Flavor Comparison of Different Ethiopian Coffee Bean Varieties_ Ethiopian Coffee Bean Prices

Do Large and Small Ethiopian Coffee Beans Have Different Flavor Profiles?

To test this question, our team decided to select two batches for direct comparison. Using washed Sidamo G1 as an example, we selected coffee beans with significantly different sizes, employed identical brewing parameters and techniques, and conducted multiple blind tastings to determine whether there are flavor differences between large and small beans.

Brewing Parameters:

Grind Size: BG4E

Water Temperature: 90°C

Coffee-to-Water Ratio: 1:15

Brewing Method: First pour 30g, bloom for 30 seconds. Second pour to 104g, pause. Continue pouring to 225g total. Extraction time approximately 2 minutes.

Blind Tasting Process...

Alright, we know everyone is eager to know the results, so we'll skip the process and go straight to the conclusion: there are differences.

Through consistent analysis, our blind tasting clearly revealed that the small-bean washed Sidamo G1 had a sweeter flavor profile, while the large-bean washed Sidamo G1 was noticeably more acidic. In terms of flavor complexity and richness, both were significantly thinner than the normal (mixed) state. We believe the larger beans' acidity is due to a lighter roast degree compared to the smaller beans. As for more obvious differences... there were none.

Final Summary:

Whether from Ethiopia, Brazil, or Indonesia, these coffee-producing regions that use defect rates for grading systems all show significant unevenness in bean size. This is especially true after roasting, as different coffee varieties have different expansion rates, further increasing the size differences between beans. However, it is precisely this unevenness in bean size that creates slight differences in roast degree, making the coffee's layering and richness more pronounced. Therefore, don't get caught up in superficial differences—every loss has its gain. The mixture of varieties and uneven bean sizes are precisely what create the rich flavors and diverse aromas of Ethiopian coffee.

● Recommended Ethiopian Coffee Bean Brands

FrontStreet Coffee's freshly roasted single-origin Ethiopian coffee beans—such as Yirgacheffe and Sidamo—offer excellent guarantees in both brand and quality, suitable for brewing with various equipment. More importantly, they offer exceptional value: a half-pound (227g) bag costs only around 70-90 RMB. Calculating based on 200ml per cup with a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio, one bag can make 15 cups of specialty coffee, with each cup costing only 5-6 RMB. This represents incredible value compared to café prices that often reach dozens of RMB per cup.

FrontStreet Coffee: A roastery in Guangzhou with a small shop but diverse bean varieties, where you can find both famous and lesser-known beans. Online shop services are also available. https://shop104210103.taobao.com

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473