Eastern Highlands Grade B-15

In the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea, coffee is grown in small garden plots scattered across steep, forested terrain. In the Eastern Highlands, generations of smallholder farmers cultivate coffee alongside subsistence crops, integrating production into daily life rather than operating large scale farms. These farms are often less than a hectare, and each harvest reflects a mix of traditional practices, local knowledge, and the unique conditions of the surrounding landscape.

This coffee is classified as Grade B 15, a designation within Papua New Guinea’s grading system that allows for a slightly higher defect count while still delivering strong and reliable cup quality. Historically referred to as AX, this grade offers a practical balance between cost and performance, making it well suited for blends and production roasting while still carrying the regional characteristics of the Eastern Highlands.

The coffee itself is composed of Typica lineage, Bourbon derivatives, Arusha, and local selections, a result of decades of mixed plantings across smallholder farms. After harvest, cherries are delivered to local buying points and processed through centralized mills, where they are pulped, fermented, washed, and dried. This fully washed process helps bring structure and consistency to the final lot, preserving the approachable profile and steady quality that define this offering.