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Introduction to Honduran Coffee Bean Grading System - What Distinct Flavors Do Washed Honduran Beans Have?

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange. For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style). FrontStreet Coffee - Honduran Coffee Grading. Honduras began cultivating coffee only in the late 19th century. Unlike some countries that introduced coffee from other nations and then engaged in large-scale domestic cultivation, Honduras differs in that due to its large domestic cultivation volume, ninety percent of it is consumed within the country itself.

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

FrontStreet Coffee - Honduras Coffee Grading

Honduras began growing coffee in the late 19th century. Unlike some countries that introduced coffee from abroad and then cultivated it extensively domestically, Honduras planted such large quantities that 90% of it was consumed within the country.

Perhaps feeling that such excellent growing conditions would be wasted without export, they gradually began the export business. In 1990, exports amounted to several tens of thousands of tons, and by 2018, they had reached approximately 360,000 tons. Despite being a small country, its coffee production volume has reached world-leading levels.

Coffee Bean Grades by Altitude

SHG (Strictly High Grown): Grown in highlands above 1200m, this is the highest grade among beans produced in Honduras.

HG (High Grown): Grown in areas between 900-1200m altitude.

CS (Central Standard): Grown in areas between 600-900m altitude.

Characteristics of Honduras Coffee

The coffee bean variety is Arabica. Honduras coffee offers rich aroma, fruit acidity, and a clean aftertaste, with excellent balance and smooth mouthfeel.

The acidity is medium to light, noticeable but not intense. Sometimes it carries beautiful floral or fruity notes (generally, beans from different regions and altitudes exhibit different characteristics). This gives no hint of the country's political turmoil. It has bitterness and a distinct sweet aftertaste. Honduras coffee has overall balanced flavor, where neither acidity nor bitterness dominates, maintaining good harmony between the two.

Most Honduras coffee is processed using the washed method, resulting in generally clean coffee beans with relatively stable quality. From a roasting perspective, medium-dark roasting is typically recommended. At this roast level, the coffee beans often exhibit dark chocolate aroma and very strong sweetness, with a long-lasting finish.

In Summary

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