Strictly Hard Bean (SHB)

Strictly Hard Bean (SHB): The highest grade designation based on growing altitude in several Central American coffee-producing countries (such as Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras). It signifies that the coffee was cultivated at extreme elevations—typically above 1,350 to 1,400 meters above sea level—where cooler temperatures slow the cherry maturation process. This extended growth period yields dense, hard beans that develop complex, vibrant acidity and superior flavor profiles.