KENYA TEGU NECTAROSA 1KG

Tegu is one of the washing stations operated by Tekangu Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Nyeri, alongside Karogoto and Ngunguru. Established in 1969, the cooperative today represents around 1,200 smallholder farmers from the villages surrounding Karatina, most of them cultivating less than one hectare of land.

The name Tegu means “low place”, reflecting the station’s position in the foothills between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range. At approximately 1,700 metres above sea level, fertile soils, cooler temperatures and slower cherry maturation create favourable conditions for producing coffees with remarkable clarity, freshness and structure.

For this lot, farmers grow SL28, SL34 and Ruiru 11. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, with only ripe cherries selectively picked before being delivered to Tegu Factory. Once received, the cherries are carefully sorted to remove defects before processing begins.

The coffee is processed using the washed method. After pulping, it undergoes fermentation for approximately 12–16 hours, depending on environmental conditions, followed by an additional 24-hour soak in clean water. This extra step helps stabilise the coffee and contributes to the clean and vibrant character associated with the process.

The parchment is then dried on raised beds inside covered structures for approximately 7–15 days. During this stage, the coffee is regularly turned to ensure even drying and protected from both excessive daytime heat and nighttime moisture.

Tegu Nectarosa is a new entry in our selection. In the cup, nectarine and ripe orange bring a juicy, fruit-driven character, while brown sugar and caramel build a round and lingering sweetness.

This is our first season working with Tegu, but the profile we found here makes it feel much more like the beginning of a relationship than a one-off appearance.