees. In this area of Kenya, farmers usually grow highly regarded varietals, SL28 and SL34, and harvest between October and December. The Factory and Society offer technical and agricultural advice to member farmers, all with the goal of achieving the highest quality possible.
Farmers harvest and deliver their coffee to the Factory on the same day, where it is sorted, graded, weighed and pulped. Carefully selected lots are blended to deliver Tambaya’s lemon- and fruit-driven cup profile. Yes, our Tambaya lives up to the reputation of great Kenyan coffees: you’ll experience juicy body along with more brown sugar, crème brûlée notes and stone-fruit citrus finish. Tambaya produces a lively, bright coffee for those who enjoy clarity in their cup.
Origin: Kenya
Region: Nyeri
Farm/Co-op: Tambaya
Varietal(s): SL28, SL34
Avg. Altitude: 1550 meters
Harvest: October – December
Processing: Washed
Flavor Notes: Lemon, Raisin, Citrus
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