Why This One Coffee Tasting Impacts the Price of 38K Pounds | WSJ
The Wall Street Journal • 2026-04-17T17:00:03Z • 7:03:00 • intermediate • Business
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Ever wondered how a single coffee tasting can influence the price of thousands of pounds of coffee? Dive into the fascinating world of coffee grading and discover the secrets behind this global commodity!
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Vocabulary
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commodity
/kəˈmɒdəti/
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Definition
A raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold.
Example
Coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the world.
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benchmark
/ˈbɛnʧˌmɑrk/
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Definition
A standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed.
Example
The grading room sets a benchmark for coffee quality globally.
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sensory
/ˈsɛn.sə.ri/
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Definition
Relating to sensation or to the physical senses; transmitted or perceived by the senses.
Example
The sensory experience of tasting coffee involves smell, taste, and texture.
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hiatus
/haɪˈeɪtəs/
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Definition
A pause or break in continuity in a sequence or activity.
Example
The grading room had a ten-year hiatus before moving back downtown.
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defect
/ˈdiːfɛkt/
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Definition
A shortcoming, imperfection, or lack; a flaw in a product.
Example
Graders look for any defects in the coffee beans before making their assessments.
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agricultural
/ˌæɡrɪˈkʌltʃərəl/
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Definition
Relating to agriculture, which is the science or practice of farming.
Example
Coffee is an important agricultural product for many countries.
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