Transformative Q-Grader Training Session

Kirurumwe Coffee Lab recently hosted a transformative Q-grader training session on November 29, 2024, aimed at deepening participants' sensory evaluation skills. With 16 enthusiastic trainee farmers from various Coffee Farmers Cooperative Societies, including Kirurumwe Farmers Cooperative Society in Embu, this training marked another milestone in our efforts to empower farmers and coffee professionals with advanced knowledge and techniques to enhance coffee quality and sustainability.

Objectives of the Training

The training's primary goal was to equip participants with the ability to detect and articulate coffee's sweetness, acidity, and body. These enhanced skills are essential for precise coffee evaluation and improved coffee grading standards.

Training Highlights

The session, facilitated by International coordinator of KGN Migyeong Kim , featured practical and hands-on activities:

1. Sweetness Detection

   Trainees practiced identifying sugar water concentrations using subtle variations in sweetness. This activity improved their sensitivity to sweetness levels, a key skill in coffee grading.

2. Acidity Differentiation

   Participants learned to distinguish the acidity of lemon and orange water, honing their ability to describe and differentiate levels of acidity effectively.

3. Coffee Body Analysis

   By brewing coffee through different methods—cupping, hand brewing, and AeroPress—participants explored the texture, weight, and mouthfeel of coffee. This activity encouraged the use of specific and descriptive language for evaluating coffee body.

Key Outcomes

1. Enhanced detection of subtle sweetness and acidity nuances for the trainees

2. Improved ability to describe coffee body using detailed sensory terms for the trainees

3. Strengthened skills in coffee evaluation and sensory articulation for the trainees.

Impact and Feedback

This comprehensive training reinforced the importance of structured sensory evaluation in coffee grading. Trainees expressed appreciation for the engaging and educational experience, noting significant improvements in their ability to evaluate and describe coffee profiles.

At Kirurumwe Coffee Lab, we are committed to fostering excellence in coffee production and grading. This Q-grader training is part of our ongoing mission to empower farmers and coffee professionals, ensuring that our coffee not only meets but exceeds global standards.

We thank all participants and facilitators for making this event a success and look forward to organizing more knowledge-sharing sessions in the future.

Kirurumwe Farmers Cooperative Society remains dedicated to supporting its members and the broader coffee community.

Q-Grading Training

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