Specialty Coffee — What is Specialty Coffee?
What is specialty coffee?
The extraordinary world of specialty coffee. Let's take a look together at what Specialty Coffee exactly is, where it comes from, and how you can enjoy it to the fullest.
- What is specialty coffee?
- What kind of beans are used for specialty coffee?
- What is the SCA and the SCA score?
- What is the difference between specialty coffee and commodity coffee?
- What makes specialty coffee so special? Why is it different from ordinary coffee?
1.1 Definition and origin of specialty coffee
Specialty coffee is a term used to describe exceptional coffee that meets specific quality standards. It's not just about the taste itself but also encompasses aspects such as origin, production, and processing of the coffee beans.
The origin of specialty coffee dates back to the 1970s in the United States. At that time, a group of passionate coffee enthusiasts emerged who wanted to focus on higher quality coffee. This group later became known as specialty coffee professionals, and their movement became an important part of the coffee industry.
Specialty coffee emerged as a response to the standardization and industrialization of coffee production, where the emphasis was mainly on quantity rather than quality. Among specialty coffee professionals, the focus is on high-quality coffee that tastes better and is produced more sustainably.
To be considered specialty coffee, it must meet certain requirements. For example, the coffee must score at least 80 on a scale of 100 points according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). Additionally, the coffee must be handpicked and originate from a specific region or plantation. Finally, during production, great attention must be paid to preserving the quality of the coffee beans until the moment of brewing.
The concept of specialty coffee has become increasingly popular over the past decades and has spread worldwide. Many coffee professionals, baristas, and consumers have become aware of the differences between specialty coffee and standard coffee, leading to an increasing demand for higher quality coffee.
In addition, specialty coffee roasters are now also introducing capsules that fit into your own capsule machine. This way, you can enjoy your specialty coffee without necessarily needing a luxury espresso machine in the kitchen.
1.2 Why is it important to know what specialty coffee is?
Specialty coffee is more than just a cup of coffee. It's an entirely new coffee experience, offering unique flavors, aromas, and quality that enable us to experience coffee in a new and exciting way. Here are a few reasons why it's important to know what specialty coffee is.
Quality
Specialty coffee differs from mass-produced coffee we typically consume. It is cultivated, harvested, and processed in ways that enhance the quality of the coffee beans. Understanding what specialty coffee is makes you aware of the significant differences in taste and quality, which can form the basis for healthier habits when choosing coffee.
Sustainability
Specialty coffee farmers focus on sustainability and ethical business practices. These farmers adhere to high standards in agriculture, provide humane working conditions, and care for the quality of life in the communities they come from. By learning more about specialty coffee, you contribute to these efforts.
Differentiation
Specialty coffee allows you to differentiate yourself from others by offering unique coffee flavors and varieties that your customers can't find elsewhere. By learning more about the origin and flavors of specialty coffee, you can better select and assess which options are best suited for your audience.
Personalized experiences
Specialty coffee offers a unique, personalized experience for coffee enthusiasts. By having a better understanding of what specialty coffee is, you can better meet the needs and preferences of your audience by offering them a specific specialty that matches their taste preferences.
Opportunities for income growth
Specialty coffee offers a significant opportunity to increase income by charging a higher price for higher quality. The coffee industry has grown significantly in recent years, and the demand for specialty coffee continues to rise. By learning about specialty coffee and offering quality options, you can create a new source of income.
By realizing what specialty coffee entails and why it's important, you can make better choices about what you offer. It can enhance the coffee experience for the customer and increase the value of the coffee. Specialty coffee offers us new flavors, aromas, and experiences that can profoundly change us.
1.3 The global popularity of specialty coffee
Specialty coffee has gained worldwide popularity in recent years. People are increasingly interested in the origin, quality, and unique character of coffee. Unlike conventional coffee, which is often mass-produced and blended with various beans to create a uniform taste, specialty coffee is produced with great attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Specialty coffee is much more than just a beverage. It has become a culture where sustainability, quality, and transparency are central. Consumers are willing to pay more for specialty coffee because they recognize the value of the work and efforts of coffee farmers and the entire coffee production chain.
Specialty coffee has also evolved into an important segment of the coffee industry. There are now numerous coffee roasters, coffee bars, and even coffee training centers focusing on specialty coffee. Globally, more and more countries are witnessing emerging specialty coffee scenes. Berlin, Melbourne, Portland, and Seattle are some of the cities known for their thriving specialty coffee culture.
In summary, specialty coffee has gained broad popularity worldwide, and this trend seems to be increasing in the future. It is now more important than ever for coffee enthusiasts to have knowledge of what specialty coffee is and how it differs from conventional coffee. This will help in finding, appreciating, and promoting the best coffee while contributing to supporting a fairer and more sustainable coffee industry.
1.4 The various flavors and aromas of specialty coffee beans
I will now delve deeper into the various flavors and aromas of specialty coffee beans. Specialty coffee is known for its rich and complex flavors and aromas, making it a unique experience for enthusiasts.
Flavors and aromas are influenced by various factors, such as the type of coffee bean, the region where the coffee bean originates, the climatic conditions, and the way the coffee is processed. Below, you'll learn more about the different flavors and aromas.
- Sweet flavors There are various types of sweet flavors found in specialty coffee, depending on the region and the processing method. For example, coffee can have a fruity sweetness, as seen in coffee varieties from Ethiopia. Other coffees have more of a chocolate-like sweetness, such as those from Colombia.
- Acidic flavors Acidic flavors are also essential in specialty coffee because they are a key indicator of the coffee's quality. The higher the acidity, the better the coffee is often appreciated. Citrusy flavors, for example, can be found in coffee varieties from Costa Rica, while coffee varieties from Kenya often have a wine-like acidity.
- Bitter flavors Bitterness can sometimes be perceived as unpleasant, but in specialty coffee, it is often desired. A slight bitterness, for example, can contribute to a refined taste. Coffee varieties from Indonesia, for instance, often have a slight bitterness, while those from Brazil are naturally sweeter and less bitter.
- Aromas In addition to flavors, aromas are an essential part of the specialty coffee experience. Aromas can range from floral to spicy and from nutty to fruity. The complexity of the aromas is often a sign of high-quality coffee beans. For example, coffee varieties from Guatemala often have a distinctive aroma reminiscent of jasmine and citrus.
Now that we have a better understanding of the various flavors and aromas of specialty coffee beans, we can comprehend why this beverage is so beloved by coffee enthusiasts worldwide. By combining different flavors and aromas, unique and complex coffee varieties are created, offering a true sensory experience.
