A defect that occurs when the growth of the coffee cherry is arrested either through lack of water, lack of nutrients, inadequate pruning, disease, or insect attack. Black beans are only found in the lowest grades of coffee exported.

This multipurpose dried bean is medium-sized (up to one-half inch long), round to almost square, and deep black with a white line and interior. Among the most valuable and best-tasting beans, it is especially good in soups, with rice, in salads, and pureed.