What is the difference between Supremo and Excelso grades?
The difference between Supremo and Excelso grades in Colombian coffee is primarily based on bean size. Supremo is the highest grade, consisting of the largest beans ( 17 or 18), while Excelso consists of slightly smaller beans ( 14 to 16). Both grades can come from the same harvest and offer excellent quality.
Sources show where the underlying information came from. They do not automatically make a claim correct, so disputed history, evolving science and uncertain claims should be labeled as such in the explanation itself.
In the world of Colombian coffee, grading is a standardized system that helps buyers understand the physical characteristics of the beans they are purchasing. The two most common terms you will encounter are 'Supremo' and 'Excelso.' It is a common misconception that these terms refer to the quality of the flavor; in reality, they are primarily a measure of bean size, determined by passing the through a series of screens with specific hole diameters.
Supremo is the premium grade in this system. To be classified as Supremo, the beans must be large, typically corresponding to a of 17 or 18 (meaning the beans are 17/64ths or 18/64ths of an inch in diameter). Because these beans are larger, they are often perceived as being more uniform and aesthetically pleasing, which historically led to them commanding a higher price in the international market. They are often sought after for their consistent roasting characteristics.
Excelso, meanwhile, is the grade for slightly smaller beans, typically ranging from 14 to 16. While these beans are smaller than Supremo, they are by no means 'low quality.' In fact, many roasters find that Excelso beans offer a flavor profile that is just as complex and delicious as Supremo. In many cases, a single harvest from a farm will contain both Supremo and Excelso beans, which are separated during the dry milling process.
It is important to note that the Colombian coffee industry is highly regulated, and both grades must meet strict standards for defect counts to be exported. A bag of Excelso is not a bag of 'rejects'; it is simply a different size classification. For the home brewer, the difference in the cup is often negligible. A well-roasted Excelso can be just as vibrant and sweet as a Supremo. When choosing between them, focus more on the roast date and the specific region of origin rather than the size grade, as the skill of the roaster and the freshness of the bean will have a much greater impact on your final cup than the .
- ·https://federaciondecafeteros.org/wp/en/coffee-industry/colombian-coffee-quality/Verify source for reference 1 ↗
- ·https://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/Coffee-Around-the-WorldVerify source for reference 2 ↗