Ruiru 11

Ruiru 11 is a compact composite hybrid released by Kenya's Coffee Research Station at Ruiru in 1985 to combat both coffee leaf rust and coffee berry disease (CBD), which had devastated yields. Bred by crossing disease-resistant material (including Catimor) with quality parents like SL28, SL34, and Rume Sudan, it is propagated as F1 hybrid seed. It trades some of the cup distinction of SL28 for reliability and resilience, helping safeguard Kenyan smallholder income.

At a glance

• Scientific name: Coffea arabica (composite hybrid)
• Parent varieties: Catimor, SL28, SL34, Rume Sudan
• Identified: 1985
• Flavor: Clean, milder than SL28, decent sweetness.
• Aroma: Mild, sweet.
• Disease resistance: High (rust and CBD)
• Cup potential: Good