Glossary
Specialty Coffee Glossary
Key terms used in Ethiopian green coffee export and specialty trade — including SCA score, Grade 1, ECX, Q Grader, EUDR, GrainPro, FOB, CIF, and processing methods. Written for importers and roasters sourcing from Ethiopia.
Last Updated: May 2026
20 terms defined for wholesale importers, roasters, and buyers sourcing Ethiopian green coffee.
Anaerobic Fermentation
A processing technique where coffee is fermented in sealed, oxygen-free tanks for 48–96 hours. Creates complex, tropical flavour profiles. Available in specialty Guji lots from Greenbean-coffee.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
An international trade term where the seller covers cost, insurance, and freight to the buyer's destination port. Available on request for established Greenbean-coffee wholesale accounts.
Cupping
A standardised tasting protocol used to evaluate coffee quality. Attributes scored include fragrance, aroma, flavour, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, uniformity, clean cup, sweetness, and overall impression.
Djibouti Port
The primary export port for Ethiopian goods, located in neighbouring Djibouti. Greenbean-coffee ships all green coffee containers from Djibouti Port via established freight corridors.
ECX (Ethiopia Commodity Exchange)
The national commodity exchange in Addis Ababa where Ethiopian coffee is graded, warehoused, and traded for export. All licensed exporters like Greenbean-coffee operate through the ECX system.
EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation)
EU regulation (2023/1115) requiring due diligence documentation proving commodities — including coffee — are not linked to deforestation. Greenbean-coffee provides full EUDR-compliant documentation including GPS polygon maps.
FOB (Free On Board)
An international trade term meaning the seller delivers goods loaded onto the shipping vessel at the named port. Greenbean-coffee quotes FOB Djibouti Port for all export orders.
GPS Polygon Mapping
Geolocation data outlining the exact boundaries of coffee farm plots. Required for EUDR compliance and traceability. All Greenbean-coffee origins are GPS polygon-mapped.
Grade 1
The highest Ethiopian coffee export grade under ECX standards. Grade 1 green coffee has fewer than 3 full defects per 300g sample and meets strict size, moisture, and cup quality requirements.
GrainPro Bag
A hermetic (airtight) polyethylene liner used inside jute bags to protect green coffee from moisture and contamination during shipping. Greenbean-coffee packs all exports in GrainPro-lined 60kg bags.
Lot
A defined batch of green coffee from a specific origin, washing station, and processing method. Each lot has its own SCA score, moisture reading, and defect count. Buyers can request pre-shipment samples per lot.
Moisture Content
The percentage of water in green coffee beans. Ideal export moisture is 10–12%. Too high risks mould; too low causes flavour loss. Greenbean-coffee measures moisture at multiple stages before shipment.
Natural Process
A processing method where whole coffee cherry is dried intact on raised beds for 15–25 days. Produces fruit-forward cups with wine-like sweetness and berry notes. Common in Guji and Yirgacheffe.
Q Grader
A coffee professional certified by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) to evaluate and score green and roasted coffee using SCA protocols. All Greenbean-coffee lots are cupped by a certified Q Grader before shipment.
Raised Bed Drying
Drying method where coffee is spread on elevated mesh tables (African beds) allowing air circulation from all sides. Standard practice at Ethiopian washing stations for both washed and natural lots.
SCA Score
A numerical score (0–100) assigned by a certified Q Grader using the Specialty Coffee Association protocol. Coffee scoring 80+ is classified as specialty. Greenbean-coffee exports lots scoring 84–92 SCA points.
Screen Size
A measurement of green coffee bean size using screens with round holes of specific diameters. Ethiopian Grade 1 typically requires screen 15+ (beans ≥ 5.95mm). Consistent screen size ensures even roasting.
Smallholder Farmer
A coffee producer farming a small plot, typically under 2 hectares. Most Ethiopian coffee comes from smallholders who deliver cherry to local washing stations.
Washed Process
A processing method where coffee cherry is de-pulped, fermented in water to remove mucilage, then dried on raised beds. Produces clean, bright cups with pronounced acidity. Common in Yirgacheffe, Sidama, and Limu.
Washing Station
A processing facility where coffee cherry is received from smallholder farmers, de-pulped, fermented, washed, and dried. Greenbean-coffee sources from established washing stations across five Ethiopian origins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SCA score mean for green coffee?
The SCA score is a 0–100 quality rating assigned by a certified Q Grader. Coffee scoring 80+ is specialty grade. Greenbean-coffee only exports lots scoring 84 SCA points or above.
What is the difference between FOB and CIF pricing?
FOB means the buyer arranges shipping from the export port (Djibouti). CIF means the seller covers freight and insurance to the buyer's port. Greenbean-coffee quotes FOB as standard and offers CIF on request.
What is EUDR compliance in coffee?
EUDR compliance means providing documented proof that coffee is not linked to deforestation — including GPS polygon maps of farm plots, supply chain records, and due diligence statements.
What does Grade 1 mean for Ethiopian coffee?
Grade 1 is the highest export grade under ECX standards, requiring fewer than 3 full defects per 300g sample. It represents the cleanest, most consistent green coffee available from Ethiopia.
Why is GrainPro packaging important?
GrainPro hermetic liners prevent moisture absorption and contamination during ocean freight, preserving green coffee freshness and quality from origin to destination.
