Kenya | Getuya

Getuya Coffee Factory is operated by the Mwirua Farmers Cooperative Society (F.C.S.), and was founded in 1964. There are 900 contributing producers who deliver cherry to the factory from their small (1/5 of a hectare) farmland within the area.

After the coffee is delivered and sorted, it is immediately depulped, fermented underwater for 15–24 hours, and washed three times before being spread on metal drying tables. It typically takes 6–7 days for the Washed coffees to dry, though the factory also produces Honey and Natural coffees.

Most of Kenya's coffee is produced by smallholders delivering to factories (central processing units) who predominantly produce Washed coffees. Estates are also best-known for their Washed lots. The Washed process in Kenya may vary slightly from place to place, but it generally contains a soaking step that is unique to this growing country. First the coffee is picked ripe and depulped the same day, then it is normally fermented in open-air tanks made of concrete or cement for 24–48 hours. It's then washed thoroughly using water channels before being soaked underwater for 12–72 hours. It is then spread on raised beds to dry.

Kirinyaga, in Central Kenya, is home to Mt. Kenya. It is forested with a wealth of exotic wildlife receiving 50 inches of rain per year. Many rivers run through the region and the soil is rich and volcanic, providing smallholders and cooperatives with the resources to grow and process some of Kenya's most fruit-forward coffees.

This beautiful lot shines as a filter option with sparkling acidity, cleanliness and clarity in the cup and tea like mouthfeel topped with notes of cranberry, passion fruit, elderflower and hibiscus.

Region: Kirinyaga
Producer: Getuya factory
Altitude: 1540m
Variety: Batian, Ruiru 11, SL28, SL34
Process: washed
Notes: cranberry, elderflower cordial, hibiscus