The label “Plantation-A” refers to the highest grade of Washed Arabica grown in India. The first part (“Plantation”) is the Indian terminology for Washed Arabica, with Natural (or Dry-Processed) Arabica being referred to as “Cherry.” The second part of the name (-A or -AB) indicates the bean size and the percentage of imperfections.
To earn the A grade, beans must be 17+ screen size; the AB grade also includes 16 screen size beans. Peaberries are limited to no more than 2 percent. Imperfections, such as brokens, bits, browns, and blacks, are similarly limited.
We typically bring Plantation-A and Plantation-AB beans in lots ranging from 25-300 bags. We bring larger lots of 100+ bags only as contracted purchases; we bring the medium-sized lots of 25-50 bags for spot sale.
Each lot is always a single cultivar (typically S-795, Selection 9, or Cauvery) sourced from a single estate.
This year, we’ve sourced Plantation-A and Plantation-AB lots from Badnekhan Estate, Bettadakhan Estate, Harley Estate, Kalledevarapura Estate, and Kerkeicoondah Estate. Each of these farms regularly win national and regional cupping competitions.
These Washed Arabicas are very balanced coffees. They have medium acidity and medium body which makes them very consumer friendly. Many also display spiciness in the cup, a uniquely Indian trait. “I could drink this every day,” was what we heard from so many SCA Expo attendees when we brewed our beans at the last show.
These beans are extremely versatile with the attributes that extract in hot water also displaying well in cold brew applications.
SAMPLES: We encourage Wholesale Roasters and Roaster/Retailers to start with a half pound sample. Visit our Green Coffee Samples page for more details.
