Hello, coffee enthusiasts! Ready to deepen your coffee knowledge? Let’s explore the fascinating world of specialty coffee, the haute couture of the coffee world.
What Exactly Is Specialty Coffee?
Specialty coffee is a term used to describe coffee that is of exceptional quality and taste. It refers to coffee beans that have been carefully grown, harvested, and roasted to bring out their unique flavors and aromas. Specialty coffee is often made from beans that are grown in specific regions or countries known for their exceptional coffee.
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) defines specialty coffee as coffee that scores 80 points or more on a 100-point scale. This scoring system evaluates the coffee beans based on their aroma, flavor, acidity, body, and aftertaste.
The Origins of Specialty Coffee
The origins of specialty coffee can be traced back to the 1960s when a group of coffee enthusiasts in the United States began to explore the world of coffee beyond the traditional mass-produced coffee. They started to experiment with different coffee beans, roasting techniques, and brewing methods, which led to the birth of specialty coffee.
The term “specialty coffee” was coined in 1974 by Erna Knutsen in an issue of Tea & Coffee Trade Journal. She used it to describe the finest flavor beans grown in unique microclimates.
Today, specialty coffee is a global phenomenon, and coffee lovers can find specialty coffee shops in almost every corner of the world.
Why does Specialty Coffee Matter?
Understanding specialty coffee helps you appreciate the efforts behind each cup, making your coffee experience feel a bit more special. After all, you’re partaking in a tradition that cherishes quality, sustainability, and the pleasure of an exceptional cup.
Grading the Beans: Is Your Coffee Up to the Mark?
Coffee grading is the evaluation of coffee beans based on certain criteria, crucial for quality assessment and trade. The grading process involves:
- Screen Size: Beans are sorted through different screen sizes; larger beans are preferred.
- Defect Count: Beans are checked for defects like insect damage, over-fermentation, or inadequate size.
- Cupping Score: The coffee is brewed and tasted to evaluate its flavor profile.
Just like students, we have different grades of coffee:
- Specialty: The star performers, scoring 80 or above on the cupping score.
- Premium: Good, but slightly lower than the specialty grade.
- Exchange: Average, neither extraordinary nor poor
- Below Standard and Off-Grade: The underperformers, struggling to pass the quality tests.
Coffee grading systems vary worldwide. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the Brazilian NY 2/3 system, and the Ethiopian Q-grading system all have distinct grading processes.
From Seed to Cup: The Journey of Specialty Coffee
Specialty coffee is meticulously grown under ideal conditions such as high altitude, cool climate, nutrient-rich soil, and specific coffee plant varieties. The ripest beans are selectively handpicked and processed carefully to preserve their quality and flavor.
Roasters and baristas play a crucial role in the specialty coffee experience.
Specialty coffee roasters typically use small-batch roasting techniques, which allow them to have more control over the roasting process. They carefully monitor the temperature and duration of the roasting to bring out the unique characteristics of each coffee bean.
Benefits of Specialty Coffee
Embracing specialty coffee isn’t just about pampering your palate with superior flavors (although that’s a significant part of it!). It’s also about:
Supporting Ethical and Sustainable Practices: Every cup of specialty coffee is a vote for sustainable farming, fair trade, and ethical sourcing.
Diving into Coffee Culture: It’s a passport to the world of coffee, where you get to learn about different regions, varieties, and brewing methods.
Addressing Misconceptions about Specialty Coffee
Despite its growing popularity, specialty coffee often gets stereotyped as being too expensive, too snobbish, or too complicated. But let’s set the record straight:
Expensive? Yes, it’s pricier than your average supermarket coffee, but you’re paying for quality, sustainability, and a unique experience. It’s like splurging on a gourmet meal instead of fast food.
Snobbish? Not at all! Specialty coffee welcomes everyone, from coffee newbies to seasoned connoisseurs. It’s a community, not an exclusive club.
Complicated? It can seem that way, with all the fancy jargon and brewing methods, but it’s actually a fun and engaging hobby. Think of it as your favorite DIY project.
The How-To: Enjoying Specialty Coffee
Now, let’s talk about how to enjoy specialty coffee at home or at your local café:
Choose Fresh and Whole Beans: Specialty coffee is best enjoyed fresh. So, look for whole beans and grind them right before brewing.
Use Proper Equipment and Filtered Water: Your brewing equipment and water quality can make or break your coffee experience. So, invest in a good coffee maker and use filtered water.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different roasts, varieties, and brewing methods. Remember, it’s all about finding what tickles your taste buds.
The Where-To: Finding and Buying Specialty Coffee
So, where can you get your hands on specialty coffee? Here are some tips:
- Online Shops: Many specialty coffee roasters have online shops, offering a wide range of beans from around the world.
- Local Roasters: Support your local coffee community by buying from local roasters. It’s a great way to discover unique local flavors.
- Subscription Services: For the adventurous coffee lovers, subscription services offer a curated selection of specialty coffees delivered to your door.
Wrapping It Up: The Specialty Coffee Journey
You don’t need to be a coffee connoisseur to enjoy specialty coffee. With a bit of curiosity and a love for coffee, anyone can join the specialty coffee community. Whether you’re brewing at home or visiting a local café, there’s always something new to learn, taste, and share.
So, the next time you want to indulge in a cup of coffee, why not give specialty coffee a try?
Last Updated on May 28, 2023 by Cristina Vélez
