Tanzania · Variety
SL28 Coffee from Tanzania
SL28 is one of the defining varieties of Tanzanian coffee. Tanzania grows coffee at 1,200–2,000 m across regions such as Kilimanjaro/Moshi, Arusha/Meru, Mbeya & Mbinga (Southern Highlands), and SL28 — a Arabica of Scott Agricultural Laboratories selection (Kenya, 1935) from Tanganyika drought-resistant stock — occupies an important place in that landscape. Its preferred range of 1,400–2,100 m aligns with what Tanzanian farms can offer, which is a large part of why the pairing works.
Agronomically, SL28 brings a demanding but rewarding profile — susceptible to rust and cbd; excellent drought tolerance — with moderate yields on a tall, broad leaves, bronze tips plant. In Tanzania, where the harvest runs north: october – february; south: june – october and annual production is ≈1.1 million 60-kg bags, those traits shape which farms plant it and how its lots reach the export market through Dar es Salaam.
In the cup, Tanzanian SL28 expresses both sides of its parentage: the variety contributes blackcurrant, grapefruit, tomato-vine acidity, wine-like body — the classic kenya profile, while Tanzania's terroir adds the character the origin is known for — northern washed: blackcurrant, bright citrus, medium body — kenya's gentler cousin. Buyers comparing SL28 across origins will find the Tanzanian expression distinct for exactly that reason.
Key facts
| Variety | SL28 |
|---|---|
| Species | Arabica |
| Lineage | Scott Agricultural Laboratories selection (Kenya, 1935) from Tanganyika drought-resistant stock |
| Optimal altitude | 1,400–2,100 m |
| Tanzania growing altitude | 1,200–2,000 m |
| Harvest season | North: October – February; South: June – October |
| Disease resistance | Susceptible to rust and CBD; excellent drought tolerance |
| Bean size | Large |
| Typical Tanzanian cup | Northern washed: blackcurrant, bright citrus, medium body — Kenya's gentler cousin. Southern: plum, chocolate, rounder sweetness. Peaberry lots: concentrated, lively. |
Related Tanzania regions
SL28 Coffee from Tanzania — frequently asked questions
Where in Tanzania is SL28 grown?
Primarily across Kilimanjaro/Moshi, Arusha/Meru, Mbeya & Mbinga (Southern Highlands), at elevations of 1,200–2,000 m. The variety's preferred range of 1,400–2,100 m means the higher zones tend to produce the most expressive lots.
What does Tanzanian SL28 taste like?
Expect the variety's core character — blackcurrant, grapefruit, tomato-vine acidity, wine-like body — the classic kenya profile — shaped by Tanzania's terroir toward northern washed: blackcurrant, bright citrus, medium body — kenya's gentler cousin.
When is SL28 from Tanzania available fresh?
The Tanzanian harvest runs north: october – february; south: june – october; fresh-crop lots typically reach consuming markets one to three months after milling, shipped via Dar es Salaam.
Volcana Coffee exports high-grown Catimor, Typica, and washed Fine Robusta from the Bolaven Plateau, Laos — washed, natural, and honey processed, SGS-inspected, with full export documentation. Cup our origin against any in the world.
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