Trade · 5 min read
Malabar Black Pepper Grades: MG1, TGEB, TGSEB and Bulk Density
The grade names are a century old. The logic behind them — size and density — is simple.
Quick answer
MG1 (Malabar Garbled Grade 1) is the standard Malabar export grade. TGEB (Tellicherry Garbled Extra Bold) covers berries of about 4.25 mm and above, and TGSEB (Special Extra Bold) about 4.75 mm and above. Density grades such as 500 g/L and 550 g/L describe how much a litre of pepper weighs — higher means heavier, more mature berries.
What does 'garbled' mean?
Garbled pepper has been cleaned and sorted to remove stems, dust, pinheads and light berries. Ungarbled pepper has not. Export buyers almost always specify garbled grades.
What is the difference between MG1 and Tellicherry?
Both come from India's Malabar Coast. Tellicherry grades are the largest berries selected from the crop and command a premium for their size and aroma. MG1 is the benchmark standard-size grade used widely by processors.
Why does bulk density matter?
Density reflects maturity. Light, hollow berries lower density and flavour. Processors buying on density — 500 g/L or 550 g/L — get a predictable yield when grinding.
What else should you test?
Ask for results on:
- Moisture
- Light berries and pinheads
- Extraneous matter
- Microbiological counts — steam sterilisation where required
- Pesticide residues for regulated markets
Frequently asked questions
Is Tellicherry pepper better than Malabar?
It is larger and more aromatic, and priced accordingly. For grinding, a good MG1 or density grade often offers better value.
