Donut Jam - Kenya

The region of Kirinyaga benefits from fertile volcanic soils and high altitude, typically around 1,700 meters above sea level. Farmers delivering to Muthugi-ini factory grow SL28, SL34 and Ruiru 11, varieties renowned for their complex flavours, vibrant fruit notes and delightful acidity. Ruiru 11, developed in response to the catastrophic 1968 coffee berry disease (CBD) epidemic in Kenya, is a high-yielding coffee variety known for its compact stature, disease resistance, and excellent cup quality. Bred through a complex process that integrated these desirable traits, Ruiru 11 was designed to address both agricultural challenges and market demands. Remarkably, it begins to yield fruit within just two years, offering farmers a resilient and productive crop option.  

The ‘SL’ varieties are cultivars originally released by Scott Agricultural Laboratories (SAL) in the 1930s and 1940s. They quickly became the go-to trees for many growers in Kenya due to their deep root structure, which allows them to maximize scarce water resources and flourish even without irrigation. They are cultivated with a serious eye towards sustainability and Good Agricultural Practices, with minimal environmental impact where possible.  

Farmers are increasingly adopting Good Agricultural Practices that minimise environmental impact.  

PB stands for peaberry. Peaberry is a name given to a very specific shape of coffee bean. In Spanish, peaberries are called “caracol”, which means “snail”. The name aptly describes the shape of the peaberry bean, which appears slightly curved in on itself.   

Peaberries are the result of a natural mutation in the coffee cherry. Whereas there are usually two beans nestled together in each fruit, a cherry with a peaberry mutation only forms one bean. Thus, peaberries are a single, rounder bean.

Peaberry mutations occur in approximately 5% of all coffee. The beans are known for being rounder, smaller and denser, which can contribute to a more even roast colour when handled correctly. Many people find peaberries to have a sweeter flavour profile, as well.

Since peaberries are a natural mutation that is not visible from the outside of the cherry, peaberries must be sorted out during the screen grading stage of dry milling. The peaberry screens have the smallest holes, which are oblong to allow the rounder beans to fall through. 

Roast Profile: Light

Notes of: Raspberry Jam, Wafers, Juicy Boi

Variety: SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11

Process: Washed

Altitude: 1560 - 1650 MASL

*Our coffee is freshly roasted each Monday and Thursday. Orders are dispatched on Wednesday and Friday with Royal Mail Tracked 48. Please allow 2-3 business days for your order to arrive.