Species: The two main coffee species are Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (Coffea canephora). Arabica beans are generally considered higher quality, while Robusta has a higher caffeine content.
Origin: The geographical location where the coffee beans are grown significantly impacts flavor profile. Different regions have unique growing conditions and processing methods.
Grade: Coffee grades indicate bean size, uniformity, and presence of defects. Higher grades typically have larger, more uniform beans with fewer defects. Common grading systems include Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and local country-specific systems.
Moisture content: Ideally, green coffee beans should have a moisture content between 10-12% for optimal storage and roasting.
Density: Denser beans are generally considered higher quality.
Appearance: Green coffee beans can vary in color from light green to bluish-green. They should be free of mold, insect damage, and other defects.