Ichamara AA – Kenya
EU* on orders over 75/99€
On Mondays and Wednesdays
Bratislava, Košická 21
Product detailed description
Small Farmers
Established in 1963 by local farmers, Ichamara is today the top-performing wet mill within New Gikaru FCS, which operates four processing mills. The factory has modernised with improved drying systems, including the installation of new drying tables, to enhance quality and consistency. The cooperative counts 1,482 active members, each maintaining on average about 200 coffee trees per farm. Annual production at Ichamara averages 2,209 bags of clean coffee (60 kg). The cooperative structure enables members to pool resources, achieve stronger market access, and share in the earnings from coffee sales after covering operational costs. By investing in modern processing systems, New Gikaru FCS continues to improve quality while securing the livelihoods of its members.
Harvest and Processing
The factory’s catchment area benefits from rich volcanic soils, annual rainfall of about 1,150 mm, and mild temperatures ranging from 13–26 °C. Flowering occurs from March to April, followed by harvesting between October and January. Exports are typically shipped between January and May. Farmers grow a mix of traditional and modern Kenyan coffee varieties, including SL 28, SL 34, Batian, and Ruiru 11. Coffee cherries are handpicked when fully ripe and delivered to Ichamara Factory, where they undergo careful sorting before pulping. The parchment is fermented overnight (12–24 hours), washed, and graded into P1, P2, P3, P lights, and pods. Drying takes place on raised tables for 8–14 days, with constant turning and covering at night to maintain even drying and protect quality.
About this Coffee
Cupping score: 88.00
Washing Station: Ichamara
Producer: regional small farmers
Region: Nyeri
Altitude: 1400 – 1700 masl
Variety: SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11
Processing: washed
About the Variety
SL28 was bred by Scott Laboratories in 1931 from the Tanganyika D.R. variety. It has become very popular across Kenya and is recognized as a variety with exceptional cup quality. It has broad leaves with copper tips and large beans. SL 34 is a French Mission mutation that originated on the Loresho Estate in Kabete. SL34 has broad leaves with bronze tips. It is grown throughout Kenya. SL34 is prized for its high productivity across various climates and wide altitude ranges. It is said to be resistant to drought and heavy rains.
Kenyan Process
The cherries are first pulped to remove the beans, then fermented, washed—sometimes in multiple cycles—and soaked in water. The bean is then dried and rested on specially constructed raised beds.
