Kenyan coffee grades
Kenyan coffee is graded by bean size and shape:
| Grade | What it means |
|---|---|
| AA | The largest beans, screen size 17 to 18 |
| AB | Screen 15 to 16, the bulk of the crop |
| PB | Peaberry: a single round bean in the cherry |
| C | Smaller beans, below AB |
| E | Elephant beans: very large, often paired |
| TT | Lighter beans separated by air |
Varieties and regions
SL28 and SL34 were developed in Kenya in the 1930s and are known for their bright acidity. Ruiru 11 and Batian are newer varieties bred for disease resistance. The main growing regions include Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Embu, Meru, Kisii and Mount Elgon.
Processing
Most Kenyan coffee is fully washed: the cherries are pulped, fermented, washed and dried on raised beds before milling and grading.
What we offer roasters
- Green coffee sourced by grade and cup profile.
- Samples before you commit.
- Export documents and shipping, FOB Mombasa or CFR to your port.
We supply roasters in markets including the United States, Germany, Belgium, South Korea, Switzerland, Norway and Japan. Tell us your grade, quantity and port.
Questions
What is the difference between Kenya AA and AB?
Size. AA beans are screen 17 to 18, the largest grade; AB beans are screen 15 to 16.
Can I get samples?
Yes. Tell us the grades and cup profile you want and we will send samples before you order.