How Are Colombian Coffee Beans Graded? An Introduction to Washed Caturra from Huila Region

In the Central American region, most coffee-producing countries have relatively simple and clear coffee grading systems, primarily based on altitude classification. However, in South America, coffee grading is relatively more complex. Colombia's grading system is mainly based on two factors: defect rate and bean size, designed to ensure the quality of exported coffee.

Excelso is the export standard grade adopted by the Colombian National Federation of Coffee Growers (FNC), representing the highest grade of Colombian green beans. In Colombia, as long as coffee green beans meet export standards, they will be labeled "Excelso-Café de Colombia" on their burlap packaging and can obtain a Quality Certificate issued by the FNC.

According to requirements, coffee beans must be larger than size 14 screen, with at least 50% of green beans larger than size 15 screen, and no more than 5% of green beans between size 12 and 14 screens. They must also be free from pests, uniform in color, free from off-flavors, with clean flavor profiles, and moisture content cannot exceed 12.5%.

Additionally, a 500-gram sample of green beans must be taken for defect classification. Green bean defects are divided into primary and secondary defects. This 500-gram sample will be evaluated for defect points using a scoring system, but the defect score cannot exceed the limit of 24 points.

Furthermore, Colombia believes that full, uniform, and large coffee beans indicate that the beans have reached complete maturity, can develop better aromatic profiles, facilitate even roasting, and create consistent flavors. Therefore, coffee is also classified by bean size.

Currently, the three most commonly used grades in Colombia are Excelso UGQ12*60 (1.5%), Excelso EP12*60 (10%), and Excelso Supremo12*60 (5%).

Specifically, in Excelso UGQ12*60 (1.5%), UGQ stands for Usual Good Quality. Green beans must be larger than size 14 screen, allowing 1.5% of beans between size 12-14 screens, but they must be larger than size 12, with over 50% larger than size 15.

In Excelso EP12*60 (10%), EP stands for European Preparation. Green beans must be larger than size 15 screen, allowing 10% of beans smaller than size 15, but they must be larger than size 12.

Excelso Supremo12*60 (5%) has the largest bean size. Green beans must be larger than size 17 screen, allowing 5% of beans smaller than size 17, but they must be larger than size 14.

Additionally, for the most commonly exported Supremo 12*60 (5%) in Colombia, the 12*60 also refers to "tolerance rate," indicating that in a 500-gram sample of beans, a maximum of 12 primary defect beans and 60 secondary defect beans are allowed. Several Colombian coffee beans listed on our menu, including FrontStreet Coffee Rose Valley, FrontStreet Coffee Sidra, FrontStreet Coffee Big Navel, and FrontStreet Coffee Hope Estate Geisha, all belong to the Supremo grade.

Moreover, coffee farmers in Colombia record codes and green bean information to facilitate future traceability. Coffee green beans are typically named by country, region, grade, and bean size. Taking the introductory daily coffee bean Colombia·Huila launched by FrontStreet Coffee as an example, the words "Colombia Huila Supremo SC17/18 FNC" can be seen on the burlap packaging of the green beans.

Through cupping, it was found that this coffee bean has traditional Colombian rich aromas of nuts and chocolate, with soft fruity acidity and sweetness, overall clean and balanced. Therefore, a medium roast is chosen. After brewing, it presents soft fruity acidity, nut and chocolate flavors, caramel-like sweetness, with overall softness and balance.