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Gititu AB, Kenya, Washed

Gititu AB, Kenya, Washed

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Lime, green tea and brown sugar

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COFFEE PROFILE

This Washed SL28 and SL34 lot from the Gititu Farmers' Cooperative Society is sweet and bright, with zesty notes of lime, green tea and sweet brown sugar across the palate.

TASTES LIKE Lime, green tea and brown sugar
ROAST Espresso

Story

The Gititu Farmers' Cooperative Society (FCS), founded in 1954, stands as a testament to Kenya's rich coffee heritage. Situated in the fertile highlands of Kiambu County, the cooperative is among the oldest in the region, with the Gititu Factory commencing operations in 1957. Encompassing eight factories, the Gititu FCS serves approximately 5,000 smallholder farmers, each cultivating less than one hectare of land. These farmers are integral to the cooperative’s operations, contributing significantly to its reputation for quality and transparency.

In the highlands of Kiambu, coffee is cultivated at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 1,850 meters above sea level. The region's iron-rich, semi-volcanic soils, abundant sunshine, and cool night temperatures contribute to the slow maturation of coffee cherries, enhancing their acidity and complexity. The Gititu FCS grows SL28 and SL34 varietals, developed by Scott Agricultural Laboratories in the 1930s, known for their exceptional cup quality and adaptability to high altitudes. The fully washed processing method involves selective handpicking, visual sorting, pulping, fermentation, and slow drying over 14 to 21 days on raised African beds, resulting in a coffee with a distinctive flavor profile characterised by notes of vanilla, berries, and white grapes.

The cooperative places strong emphasis on transparency and member engagement, inviting farmers to attend auctions at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange. This practice not only educates farmers about market dynamics but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their produce. The Gititu FCS’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and community development has solidified its position as a key player in Kenya's specialty coffee industry, continually advancing the interests of its members and enhancing the global reputation of Kenyan coffee.

PRODUCER Gititu Farmers' Cooperative Society
REGION Kiambu County
VARIETAL SL28 and SL34
PROCESS Washed
ALTITUDE 1600-1850 masl
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Origin

Kiambu County, Kenya

Kiambu County, situated just north of Nairobi in Kenya's Central Highlands, is a historic hub for coffee cultivation and specialty production. Introduced by missionaries in the late 19th century, coffee thrived in Kiambu due to its red volcanic soils, elevations of 1,500 to 2,000 meters, consistent rainfall, and cool nights. These conditions allow for slow cherry maturation, enhancing flavour depth. During the British colonial era, large estates dominated early exports, focusing on SL28 and SL34 varietals known for exceptional quality. Post-independence land reforms shifted production to smallholders, fostering cooperatives like Gititu and Mugaga. Despite urbanisation pressures from Nairobi, Kiambu remains a cornerstone of Kenyan coffee, renowned for its high-acidity, complex profiles with blackcurrant, citrus, and floral notes. The region blends legacy estates with cooperative networks, upholding quality through meticulous processing, traceability, and farmer innovation.    

BREW GUIDE

How to get the best tasting cup

NOTE THESE ARE A STARTING POINT AND INDICATE A RANGE TO WORK WITHIN

Age Best Used 10-25 days after roast
Brew Parameters Dose 20.3g in the portafilter to extract 40.3g in the cups in 25 seconds at 93.5 degrees C.
Best Freeze Date 10-14 days after roast