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SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, Batian

This topic explores the key Kenyan-developed coffee varieties—SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, and Batian—their origins, traits, flavor profiles, and significance for disease resistance and quality.

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Article 3 of 12 in Varieties & Cultivars/
SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, Batian

Background: Kenya’s Breeding Legacy

  • Kenya’s Scott Agricultural Laboratories (SL) and later the Coffee Research Institute developed several important varieties in response to coffee leaf rust, berry disease, and the demand for high cup quality.

SL28

  • Origin: Selected in the 1930s from Tanganyika (now Tanzania).
  • Traits: Drought-tolerant, tall tree, adaptable to diverse environments.
  • Flavor profile: Bright acidity, citrus, blackcurrant notes; highly prized in specialty markets.
  • Weakness: Susceptible to leaf rust and coffee berry disease (CBD).

SL34

  • Origin: Selected in Kenya, related to Bourbon/Typica heritage.
  • Traits: Tolerates heavy rainfall and diverse soils; tall, vigorous growth.
  • Flavor profile: Balanced body, sweet fruit, excellent complexity.
  • Weakness: Similar disease susceptibility as SL28.

Ruiru 11

  • Origin: Developed in Kenya, released in 1985. Hybrid cross of SL varieties with Catimor and other resistant lines.
  • Traits: Compact/dwarf size (like Caturra), high yield, resistant to CBD and leaf rust.
  • Flavor profile: Good quality but can lack the complexity of SL28/SL34; varies by management.
  • Advantage: Suited for intensive planting and smallholder farms.

Batian

  • Origin: Released in 2010, bred by the Coffee Research Institute (Kenya). Named after Mount Kenya’s highest peak.
  • Traits: Tall variety, high yield, early maturing (produces in year 2 instead of year 3–4).
  • Disease resistance: Resistant to CBD and rust.
  • Flavor profile: Cup quality closer to SL28/SL34, but with resilience.

Comparative Summary

  • SL28: Exceptional flavor, drought tolerance, low disease resistance.
  • SL34: Great flavor, rain tolerance, low disease resistance.
  • Ruiru 11: Disease-resistant, compact, high yield, moderate flavor complexity.
  • Batian: Resistant, early bearing, good flavor, balance of resilience and quality.

Lasting Importance

  • SL28 and SL34 shaped Kenya’s global reputation for high-quality coffee.
  • Ruiru 11 and Batian represent modern breeding solutions to climate and disease challenges.
  • Together, these varieties reflect the balance between heritage quality and genetic resilience needed for the future of coffee cultivation.

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Coffee Basics Nerds

Written by : Coffee Basics Nerds

Expert coffee historians and brewing enthusiasts dedicated to sharing the rich heritage and techniques behind your perfect cup of coffee.

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