Traditional Grades of Indian Coffee

India is renowned for its unique coffee grading system, which is primarily based on the processing method and the size of the beans. The country uses both wet (washed) and dry (natural or unwashed) methods to process coffee, leading to distinctive nomenclature and grading classifications.

Wet-Processed Coffee

Wet-processed (washed) Arabica beans are referred to as “Plantation” coffee in India The term “Plantation” in this context specifically refers to the washing process that Arabica beans undergo.
while washed Robusta beans are referred to as “Parchment”
Natural Arabica and Robusta beans are both known as “Cherry”

Arabica Grades (Washed):

1. Mysore Nuggets Extra Bold: Considered the highest grade, known for its large, uniform beans with minimal imperfections.
2. Plantation-AA: A high-grade Arabica, characterized by large beans with a higher density and more refined flavor profile.
3. Plantation-PB Bold and Plantation-PB: These grades refer to peaberry beans, which are smaller and rounder due to a natural mutation.
4. Plantation-A, B, C, BBB, Bulk: These represent decreasing sizes and qualities, with lower grades allowing for more imperfections.

Robusta Grades (Washed):

1. Robusta Kaapi Royale: The top-tier grade for washed Robusta, known for its bold, full-bodied flavor.
2. Parchment-A, PB Bold, PB, AB, B, C, BBB, Bulk: Similar to Arabica, these grades represent the quality and size of Robusta beans, with the grading system primarily focusing on bean size and the allowance for imperfections.

Dry-Processed Coffee

In the dry-processing method, both Arabica and Robusta beans are collectively known as “Cherry.” This name should not be confused with the actual cherry fruit on a coffee tree. The “Cherry” designation indicates that the beans were dried with the fruit still attached, leading to a different flavor profile compared to washed beans.

Arabica Grades (Natural/Dry-Processed):

1. Cherry-AA: The highest grade, with large, well-dried beans that have a robust flavor.
2. Cherry-A, PB Bold, PB, AB, C, BBB, Bulk: These grades decrease in size and quality, with lower grades having more imperfections.

Robusta Grades (Natural/Dry-Processed):

1. Cherry-AA: The top grade for natural Robusta, offering a strong, intense flavor.
2. Cherry-A, PB Bold, PB, AB, C, BBB, Bulk: These follow the same grading principles as the Arabica Cherry grades, focusing on size and the presence of imperfections.