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Lot building and grading

This topic explains how lots are built and graded in natural (dry) coffee processing, why these steps are critical for consistency, traceability, and market classification, and how they influence final value.

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  • Coffee Basics Nerds
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Article 12 of 12 in Dry Processing (Natural) Details/
Lot building and grading

What is Lot Building?

  • Lot building is the process of grouping dried cherries or hulled beans into batches for storage, milling, and sale.
  • Lots may be organized by:
  • Farm or cooperative.
  • Variety or cultivar.
  • Harvest date.
  • Processing method.
  • Quality level.
  • Maintains traceability and supports targeted marketing (e.g., micro-lots vs. bulk lots).

Grading in Coffee

  • Definition: Classification of coffee beans by physical and sensory standards.
  • Common grading categories:
  • Screen size: Large vs small beans (screen 18, 16, etc.).
  • Density: Heavy beans (high quality) vs light beans (defects).
  • Defect count: Based on SCA or ICO standards (e.g., full defects per 300g sample).
  • Cup quality: Evaluated through cupping for flavor, body, acidity, and defects.

Lot Building Strategies

  • Homogeneous lots: Built from cherries of similar ripeness, size, and drying conditions.
  • Micro-lots: Small, traceable lots with exceptional quality, often sold directly at premium prices.
  • Bulk lots: Larger volumes blended for commercial markets, prioritizing volume over uniqueness.

Importance of Grading

  • Ensures consistency within each lot.
  • Determines market channel: specialty, premium, or commodity.
  • Protects reputation by preventing defective beans from entering premium lots.

Tools & Practices

  • Mechanical graders: Screen size and density sorters.
  • Manual sorting: Workers remove visible defects by hand.
  • Cupping panels: Evaluate sensory profile and confirm quality level.
  • Documentation: Records link lot codes with grading data.

Market Implications

  • Specialty buyers demand small, traceable, high-quality lots.
  • Commodity markets purchase large, uniform lots for blending.
  • Transparent grading increases trust and potential for direct trade.

Lasting Importance

Lot building and grading are essential quality assurance steps in natural processing. By carefully grouping and classifying coffee, producers maximize value, strengthen traceability, and align their product with the right buyers and markets.

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Coffee Basics Nerds

Written by : Coffee Basics Nerds

Expert coffee historians and brewing enthusiasts dedicated to sharing the rich heritage and techniques behind your perfect cup of coffee.

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