Have you ever wondered what the label “specialty coffee” means? Or why this coffee is often more expensive and more highly regarded?
Today we invite you to explore the world of specialty coffee together - from bean to cup.
🌱 What is specialty coffee?
Specialty coffee is the term for the highest quality coffee, scoring 80 or more points on a 100-point scale according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards. Such coffee is free of major defects, has distinct aromas and flavors, and is the result of careful work at every step - from cultivation to preparation.
🧬 How is specialty coffee produced?
The process of producing specialty coffee differs from commercial coffee in several ways:
- Hand picking: The beans are picked by hand, only fully ripe beans are selected.
- Precision processing: Various processing methods are used (e.g. dry, wet, fermentation) to highlight unique flavors.
- Strict quality control: Each batch is evaluated for aroma, flavor, acidity, body and other characteristics.
- Traceability: Every bag of specialty coffee has a clearly marked origin – country, region, even individual farm or lot.
📜 The history of the term “specialty coffee”
The term “specialty coffee” was first used in 1974 by Erna Knutsen in the Tea & Coffee Trade Journal to describe coffee with exceptional flavor, grown in specific microclimates. This term later became the basis for the development of an entire movement emphasizing quality, traceability, and ethical coffee production.
🤝 The importance of specialty coffee in the coffee community
Specialty coffee is not just a mark of quality – it also represents:
- Respect for producers: Ensures better payment and conditions for farmers.
- Sustainability: Promotes environmentally friendly production methods.
- Community: Connecting growers, roasters, baristas and coffee lovers in a shared story of quality and passion.
☕️ Why is specialty coffee important?
Choosing specialty coffee means:
- Better taste: Each cup reveals unique notes and aromas.
- Support ethical production: Your purchase directly impacts the lives of producers.
- Experience: Every cup is a story – about the place, the people, and the effort that went into each bean.
🌟 “Every cup of specialty coffee is a journey – from distant plantations to your heart.”