Grading

Grade 1

The highest Ethiopian coffee export grade. Maximum 3 full defects per 300 grams. For specialty lots, zero primary defects. The clearest, cleanest Ethiopian coffee available.

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Definition

What Grade 1 means

Grade 1 is the top tier of Ethiopian coffee grading. A 300-gram sample can contain at most 3 full defects (where 5 secondary defects = 1 full defect). For specialty-grade G1, zero primary defects are allowed.

Achieving Grade 1 requires careful cherry selection, controlled processing, and thorough sorting. It represents the cleanest, most defect-free coffee Ethiopia exports. Most specialty roasters specify Grade 1 for single-origin offerings.

Grade 1 specifications

Maximum full defects 3 per 300g

Primary defects (specialty) 0 allowed

Cup quality required Clean, no cup faults

Typical use Single origins, premium blends

Price tier Highest

Why Roasters Care

When Grade 1 matters

Single origin offerings

When the coffee stands alone, defects can't hide. Grade 1 ensures clean cups that represent the origin well.

Visual quality

Fewer defects means fewer quakers and discolored beans in your roast. Better looking finished product.

Premium positioning

"Grade 1 Ethiopian" signals quality to informed customers. Worth the premium for retail bags.

Roast consistency

Defects roast differently than sound beans. Grade 1 means more uniform roast development.

Less sorting needed

At Grade 1, what you buy is what you roast. No hand-sorting on your end.

Cupping potential

Clean lots cup higher. Grade 1 gives you the best chance at the coffee's full potential.

Comparison

Ethiopian coffee grades

Grade	Max Defects	Typical Use
Grade 1	0-3 full defects	Single origins, premium
Grade 2	4-8 full defects	Specialty blends, value SO
Grade 3	9-23 full defects	Commercial grade
Grade 4	24-60 full defects	Blender, commercial