Ethiopia
Organic Washed Sidama
Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region, Chelba
Floral | Lemongrass | Green Tea | Peach
Washed · In Stock
Definition
What Grade 2 means
Grade 2 allows 4-8 full defects per 300-gram sample--more than Grade 1, but still within specialty range when cup quality supports it. Many excellent Ethiopian coffees grade as G2 simply because they weren't sorted as aggressively.
The key insight: grade measures physical defects, not cup quality. A well-cupped Grade 2 can outperform a poorly-handled Grade 1. Always sample before buying--grade is a starting point, not the whole story.
Grade 2 specifications
Full defects allowed
4-8 per 300g
Specialty eligible
Yes, with good cup
Price tier
Below Grade 1
Typical use
Blends, value SO
Value proposition
Often excellent
Why Roasters Care
When Grade 2 makes sense
Blend components
In blends, a few extra defects disappear. Grade 2 delivers Ethiopian character at better margins.
Value single origins
Some Grade 2 lots cup at 85+. If the cup is there, the grade is just a number. Great for drip and batch.
Better margins
G2 prices lower than G1. When cup quality is close, the cost savings go straight to your bottom line.
Larger volumes
More G2 is available than G1. For volume needs, Grade 2 provides more sourcing options.
Hand-sortable
4-8 defects per 300g is minor. Quick hand-sorting can upgrade a G2 to G1 visuals if needed.
Sample first
Grade doesn't cup. Always sample. The best G2 lots outperform average G1 lots.
Key Insight
Grade vs. cup quality
What grade measures
- - Physical defects per 300g
- - Sorting and processing care
- - Visual appearance
- - Export classification
What grade doesn't measure
- - Flavor quality
- - Acidity character
- - Complexity and balance
- - Overall cup score
Our approach: We cup everything regardless of grade. Some G2 lots make our menu; some G1 lots don't. The cup decides.
Current Inventory
Grade 2 coffees in stock
Looking for value without compromise?
Request samples and discover Grade 2 lots that cup like Grade 1.