What is Specialty Coffee and why is it so special?
Specialty coffee may sound like a luxury, but for true coffee lovers it means so much more than that. It’s about quality, taste and the art of making coffee. Whether you’re an experienced home barista or just starting to explore the world behind that cup of coffee, this article will take you on a journey through everything you need to know about specialty coffee.
What makes coffee “specialty coffee”?
Not every coffee can be considered a specialty coffee. Specialty coffee refers to beans that are sustainably grown, carefully processed and roasted to perfection to bring out their unique flavors.
The Strict Standards
Specialty coffee is rated by experts (Q-graders) on a scale of 100 points. Only coffee that scores 80 or higher earns the title "specialty". This comes down to factors such as:
The Story Behind the Bean
Specialty coffee tells a story. It reflects the unique origin of the beans, such as Ethiopia with its floral coffee notes or Colombia with its rich and balanced flavors.
Why choose specialty coffee?
Why settle for regular coffee when you can experience something much more special? Here are a few reasons why specialty coffee is so beloved:
1. Incredible Taste Experience
Forget bitter, flat coffee. Specialty coffee can include flavors like berry, citrus, honey, and even winey notes. Every cup is an adventure.
2. Freshness
Specialty coffee beans are often roasted in small batches and delivered directly. This guarantees maximum freshness and flavor.
3. Fair Trade
Specialty coffee supports farmers by paying them a premium that is often twice as high as what regular coffee brands offer. You not only enjoy better coffee, but also contribute to a better world.
4. Perfect for Home Baristas
For those experimenting with espresso machines or filter systems like the V60 or AeroPress at home, specialty coffee offers a great foundation for brewing the perfect cup.
How to prepare specialty coffee at home?
Specialty coffee only really comes into its own with the right preparation method. Here are some tips to get the most out of your beans at home.
Step 1: Choose the right beans
It all starts with the choice of bean. Choose a coffee bean that suits your taste preferences. Do you like fruity notes? Try an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. Looking for something chocolatey? Go for a Brazilian single-origin.
Step 2: Grind your beans fresh
A specialty coffee deserves freshly ground beans. Consider a coffee grinder, such as a burr grinder, for consistent grains. This directly affects the flavor.
Step 3: Choose the right brewing method
Each brewing method brings out different flavors:
- Espresso for intense and rich flavours.
- French Press for a robust cup with body.
- V60 for a clear, delicate cup.
Step 4: Play with the ratio
A standard guideline is 1 gram of coffee to 15-18 grams of water, but experiment to find your perfect balance.
Step 5: Tasting and enjoying!
Let your taste buds do the work. Taste consciously and try to discover the unique notes in your cup.
Specialty coffee and sustainability
Specialty coffee goes hand in hand with sustainability. Because farmers receive a fair price, they are encouraged to work in an environmentally friendly and ethical manner. Many roasteries invest directly in plantations, resulting in better living and working conditions.
Start your own specialty coffee journey
Specialty coffee brings a new dimension to your coffee ritual. Whether you are an early riser looking to brew a perfect espresso or a relaxed evening coffee lover wanting to try a French Press, there is always something new to discover.
Want to get started but don’t know where to start? Try a sample box or visit a local specialty coffee shop and ask for their recommendations. You’ll be amazed at the flavors and stories that make each cup unique.