Uniformity and screen size considerations

Why Uniformity Matters in Naturals

• In natural processing, cherries dry whole—size and ripeness differences create uneven drying.
• Uneven drying leads to inconsistent moisture levels, causing mold or fermentation defects.
• Uniformity ensures better flavor consistency and stability in storage and roasting.

Screen Size in Coffee Grading

• After hulling, green beans are sorted by screen size (measured in 1/64 inches).
• Common sizes:
• Screen 18 (7.1 mm) → large beans, often specialty grade.
• Screen 16 (6.3 mm) → mid-sized, common commercial grade.
• Screen 14 and below → smaller beans, often lower value.
• Larger beans (e.g., Maragogipe, Pacamara) graded separately.

Impact on Natural Processing

• Mixed cherry sizes: Smaller cherries dry faster, larger ones slower → uneven outcomes.
• Sorting before drying: Improves consistency and reduces defect risks.
• Screen size after hulling: Affects market classification and pricing.

Uniformity and Cup Quality

• Uniform beans roast more evenly → balanced flavor development.
• Mixed sizes roast unevenly → underdeveloped or burnt flavors in same batch.
• Buyers often demand lots with high uniformity for specialty contracts.

Best Practices for Uniformity

1. Selective harvesting → ensures similar ripeness levels.
2. Pre-drying sorting → separates cherries by size before drying.
3. Regular turning → supports even drying across different cherry sizes.
4. Post-hulling grading → ensures screen-size separation for consistency in export.

Market Implications

• Specialty markets reward uniformity with higher prices.
• Screen size often linked with perceived quality, though flavor can transcend size.
• Some origins (e.g., Ethiopia) market mixed-size naturals for traditional profiles.

Lasting Importance

Uniformity and screen size considerations are key quality determinants in naturals. By controlling cherry size and maintaining consistency through drying and grading, producers secure better flavor balance, roasting performance, and market value.

• Tags:
• Lasting Importance
• Best Practices
• Cup Quality
• Specialty Markets
• Flavor Balance
• Specialty Grade
• Uneven Drying
• Natural Processing
• Screen Size
• Flavor Consistency
• Market Implications
• Flavor Development
• Market Value
• Implications Specialty
• Commercial Grade
• Mold Fermentation
• Balanced Flavor
• Green Beans
• Higher Prices
• Better Flavor
• Consistency Reduces
• Drying Leads
• Smaller Beans
• Leads Inconsistent
• Beans Roast
• Moisture Levels
• Large Beans
• Cherries Dry
• Fermentation Defects
• Larger Beans