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Costa Rica Green Bean Grading System - The Ultimate Experience of SHB Highest Grade Coffee

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style). FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Costa Rica Grading System. Costa Rica is one of the earliest Central and South American countries where coffee was introduced, with a long history and a complete system from production to sales. Costa Rica is located in the Central American isthmus, with very fertile volcanic soil that also has excellent drainage

Professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style)

FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Costa Rican Grading System

Costa Rica is one of the earliest coffee-growing countries in Central and South America where coffee was introduced, with a long history and a complete coffee organization system from production to sales. Costa Rica is located in the Central American isthmus, with extremely fertile volcanic soil and good drainage. Especially in the central highlands, where coffee growing areas have volcanic terrain, featuring fertile volcanic ash, mild and suitable temperatures, and stable, abundant rainfall.

The coffee beans grown are all Arabica beans, with pure flavor and pleasant aroma. Whether in acidity or mouthfeel, they have impeccable balance. The coffee beans are full-bodied, with ideal acidity and unique, intense aroma.

Costa Rican coffee beans are graded quite simply by the altitude of the coffee plantation, with a total of seven grades:

1. Strictly Hard Bean (SHB) 4500 feet and above
2. Hard Bean (HB) 4000-4500 feet
3. Semi Hard Bean (SH) 3500-4000 feet
4. Prime Washed (EPW) 3000-3500 feet
5. Good Washed (PW) 2500-3000 feet
6. Extra Good Washed (EGW) 2000-2500 feet
7. Good Washed (GW) Below 2000 feet

Currently, specialty coffee commonly uses beans from the SHB, HB, and SH grades.

Knowledge Point: Late 18th century: Costa Rica was the first country in Central America to completely establish a coffee industry.

In short: FrontStreet Coffee is a specialty coffee research workshop, happy to share coffee knowledge with everyone. We share without reservation just to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Additionally, there are three low-discount coffee events each month, because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends enjoy the best coffee at the lowest price. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past 6 years!