What is European Preparation in green coffee?

European Preparation (EP) indicates that a coffee has undergone additional hand sorting on top of standard machine-based optical sorting. The term originated with European import markets that historically required a higher standard of defect removal than automated sorting alone could achieve.

It doesn't define a specific defect count - it tells you that trained hand-sorters went through the coffee after the optical sorter, catching defects the machine missed. That typically includes partial defects, irregular shapes, and subtly discoloured beans that optical systems handle less reliably than obviously black or white material.

EP is a signal of additional care at the mill level. It's not a formal certification, and it's worth verifying what the process actually involved when comparing lots where EP is part of the justification for a price difference. Not all EP designations are equal - the quality of hand sorting varies significantly by facility.