Reference index of coffee bean grading

(1) the size of coffee beans

Some people say that the size of beans will not affect the flavor of coffee, such as Yemen Mattari, beans have large and small particles, but it is still the top grade of coffee. However, in many producing areas, the size of coffee beans is indeed a valuable indicator.

This classification is generally used in Kenya, New Guinea, Puerto Rico, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Uganda. In addition, this classification is also used in many Brazilian coffee.

(2) the number of defective beans

This is the earliest method of grading and is still used in many parts of Brazil. The method of identification is to randomly take 300 grams of samples, find out the defective beans in the samples, and accumulate different scores according to the types of defects. After the identification is completed, it will be rated as Gr2~Gr8 according to the accumulated defect score, but there is no Gr1. If you want to buy first-class Brazilian beans, it will make a joke.

Picture: defective coffee beans

Indian and Ethiopian coffee beans are also graded in this way. Indonesian beans are mainly classified into 6 grades: Gr1~Gr6. Ethiopia is divided into five grades, in which Gr1~Gr2 reserved water for washing beans, Gr1 represents only 3 defective beans per 300g raw beans, while Gr2 represents 412 defective beans per 300g; sun bean quality is Gr3, Gr4 or Gr5 in order.

(3) the origin of coffee beans

Coffee beans are processed from the fruits of coffee trees, which grow at 25 degrees north and south latitudes around the equator (pictured below), that is, tropical and subtropical regions.

At present, there are more than 60 coffee producing countries, which are produced in South America, Central America, the West Indies, Asia, Africa, Arabia, the South Pacific and Oceania.

Picture: coffee producing countries all over the world

The best quality coffee beans in the world are produced in Indonesia and Colombia. In terms of production, Brazil ranks first in the world's output, accounting for about 30%, followed by Colombia-centered Central and South America, followed by Africa and Arabia, and the remaining 10% are distributed in Asia and the islands.

In addition, Central American countries such as Guatemala, Costa Rica and El Salvador are located in mountainous areas. The farms in the territory are located in different mountain areas, so the height of the origin can also be used to distinguish the quality of coffee.

(4) the new and old coffee beans

New coffee is called "new bean", which refers to the coffee raw beans harvested that year. The raw coffee beans produced the year before are called "old beans". The raw beans harvested in earlier years are called "old beans". Only the new beans produced in that year are high-grade products, because the taste and aroma of new beans are relatively rich.