Traceability

Wet Mills

Our wet mills are the primary processing points where freshly harvested coffee cherries are received, processed, and recorded, forming the foundation of quality control and traceability at origin.

Chinga Wet Mills

Nyeri County, Central Kenya

Chinga Wet Mill serves smallholder farmers in the Othaya region of Nyeri, an area known for high elevations, cool temperatures, and consistent rainfall that supports slow cherry maturation and complex cup profiles.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers on cooperative structure, farmer ownership, and traceability

What is a wet mill and why is it important?

A wet mill is the facility where freshly harvested coffee cherries are received, processed, and dried into parchment. It is a critical control point for quality, as decisions made at this stage directly influence cup profile, consistency, and traceability.

Who delivers coffee to the wet mill?

Coffee cherries are delivered by registered farmers affiliated with a specific cooperative society. Deliveries are typically made on the same day of harvest to preserve cherry quality.

How is cherry quality controlled at intake?

Cherries are visually inspected at delivery, with underripe, overripe, or damaged cherries rejected. Delivery records are maintained to support lot separation and traceability throughout processing.

How is coffee processed at the wet mill?

Processing methods vary by mill but commonly include fully washed protocols. This involves pulping, controlled fermentation, washing, and drying on raised beds under supervised conditions.

How is fermentation managed and monitored?

Fermentation takes place in designated tanks for a defined period, typically between 12 and 24 hours depending on temperature and conditions. Mill staff monitor progress to avoid under- or over-fermentation.

How is coffee dried after processing?

Parchment is dried on raised African beds over several days. Drying is managed through regular turning, shading during peak heat, and protection from moisture at night to ensure even and stable moisture levels.

Are lots separated during processing?

Yes. Lots are commonly separated by delivery day, quality grade, or processing batch. This allows each lot to be traced back to a specific wet mill, harvest window, and processing protocol.