Mchana Estate, Kenya
Mchana Estate, Kenya – Natural Process Rarity & Kenyan Excellence
Experience a truly unique Kenyan coffee with Coffeeangel’s Mchana Estate, Kenya. While nearly all high-quality Kenyan coffees are processed using the fully washed method—valued for their clarity and vibrant acidity—this lot stands out as a natural process exception. Only a handful of estates in Kenya, such as Mchana Estate, have dedicated the care and innovation to produce specialty-grade natural lots, elevating what’s historically been rare and often reserved for the local market.
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Mchana Estate, Kenya
The Coffee.
Origin: Kiambu County, Kenya (north of Nairobi, west of Ruiru)
Estate: Mchana Estate — one of Kenya’s largest and most progressive, pioneering natural process
Altitude: 1,800–2,550 metres above sea level
Varieties: SL28 (majority), Ruiru 11, K7, Batian
Soil: Deep red volcanic, loamy-sandy texture—prime for slow fruit maturation and exceptional flavour
Process: Natural (Rarity for Kenya) – Whole cherries are carefully handpicked, sorted for quality, and sun-dried on raised beds for up to 30 days, intensifying fruit, sweetness, and body with careful attention to hygiene and detail
Harvest: Main (Nov–Dec), Fly crop (May–June)
Estate Workforce: 172 permanent workers and up to 1,200 casual staff during harvest, with industry-leading social supports
Certifications: Rainforest Alliance, UTZ, 4C – rigorous sustainability and labour standards
Taste profile.
Aroma: Dried Figs
Flavour: Cherry, Apple Syrup, Persimmon
Acidity: Medium-High
Body: Medium
Origin Story & Social Impact.
Founded decades ago on the volcanic slopes north of Nairobi, Mchana Estate is one of Kenya’s largest and oldest coffee plantations—managed with expertise by a factory manager and farm manager. The estate’s coffee trees thrive thanks to years of precise husbandry, advanced cherry selection, and the care of both permanent and seasonal staff.
Workers are supported by progressive policies: access to on-site crèche and day-care, nutritious children’s meals, a primary school, health and safety committee, and ongoing educational initiatives (including HIV/AIDS awareness). Inclusivity, fair labour and empowerment are central. Water is returned to the land via soak pits, and workers enjoy a nurturing, safe and open community.
Natural Processing.
Selective Picking: Only perfectly ripe cherries are handpicked by the experienced Mchana Estate team.
Hand Sorting: Cherries are carefully sorted to eliminate underripe or defective fruit, ensuring uniform quality.
Sun-Drying: Whole cherries are spread on raised beds and dried under the Kenyan sun for up to 30 days. Regular turning maintains even drying and promotes clean, sweet flavours.
Finishing: Once optimal moisture is reached, cherries are hulled to expose the green beans, which are then rested for flavour stabilisation before milling and export.
If you’ve always associated Kenya with crisp, clean washed coffees, let Mchana Estate’s Natural process broaden your horizons. This cup’s vivid fruit, layered sweetness and creamy finish are testament to what happens when one of Africa’s top estates applies innovation and care to a time-honoured terroir.
Why Mchana Estate Stands Out
Kenya’s reputation is built on pristine washed coffees—naturals are extraordinarily rare and demand meticulous care to achieve perfect balance and purity.
Mchana Estate’s experimentation with natural processing unlocks a new flavour depth: expect amplified fruit (cherry, apple syrup, persimmon), extra sweetness, and an elegant, smooth medium body.
This innovative approach celebrates tradition while bringing adventurous Kenyan character to your cup, making this micro-lot a genuine conversation-starter and a must-try for specialty drinkers.
Deep ethical roots—supporting hundreds of staff, their families, and community education—mean every cup delivers for people, planet, and palate.
Sustainability & Community Impact.
Rainforest Alliance, UTZ and 4C Certified: guaranteeing environmental responsibility
Water recirculation and waste management keep rivers clean and flora and fauna protected
Estate-wide anti-deforestation initiatives, tree planting and biodiversity conservation
Strict anti-discrimination, worker advocacy, and open freedom for religious expression
Brewing Recommendations.
Filter: 1:16 coffee to water ratio, 92–94°C water, medium grind, 2:30–3:00 minutes
Espresso: 19–20g dose, 1:2.5 ratio, 30 seconds extraction
Best for: Pour-over, Aeropress, and immersion to highlight bright fruit and layered sweetness