Kenya Coffee Grades

Kenya is known worldwide for its bright flavours of berries and fruit. Did you know that Kenyan coffee beans are one of the most popular single-origin beans in the world? This is thanks to their rich flavours and aromas.

Throughout this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about Kenya coffee grades, including the history of Kenyan coffee. To find out more, read on!

Types of Kenya Coffee Grades

Altogether, there are 8 Kenyan coffee bean grades, such as:

• E: The largest grade of Kenyan coffee, otherwise known as elephant-grade
• PB: Peaberry grade
• AA: The most expensive grade
• AB: A mix of A and B-grade beans (this makes up roughly 30% of Kenya coffee beans)
• C
• TT
• T
• MH/ML: A low-quality grade of coffee

These grades are given to the Kenyan coffee beans before the roasting process to determine the size of the beans. Kenyan coffee beans are graded based on their size and physical characteristics, not necessarily their flavour.

Kenya AA Coffee

Kenya AA coffee (also known as Arabica coffee) is one of the most common types of coffee plants grown across the world.

The grade AA represents the largest coffee beans, generally measuring 7.2 to 7.8 millimetres in diameter. These beans are carefully selected and pass through specific screen sizes during the grading process. But what makes Kenya AA so special?

• Unique flavour profile
• Excellent growing conditions
• Processing methods

Facts About Kenyan Coffee

Here are our top 5 facts that we believe everyone should know about Kenyan coffee:

1. The first coffee plants were brought to Kenya in 1893by French missionaries.
2. Kenyan coffee beans are graded based on size and quality. The grading is done when beans are still green to ensure the roasting is accurate and consistent.
3. Most Kenyan coffee beans are processed using the wet method, which involves pulping cherries, fermenting them twice, and carefully washing them to develop their complex flavours.
4. The best type of Kenyan coffee grade is AA. It's grown at elevations higher than 6,600 feet and is known for its bright acidity and floral notes. However, the lowest quality grade is MH/ML.
5. Kenyan coffee is known across the world for its high quality, vibrant acidity, full body, and unique flavour profiles.

Growing Conditions

Kenyan coffee beans thrive under specific growing conditions that contribute to their high-quality flavour profile.

Most Kenyan coffee is grown at heights between 1,400 to 2,000 meters above sea level, qualifying for the Strictly High Grown (SHG) status.

The ideal temperature range is between 15-24°C, with maximum day temperatures not exceeding 30°Cand night temperatures not falling below 15°C.

Annual rainfall ranges from 1,000-1,200 mm, well-distributed throughout the year with a 1-2 month dry period at the end of the harvest season.

These conditions contribute to the high-quality flavour of the coffee beans, making Kenyan coffee one of the most popular types in the world.

Kenya Coffee Beans at Crosby Coffee

Here at Crosby Coffee, we pride ourselves on sourcing 100% Arabica beans from reputable farms around the world. We focus on building strong relationships with coffee producers to ensure ethical practices and access to premium lots each harvest season.

We offer a wide range of coffee beans, including Kenyan Christmas Coffee. Our Christmas Coffee bean blend has notes of candied fruit, citrus, and Maltesers.

The cherries are carefully handpicked, processed, and sun-dried on raised beds, with water from the Kamiti River nourishing the rich soils. This blend offers the perfect balance between flavour and body. Try our Christmas Kenyan coffee beans today and see for yourself!

We also offer Kenyan coffee all year round with our coffee from Getina. This Kenyan coffee is light roasted and has tasting notes of Blackcurrant Jam, Cream, and Citrus Fruit.