Kenya - Boma, SL28 & SL34 & Batian

Description

Region: Rift Valley, Kericho, Kenya Variety: SL28 & SL34 & Batian Process: Washed Boma Washing Station is operated by the Boma Farmers Cooperative Society and is located in Tenwek, approximately 80 kilometers west of Kericho in Kenya’s Rift Valley region. Established in 1999, the cooperative serves surrounding smallholder farmers and currently consists of 1,346 members, producing around 850,000 kilograms of coffee cherries annually. Women and young farmers make up a significant portion of the membership, with female representation in both management and the cooperative’s board. The cooperative is overseen by a nine-member board of directors and three supervisory committee members, employing eight full-time staff throughout the year and up to 48 workers during the peak harvest season from September to December.Coffee is cultivated on fertile volcanic soils under favorable growing conditions characterized by reliable rainfall, cool mountain temperatures, and traditional farming practices. Most members manage small farms with approximately 300–400 coffee trees, growing varieties such as SL28, SL34, and Batian. The slow maturation of the cherries contributes to the distinctive quality and complexity of the cup. For this lot, freshly harvested cherries were depulped and processed using the washed method. Following fermentation, the coffee was thoroughly washed and then dried on raised African beds for 14–21 days until reaching a moisture content of approximately 10–12%. After drying, the coffee was hulled and graded according to size and quality standards. In the cup, notes of prune and blackcurrant are complemented by the bright citrus character of pomelo, creating a layered and expressive fruit profile.