Mwiria, a Kenyan coffee washing station situated near Mutunduri in Embu County, belongs to the Central Ngandori Farmers’ Cooperative Society. This cooperative manages three washing stations, including Mwiria, where 1,271 local members supply coffee cherries grown at elevations between 1,300-1,900 meters above sea level. These cherries are processed at Mwiria, utilizing fresh water from the nearby Rupingazi river, and subsequently dried and sorted on raised beds. Dionisio Nyaga oversees the entire process, with Mwiria employing two permanent staff members and eight seasonal workers.

Central Ngandori FCS, based at the Mwiria factory, operates a nursery and training sheds, focusing on coffee varieties such as Batian, SL28, and SL34, alongside avocado and macadamia trees. They also promote worm farming to reduce chemical reliance and have attained Rainforest Alliance certification. The coffee grown here benefits from the rich volcanic soil, high altitudes, and cool climate around Mt. Kenya. Most farmers in the region are smallholders who grow coffee alongside crops like bananas, maize, and macadamia, with the cooperative emphasizing regenerative agriculture practices and member training.

Central Ngandori FCS provides pre-harvest financing to its members and has partnered with Sucastainability for marketing and specialty-focused buyers. The coffee in this lot is graded as AA, signifying larger beans. The processing involves meticulous sorting, pulping, fermentation, washing, soaking, and drying before it’s sent to Kahawa Bora Mill for further preparation and shipping. The name “Mwiria” has historical significance, tied to indigenous trees used by Mau Mau freedom fighters during Colonial times. This coffee from Embu is renowned for its bright acidity and classic Kenyan flavors, making it a standout representation of the region’s quality.

 

Sourcing and ingredients

100% SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, and Batian coffee beans, provided by Melbourne Coffee Merchants and roasted by us on Gadigal land / Sydney.

Green coffee certified Rainforest Alliance.

Country grade: Unknown ?

Packaging

Bag: ABA Certified home compostable
Label: Recyclable
Valve (on bags larger than 250g): General waste
Coffee ordered online is shipped in a recyclable cardboard box

Brewing this coffee

We recommend brewing this coffee 15–49 days post-roast. If pre-ground, brew as soon as possible. Our advice on storing coffee.

Producer

1,271 Smallholders

Farm/Coop

Central Ngandori FCS

Country

Kenya

Region

Embu County

Altitude

1,300-1,900m above sea level

Varietals

SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, and Batian

Process

Washed

Harvested

November 2022

Body

Acidity

Tasting notes

Raspberry, maple syrup and vanilla

Roast style

Omni