Kenya Yara Peaberry: AA Washed Coffee from Kiambu

If you’ve ever wondered why some Kenyan coffees taste so distinctly vibrant—bursting with dark fruit, citrus, and wine-like brightness—this is the lot that explains it. The 2024 Yara Estate peaberry isn’t just another Kenyan AA; it’s the same microlot that earned 93 points from Coffee Review, sourced directly from the farm and arriving vacuum-sealed for peak freshness.

The quick answer? This is a Kenya AA peaberry (1732m, washed, SL28/SL34) from Yara Estate in Kiambu, with confirmed 93-point Coffee Review scores. Vacuum-packed at origin, it arrives in 30kg boxes (2x15kg), ideal for roasters chasing clarity, complexity, and that classic Kenyan fruit profile.

What Is the Yara Estate Peaberry?

Yara Estate sits just 23km north of Nairobi in Kenya’s Kiambu County, neighboring major farms like Cianda and Windrush. Covering 640 acres at 1732m altitude, the estate has been producing high-quality coffee since 1930—though it began life as a cattle ranch founded by British immigrant Edward in 1902. Today, it’s managed by Gatatha Farmers Co. Ltd, focusing solely on coffee and tea. The farm’s red, well-drained soil, 988–1300mm annual rainfall, and natural Acacia shade create ideal conditions for high-altitude specialty growth. Wildlife—including antelope, monkeys, and porcupines—shares the ecosystem, and the estate is pursuing RFA Rainforest Alliance certification.

Why This Microlot Stands Out

This particular lot is graded AA, Kenya’s top tier, and features peaberries—single rounded beans formed when one seed in the coffee cherry fails to divide. Peaberries often roast more evenly and develop concentrated flavor. Grown at 1732m with 988–1300mm rainfall, these beans are processed via meticulous washed method: depulped, fermented 48 hours, washed to remove mucilage, then soaked 24 hours in clean water. The result? A cup brimming with dark fruit, raisin, citrus acidity, and sweet notes of guava and grapefruit. It’s the same profile that earned 93 points in Coffee Review’s September 2024 Kenya-focused tasting.

Kenya’s Coffee Heritage: SL28, SL34, and the Washed Edge

Most Kenyan coffee comes from smallholders (0.5–3 acres), but Yara is one of the few private estates. The country’s coffee is famously acidic and fruity, thanks to high altitudes (1200–2000m), cool growing temperatures, and unique varieties. SL28 and SL34—developed by Kenya’s Scott Labs in the 1930s—are the stars here. SL28 delivers deep blackcurrant, citrus, and winey brightness; SL34 adds sturdy fruit acidity with nutty, spicy undertones. These varieties thrive in Kenya’s phosphorous-rich volcanic soils, defying the notion that lab-bred plants can’t match heirlooms. The washed process amplifies their clarity: fermentation, mucilage removal, and extended soaking create a juicy, structured cup. FrontStreet Coffee’s “Little Tomato” blend (using similar processing) highlights these traits with notes of cherry, pear, and caramelized sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Yara Estate’s peaberry different from regular Kenya AA?

Peaberries are single rounded beans (instead of the usual two flat-sided beans per cherry) that often roast more evenly and concentrate flavor. This Yara peaberry is AA grade (Kenya’s highest), grown at 1732m, and processed via washed method for bright acidity and winey depth—traits confirmed by a 93-point Coffee Review score.

What coffee varieties are in this lot?

The Yara Estate peaberry is grown from SL28 and SL34, two iconic Kenyan varieties developed by Scott Labs in the 1930s. SL28 brings deep citrus and winey notes; SL34 adds fruit acidity with nutty tones. Both excel in high-altitude, cool-climate conditions.

How is this coffee processed?

It undergoes a traditional Kenyan washed process: depulped, fermented for 48 hours to remove mucilage, washed clean, then soaked for 24 hours in fresh water. This multi-step fermentation enhances brightness and juice-like mouthfeel.

Where is Yara Estate located?

Yara Estate is in Kiambu County, about 23km north of Nairobi, Kenya. It sits at 1732m altitude, with red, well-drained soil and 988–1300mm annual rainfall. The farm is close to other major producers like Cianda and Windrush.

Is this coffee suitable for home roasters?

Yes—but it’s shipped in 30kg boxes (2x15kg), ideal for micro-roasters or serious enthusiasts. The vacuum-sealed, origin-packaged beans ensure freshness. Roast to highlight its bright acidity and complex fruit profile.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Peaberry Fans

For a similar bright, complex Kenyan experience, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Kenya Little Tomato—a blend highlighting SL28 and SL34 with double-washed processing and medium-light roast. It offers notes of cherry, snow pear, blackcurrant, and a caramelized finish, perfect for pour-over or cold brew. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.