Real talk: Coffee grading isn’t just about aesthetics. Screen size—a metric that separates beans into tiers—has become a proxy for quality, but its real-world impact on flavor remains murky. For growers and buyers, larger screens often mean higher prices, yet the connection between bean dimensions and cup performance feels increasingly abstract. Take Kenya, where size 20 beans (larger) and size 16 beans (smaller) are both meticulously sorted. If both are clean, defect-free, and roasted to match, what’s the actual difference?
The answer lies in the interplay of density, moisture, and structural integrity. Larger beans, often heavier, absorb water more evenly during processing, which can lead to a more uniform roast. This consistency might translate to a smoother body and balanced acidity in the cup. Smaller beans, meanwhile, may retain more of their inherent characteristics—like the bright, citrusy notes that define Kenyan coffees. But these nuances are subtle, often drowned out by variables like altitude, soil, and processing methods.
Critics argue that screen size grading is a relic of industrialization, prioritizing logistics over sensory outcomes. In specialty markets, where traceability and origin stories reign, the metric feels less relevant. Yet for exporters and roasters, it’s a shorthand for consistency, ensuring batches meet global standards. The real debate isn’t whether size matters—it’s how much it actually influences the final cup.
Key points: Screen size affects roast uniformity and body, but flavor differences are often overshadowed by other variables. Larger beans may offer smoother profiles, while smaller ones preserve origin-specific traits. Grading remains a useful tool, but its role in defining quality is overstated.
Have you ever noticed a screen size difference in your cup.
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Questions & Answers
Does screen size affect gaming performance?
Screen size doesn’t impact gaming performance. Performance depends on graphics card, CPU, and game settings, not display size. Larger screens may require higher resolutions, but that’s about visual clarity, not gameplay.
Is a bigger screen always better for watching movies?
Not always. Larger screens offer better immersion but need higher resolution to avoid pixelation. Smaller screens are more practical for rooms with limited space or lower resolution setups.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
