Kenya Gititu AA

Whole bean coffee

Origin: Kenya

Region: Kiambu

Factory: Gititu

Elevation: 1300 masl

Process: Washed, 16-18 hour fermentation in cement tanks, dried on raised beds for 13-14 days

Varieties: Batian, Ruiru 11, SL 28, SL 34

Tasting notes: Cherry, blackberry, grapefruit

The Gititu factory is located in Kiambu county approximately 47 km northwest of Nairobi. Red volcanic soils dominate the landscape, providing fertile ground for coffee cultivation. Smallholding farmers pick their coffee cherries at peak ripeness and deliver them to the factory for processing. The fruit is carefully sorted and depulped, followed by 16 to 18 hours of fermentation in cement tanks, after which it is washed clean with fresh water and moved to raised beds to dry. Drying generally takes up to 14 days depending on the weather, with workers regularly turning the coffee to promote even drying and prevent defects.

Most farms in the area are small, averaging only 1 to 2 hectares, with household adults managing farm activities while children attend school. Still, the cost of education is a challenge for many families, limiting access to schooling and job opportunities in the region. The resulting pressure on young people to migrate to urban areas for better employment prospects often leaves their parents behind to manage the farm alone, that is if they don’t relocate with them and abandon farming altogether. It’s a trend that’s persisted for years, but recent increases in coffee prices have encouraged some younger community members to remain at home and continue the tradition of coffee cultivation. This is a positive development for a region that relies heavily on coffee as the primary cash crop, and plays a vital role in improving livelihoods, infrastructure, education, and employment.

Gititu AA is bright and juicy with notes of cherry, blackberry, and grapefruit.

Transparency

This is our eighth year sourcing coffee from Kenya through Red Fox Coffee Merchants. We scored this coffee 88 points and purchased 5 60kg bags for $6.85/lb EXW.

Photo credit: Red Fox Coffee Merchants