How Coffee Defect Beans are Classified and Graded: Colombia's Unique Coffee Classification System

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FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Colombian Grading System

Colombian green bean grading generally uses two classification methods: defect classification and size classification. In our view, first classifying by defects is about controlling coffee flavor, eliminating beans with poor flavors one by one, then sorting out larger, good-looking beans by size, and finally packaging and selling them.

1. Classification by Defects

When grading by defect rate, Colombia mainly follows its unique defect classification system. Colombia divides defects into two categories: primary defects and secondary defects. After randomly sampling 500g of green beans for classification, the maximum allowable range for defects is: primary defects with a value of 12; secondary defects with a value of 60.

Primary defects are also called major defects (defect classification relates to cupping characteristics): black, moldy or sour rotten flavors, so the maximum allowable defect value is around 12. Private green bean exporters: no more than 12 primary defective beans; National Coffee Committee: no more than 8 primary defective beans.

Secondary defects are also called minor defects (defect classification involves defects in green bean appearance): discolored beans (old beans, over-dried beans, yellow beans, variegated beans), damaged beans (Broca), broken beans, cut beans, insect-bitten beans, shell beans, unripe beans, irregular beans, gray or soft beans. Maximum allowable defect value is around 60. Private green bean exporters: no more than 60 secondary defective beans; National Coffee Committee: no more than 35 secondary defective beans.

Based on the above standards, specific deductions are as follows:

Defect Types and Defect Score Calculation

Primary defects: completely black beans, 1 point each; partially black beans, 2 beans for 1 point; completely sour beans, 1 point each; faded amber beans, 2 beans for 1 point; old beans, 2 beans for 1 point.

Secondary defects: sliced or notched beans, 1 point each; broken beans, 1 point each; moisture-affected or insufficiently dried beans, 1 point each; immature beans, 1 point each; pressed beans, 1 point each.

Crystalline beans, 1 point each; insect-damaged beans with 3 or more insect eyes, 1 point each.

Knowledge point: Most coffee-producing countries do not follow a single standard for coffee grading, but rather evaluate bean quality through multiple criteria including defect rate, bean size, and certain altitude requirements.

In short: FrontStreet Coffee is a coffee research center, happy to share coffee knowledge with everyone. Our unreserved sharing is only to help more friends fall in love with coffee, and we hold 3 low-discount coffee activities every month because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends enjoy the best coffee at the lowest price, which has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for 6 years!

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