Kenya Ichamama Natural

Farmlevel Story

Kenya is renowned for its vibrant, punchy coffees, typically processed using the famous “double-washed” method. Exceptional naturals are less common, which makes this Ichamama Natural an exciting offering. 

Named after the nearby river, the Ichamama factory is one of Kenya’s oldest and largest mills. Situated near Mt. Kenya, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nyeri County, it is part of the Othaya Farmers Cooperative Society, comprising 19 washing stations. Established in the 1950s with around 250 members, the cooperative now receives cherries from approximately 14,000 smallholder farmers. Most of these farmers manage about one acre of fertile volcanic loam soil, cultivating SL28, SL34 and Ruiru 11 coffee varieties alongside vegetables and livestock to stabilize their cash flow.

This lot was processed using the “Anaerobic Natural” method. Whole, ripe cherries are fermented anaerobically by wrapping them under plastic sheets for about 48 hours, reducing oxygen exposure. Afterward, the cherries are sun-dried for up to a month. Though this method demands more drying space and time, it produces a distinct flavor profile with vibrant, fruit-jam notes, making it a standout offering.