Indonesian Robusta Coffee Grading: EK1, Grade 1, AP, ELB, and BC

Last Updated on 25 May 2026 by Pippo Ardilles

Indonesian Robusta coffee grading is a way to describe green coffee quality by combining defect value, origin, bean size, processing, and commercial specifications such as EK1, AP, ELB, and BC. For buyers, the most important point is simple: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4a, Grade 4b, Grade 5, and Grade 6 refer to defect-value categories, while terms like EK1, AP, ELB, and 350 BC are commonly used in trade to describe quality class, polishing, bean size, and bean count.

Under Indonesia’s green coffee standard, SNI 01-2907-2008, coffee grading covers both Robusta and Arabica, with classification based on coffee type, processing method, defect value, size, seed form, and origin. The standard sets general quality requirements such as no live insects, no rotten or moldy odor, maximum moisture of 12.5 percent, and maximum foreign matter of 0.5 percent.

Quick Meaning of EK1, Grade 1, AP, ELB, and BC

EK1, Grade 1, AP, ELB, and BC describe different parts of a Robusta coffee specification, so they should not be read as a single quality score. A lot may be marketed as EK1, but buyers should still verify its defect value, moisture, bean size, processing, and cup quality before purchasing.

Term	Meaning	What Buyers Should Check
EK1	A trade term often used for “first quality” Indonesian Robusta	Ask for the actual grade, defect value, moisture, and sample
Grade 1 or GR1	Highest SNI defect-value grade, maximum 11 defect value per 300 g sample	Confirm the green grading report
AP	After Polished, meaning the beans have been polished after hulling	Check whether polishing is cosmetic or part of a defined processing spec
ELB	Extra Large Beans	Ask for screen-size distribution or bean count
350 BC	Bean Count, commonly understood as around 350 beans per 100 g in Indonesian Robusta trade	Confirm the counting method with the supplier

The key mistake to avoid is treating EK1 as proof of Grade 1 quality. EK1 is useful as a market label, but the verifiable quality indicator is the measured specification: defect value, moisture, size, and cup result.

What is EK1 Grading in Indonesian Coffee?

Definition of EK1

EK1 stands for “Eerst Kwaliteit,” which translates to “First Quality” in Dutch. This classification indicates that the coffee meets high-quality standards set by the International Coffee Organization (ICO). In the context of Indonesian coffee, EK1 is a vital part of the grading system, as it ensures that consumers receive beans that exhibit the desired attributes of flavor and aroma. Understanding EK1 grading helps roasters and buyers identify premium-quality Robusta coffee, ultimately leading to a better coffee experience.

Grading Levels Explained

Indonesian Robusta coffee is categorized into several grades, each defined by the number of defects found in the beans. The grades range from GR1 to GR4, with specific defect counts as follows:

• GR1: 0-11 defects
• GR2: 12-25 defects
• GR3: 26-40 defects
• GR4: 41-80 defects

Here’s a table that breaks down the EK1 Robusta coffee grading system based on defect counts:

Grade	Description	Total Defects Allowed	Subgrades	Flavor Impact	Notes
EK1 GR1	First Quality, Grade 1	0–12	N/A	Clean, well-balanced flavors, minimal defects.	Highest quality, minimal defects, often used in premium coffee.
EK1 GR2	First Quality, Grade 2	13–25	N/A	Clear flavors, some defects, but still a high-quality cup.	Still considered high quality, used for good commercial coffee.
EK1 GR3	First Quality, Grade 3	26–44	N/A	Moderate defects, balanced but less refined flavors.	Generally used for mid-tier blends, some loss of cup quality.
EK1 GR4	First Quality, Grade 4	45–80	4A: 45–60 4B: 61–80	Strong, earthy, with potential off-flavors and more bitterness as defect count increases.	Used in lower-tier blends or robusta-heavy blends.
EK2	Second Quality	>80	N/A	Highly inconsistent flavor, many defects, lower quality.	Rarely used for anything other than very cheap blends.

Notes:

• Defects: The number of defects per 300g sample, as measured by standards from the International Coffee Organization (ICO). Defects include broken beans, black beans, insect damage, mold, etc.
• EK1: Refers to “Eerste Kwalitet” or “First Quality”, a Dutch term used historically in Indonesia for high-quality coffee.
• Grades: The total defect count helps distinguish the coffee’s grade within EK1, with Grade 1 being the highest and Grade 4 being the lowest.

This table helps us understand how defect count directly affects the quality, price, and flavor of the coffee.

Grade	Defect Count	Quality Indicator
GR1	0-11 defects	Highest quality
GR2	12-25 defects	Good quality
GR3	26-40 defects	Acceptable quality
GR4	41-80 defects	Lower quality

More about Specifications in Coffee Grading

Understanding AP (After Polished)

AP, or After Polished, refers to a processing technique that enhances the appearance of the beans. This method removes the parchment layer, resulting in visually appealing and cleaner beans.

The benefits of AP processing include improved flavor clarity and consistency, as well as a more uniform roast. Coffee beans that undergo AP processing are often preferred by roasters for their enhanced visual appeal and potential flavor benefits.

The Importance of ELB (Extra Large Beans)

ELB, or Extra Large Beans, indicates the size of the coffee beans. Larger beans generally roast more evenly and can contribute to a fuller flavor profile. The size of the beans can significantly impact the brewing process, as larger beans often require different grind sizes and brewing times. Roasters may prefer ELB for their distinctive characteristics, which can lead to a more robust cup of coffee.

Decoding BC (Bean Count)

Bean Count (BC) refers to the number of coffee beans per pound and is an important metric in understanding the size and density of the beans. A lower bean count indicates larger beans, while a higher count signifies smaller beans.

The Bean Count can influence the roasting process and ultimately affect the flavor profile of the brewed coffee. By paying attention to the BC, buyers can make more informed choices regarding their coffee selection.

Example: Robusta Lampung EK1 GR1 AP ELB 350 BC

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1. Robusta Lampung

• Robusta: Refers to the coffee species. Robusta beans are known for their higher caffeine content and stronger, more bitter flavor compared to Arabica beans.
• Lampung: A province in southern Sumatra, Indonesia. Lampung is renowned for producing robust, full-bodied Robusta coffee with earthy notes.

2. EK1 (Eerste Kwalitet)

• EK1 stands for “Eerste Kwalitet”, which is Dutch for “First Quality”.
• This term is used in Indonesia to denote high-quality coffee beans with minimal defects.

3. GR1 (Grade 1)

• Grade 1 indicates the quality based on the defect count per 300 grams of beans.
  • Grade 1: 0–11 defects (highest quality)
• This means the beans have been meticulously sorted to ensure top quality.

4. AP (After Polished)

• After Polished refers to an additional processing step where beans are polished after hulling.
• Polishing removes the silver skin remaining on the beans, resulting in a cleaner appearance.
• Benefits:
  • Improves the visual quality of the beans.
  • May slightly influence the roasting process due to the removal of residual layers.

5. ELB (Extra Large Beans)

• Extra Large Beans denote the bean size.
• Bean Size Classification is often determined by screen size during sorting:
  • ELB typically corresponds to Screen Size 18 or larger.
• Larger beans can influence the roasting profile and may have different flavor characteristics.

6. 350 BC (Bean Count)

• Bean Count refers to the number of beans per 100 grams.
• 350 BC means there are 350 beans in 100 grams, indicating the average size and density of the beans.
  • Lower Bean Count (e.g., 300 BC): Larger beans.
  • Higher Bean Count (e.g., 400 BC): Smaller beans.

Putting It All Together

Robusta Lampung EK1 GR1 AP ELB 350 BC describes coffee beans that are:

Specification	Description
Product Name	Robusta Lampung EK1 GR1 AP ELB 350 BC
Bean Count	350 BC: Indicates a bean count of 350 beans per 100 grams, confirming a large bean size.
Species & Origin	Robusta beans sourced from the Lampung region in Indonesia.
Quality	EK1: First Quality, indicating high-grade beans with minimal defects. GR1: Grade 1, meaning 0–11 defects per 300g—top-tier quality.
Processing	AP: After Polished, beans have been polished for a better appearance.
Size	ELB: Extra Large Beans, indicating larger-than-average bean size.

Why Understanding Coffee Specifications Matters

Understanding coffee specifications is crucial for several reasons. First, it directly impacts roasting profiles. Different grades and specifications can lead to variations in roast times and temperatures, influencing the final flavor of the coffee.

Additionally, specifications play a significant role in determining flavor profiles, as beans with fewer defects tend to have a more consistent and enjoyable taste. Finally, being well-versed in these terms is essential for quality assurance when purchasing coffee, ensuring that buyers receive the best possible product for their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does EK1 mean in coffee grading?

EK1 stands for “First Quality” in Dutch, indicating high-quality beans.

How does bean size affect flavor?

Larger beans often roast differently, impacting flavor due to density.

What is the difference between GR1 and GR4?

GR1 has fewer defects (0-11) compared to GR4 (41-80), affecting quality.

Summary

Understanding Indonesian Robusta coffee specifications is essential for making informed purchasing decisions. By familiarizing yourself with terms like EK1, GR1, AP, ELB, and BC, you can enhance your coffee experience and choose beans that meet your quality preferences. Explore the diverse offerings of Indonesian coffees and discover the rich flavors and quality that these beans have to offer.

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