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What is Specialty Coffee? Exploring the Standards and Unique Flavors

Updated: Nov 15

IIn 1974, coffee expert Erna Knutsen introduced the term "Specialty Coffee," describing coffee grown in unique climates and geographical areas, yielding beans with distinctive flavor profiles. Specialty coffee isn’t just a premium upgrade from regular coffee; it’s a celebration of terroir — the characteristic taste imparted by the environment where it’s grown.


A unique and thoughtful design with a 350-degree rotatable casing allows our protector to spin in different directions so each wall outlet can be used more effectively


The Rigorous Standards of Specialty Coffee

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has strict standards for evaluating coffee bean quality and taste:

.Defect Standards: In a 350g sample, no primary defects are allowed, and secondary defects are limited to five units.

.Cupping Score: The final score, which must reach 80 or higher, depends on aroma, flavor, acidity, aftertaste, and balance.


Seed to Cup: Every Step Counts

1. Cultivation: Specialty coffee plants thrive in microclimates, such as those found in Central America and East Africa. These conditions enhance the beans' floral and fruity notes.

2. Harvesting: Manual picking ensures only fully ripe cherries are selected, preserving the beans’ sweetness and aroma.

3. Processing: Processing impacts flavor. Methods like "washed" or "natural" are chosen based on regional and varietal characteristics.

4. Packaging and Storage: Specialty beans are vacuum-sealed or packed in specialized bags to protect against moisture, ensuring quality during transport.

5. Roasting: Roasting typically ranges from light to medium to retain the beans' unique flavors.

6. Storage and Brewing: For optimal flavor, coffee is best consumed within two weeks of roasting. Fresh grinding and brewing bring out the most vibrant notes in each cup.


How is Specialty Coffee Different from Regular Coffee?

Specialty coffee goes beyond quality. Its distinction lies in meticulous care at every stage, from planting to brewing, to ensure an exceptional flavor experience. Unlike regular coffee, specialty coffee highlights individual flavor profiles, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate unique, terroir-driven tastes.

Specialty coffee is not only a high-quality beverage but a lifestyle choice, symbolizing a dedication to taste and quality.

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