Coffee Glossary

A person responsible for the day-to-day, hands-on cultivation of coffee farmland, planting and maintenance of coffee plants, and processing of coffee cherries.

The type of coffee plant

The manual or mechanical process of harvesting ripe coffee cherries from coffee trees during the harvest season.

Though sometimes used interchangeably with “farmer,” a coffee producer typically serves in a supervisory role and can oversee operations at multiple farms from quality control to export logistics.

Coffee beans come from the coffee tree (or plant, shrub). These trees can grow to a height of 15-20 feet in the wild and live for up to 100 years.

A large-scale facility — typically found close to a port — where green coffee beans are stored before being shipped to roasters.

A brewing method that does not require hot water

A term used to denote coffee with a cupping quality score of 60-80 according to the Specialty Coffee Association’s standard form.

Coffee beans that represent a flavor profile from a specific region and community of producers. Community lots allow roasters to support smallholder farmers and maintain regional traceability.

A formal agreement between buyer and seller that specifies terms i.e. price, quantity, and delivery conditions for coffee purchases.