Coffee Types & Grading
SHB
Strictly Hard Bean, a classification for coffee grown above approximately 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) in Central American grading systems. SHB beans are denser due to slower maturation at altitude, which typically yields more complex flavors.
In Depth
The SHB designation originated in Costa Rica and Guatemala, where altitude-based grading reflects the strong correlation between elevation and cup quality. Denser beans withstand higher roast temperatures without scorching, allowing roasters to develop more nuanced caramelization. In Guatemala, SHB specifically means grown above 1,350 meters, while in Costa Rica the threshold is 1,200 meters.