价值观/质量
The Project Origin stamp of value comes from a relationship between score, cup profile, price and purpose. We take the combination of these four elements to establish a new understanding of quality in the coffee industry that works in tandem with our direct trade model. For more traditionally processed lots, we categorise the coffees into one of three labels: black, green and gold, depicting three groups of cup scores as a representation of cup profile. For our carbonic maceration processed coffees, we use the gemstone labels: Indigo, Jasper, Amber, Diamond and Opal, to represent colours and qualities in the CM cup profiles.
Our Labels
黑标
黑标咖啡得分 83-85 分。这些是可靠的咖啡，很受拼配豆的欢迎，但也可以用作单一产地咖啡。
绿标
绿标咖啡得分 86-89 分。这个范围是多种多样的，可以用于任何目的。大多数采购的 Project Origin 咖啡都属于这一类。
金标
金标咖啡得分 90+。这些咖啡是我们的优质系列。它们是稀有且超高品质的。
区域咖啡
区域咖啡是代表咖啡种植区的生豆的集合，并在每个季节提供可靠的产品，这些产品很受拼配咖啡的欢迎。该标准使用来自小农户收获的咖啡豆，这些咖啡豆不会成为小批量产品。
超极日晒咖啡
超极日晒咖啡包含多种实验技术。它们更少的有清晰和精致的风味，但是更多的富有表现力、令人兴奋，也同时平易近人的处理方式。
CM精选系列
CM Selections 咖啡是所有使用二氧化碳浸渍技术加工的咖啡。它们分为五种宝石类型：钻石、蓝宝石、红翡翠、琥珀和欧泊。
Our Quality Control Protocol
Our QC team measures every coffee that arrives in our warehouse. We record data to understand the coffee’s potential shelf life, and other helpful information for roasters. Each coffee shipped to us will be checked for its density, water activity, moisture content, and green grading. You can find more information about these measurements, our process and protocols in our QC Protocol below. This information is stored as additional notes to accompany the cupping results and farm details.
Our Quality Assessment
We take our coffees and our partner relationships very seriously. This is why we do what we can to celebrate what we have and to highlight the positives in every lot. We cup our coffees using an adapted version of the Cup of Excellence scoresheet so that we can reward the coffees for favourable qualities such as sweetness and clarity. We will never (ever) send beans back to origin, and we will always value the cup profiles of a lot over the appearance of the beans. We believe coffee exists to be enjoyed and drunk, so we stamp our quality based on this belief coupled with our value of maintaining and building relationships across the world.
Quality Control FAQs
What scoring system does Project Origin use?
We use an adapted version of the Cup of Excellence scoresheet, categorising coffees into Black (83-85 points), Green (86-89 points), and Gold (90+ points) labels. CM selections use gemstone labels.
How do we determine the cupping score?
Using a COE-adapted scoresheet, we prioritise cup profile over green grading or other quality measurements. This allows us to reward varying degrees of sweetness and clarity.
Do you use SCA standards for green bean assessment?
Yes, we follow SCA guidelines for moisture, water activity, density, and green grading.
What are Project Origin's quality control processes?
We use SCA guidelines for QC, measuring moisture, water activity, density, and defects. Our protocols ensure quality is maintained from purchase to arrival.
Can we publicly see what you do for QC measurements?
Yes, our QC processes are detailed on our website under the quality page.
Is your definition of quality the same as everyone else's?
Quality is subjective. For Project Origin, it combines cup profile, purpose, price, and producer relationship, which might differ from others' definitions.
If 'specialty' means 80 points and above, why don't you sell coffees under 83 points?
We focus on distinct flavours and sustainability, often more present in coffees scoring 83+ points. Lower scores often tie to commodity pricing, less sustainable for producers.
If you value relationships and cup profiles, why use cup scores?
Cup scores are a common language in the industry, helping us communicate quality with roasters while maintaining strong producer relationships.
Why put aside SCA standards and use your own version of specialty coffee?
While SCA standards guide us, practical issues like shipping and arrival condition may alter our approach. We focus on cup profile and quality, even if SCA standards aren't met upon arrival.
Why measure water activity, density, and moisture content?
These measurements help assess shelf life and any changes from sample to arrival. If outside expected ranges, we might fast-track usage or adjust purchase decisions.
How do you assess CM Selections coffee in green grading and cupping?
We prioritize expressive cup profiles in CM Selections. Green grading is still evolving for these coffees, balancing visual assessment with flavour.
What happens if a coffee tastes good but looks bad?
We value flavour over appearance. Even if beans look bad, high cupping scores (e.g., 90 points) mean the coffee still has value.
What if a coffee is full of defects?
It depends on the defect type. If affecting flavour, it might be sold at a discount. If not affecting flavour, it could still be offered at a lower price.
Do you always follow QC protocols or are there exceptions?
We always follow QC protocols, with minor exceptions for unique processing methods. Cup profile and score remain the primary focus.
Do you ever send coffee back to origin if it fails QC?
No, we never send coffee back to origin.
How much does a QC result influence our decision to buy or sell a coffee?
QC is crucial but not the sole factor. We consider cup profile, purpose, price, and producer relationship in our buying and selling decisions.
质量
Quality, for us, is more than just a cupping score. We take the relationship of score, cup profile, price and purpose to stamp our Project Origin mark of value on a coffee.
社区
我们重视社区为生产咖啡所做的努力，因此我们投资于可以改善咖啡质量和生产咖啡者生计的项目。
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