Brazil semi-washed Arabica Santos, NY 2/3, Scr 17/18, strictly soft, fine cup

Coffee production in Brazil represents about one-third of the entire coffee production, making it by far the biggest producer worldwide for the last 150 years. In central Brazil, the extensive Cerrado savannah is interrupted by seemingly endless plateaus called Chapadas. They cover the states Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Tocantins, and Minas Gerais, turning them into one of the largest coffee production areas in the world. Around Minas Gerais, farmers have started to concentrate on cultivating mainly specialty coffees. Well-defined seasons with hot, wet summers and pleasantly cool, dry winters favor coffee cultivation in this region.

Brazil Santos coffees have long been known for their quality and are often associated with sweet, smooth, and consistent flavor profiles. The name "Santos" refers to the port of Santos, from where coffees from various regions of Brazil are traditionally shipped. Brazilian coffees are uniquely described in detail. "NY" stands for New York and refers to the maximum number of allowed defects, according to the defect count method of the New York Stock Exchange—NY 2/3 is the highest grade, indicating no more than 8 to 12 observable defects in a 300-gram sample. "Screen 17/18" defines the bean size, which is among the largest for Brazilian grades. "SS" stands for "Strictly Soft," and "FC" for "Fine Cup," both describing the cup profile—requiring a smooth, clean, and consistent cup.

This coffee is processed using the semi-washed method, in which the cherries are depulped and then dried with the mucilage still attached. Widely used in Brazil, this process enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness and contributes to a well-balanced cup with good body. As a result, this Santos selection offers a clean, consistent profile that makes it an excellent foundation for blends.