©2025 ZEST SPECIALTY
COFFEE ROASTERS
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Have you ever wondered why coffee buyers, producers, and roasters taste coffee with a spoon?
This practice, known as cupping, is a crucial part of the quality control process within the coffee industry. It is used to assess the quality and value of green coffee and acts as a universal language throughout the value chain.
Achieving accurate coffee scoring and calibration is a lengthy process that can take years. Those certified to do this have successfully passed a certification called Q Arabica Grading.
In this introduction to cupping, we aim to demystify the process and provide insight into how Q graders score coffees.
This activity is designed for beginners. No previous sensory or cupping experience is required.