How Kilimanjaro Coffee Beans Are Graded - Kilimanjaro Coffee Bean Classification System

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FrontStreet Coffee-Tanzania Coffee Grading Introduction

Tanzania's main coffee growing regions are located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, where the land is rich in volcanic soil. Some coffee trees planted here are over 100 years old. Coffee was first introduced and cultivated by Christian missionaries from Kenya. Coffee trees must be carefully tended, with weeding and fertilization. Additionally, old branches must be pruned to allow new growth to maintain coffee bean quality. The equipment at coffee bean processing plants is quite comprehensive; coffee beans are an important economic crop in Tanzania, and the local government places great importance on this industry.

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania has an altitude of about 5,000 meters and exhibits typical African bean characteristics: rich body, milder acidity than Kenyan coffee, with even acidity gently stimulating the taste buds. The wet aroma reveals a mild, milky sweetness. When you take a sip, the subtle acidity is immediately covered by gentle milky sweetness, which instantly harmonizes any bitterness, creating a very clean texture with a noticeable aftertaste.

After drinking Kilimanjaro coffee, you'll always notice a soft, mellow, earthy flavor at the corners of your mouth. Coffee connoisseurs often describe it with words like "wild" or "untamed." It can be said that pure Kilimanjaro coffee is "the most representative of African character." Kilimanjaro AA is the highest grade bean, featuring full, well-formed particles, pure flavor, rich and refreshing taste, with superior qualities in all aspects.

Tanzania Coffee Bean Grading System

Tanzania coffee green beans are first graded based on the altitude of their growing region. Coffee beans from higher altitude regions generally have better quality. Within the same altitude range, final grading is determined by the screen size of the green beans. Typically, Tanzania uses grades such as AA, A, and B for classification.

AA Grade: Screen 18 accounts for at least 90% of the total; Screen 17 accounts for 8-10%; Screen 15 accounts for no more than 2%.

A Grade: Screen 15/16 accounts for at least 90% of the total; Screen 14 accounts for no more than 2%.

B Grade: Screen 15/16 accounts for at least 90% of the total.

C Grade: Screen 14 accounts for at least 90% of the total; Screen 13 accounts for no more than 10%.

PB Grade: Screen 14 accounts for at least 90% of the total; floaters account for no more than 5%.

AF Grade: Screen 17 accounts for at least 90% of the total; Screen 15/16 accounts for no more than 8-10%; Screen 14 accounts for no more than 2%.

TT Grade: Screen 15/16 accounts for at least 90% of the total; Screen 14 accounts for no more than 10%.

E Grade: Screen 18 accounts for at least 90% of the total; up to 10% below Screen 18 is allowed, but not below Screen 15.

Knowledge Point

High-quality coffee cherries generally benefit from good shade coverage. Tree shade can block the high-intensity midday sun, reducing the metabolic rate of coffee, which helps develop nutrients, fruit acids, and aromatic compounds.

In Summary

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