What is Specialty Grade Coffee?

Specialty coffee must meet standards set by international organizations. It must score 80 or above on a 100-point scale while having zero Category 1 defects with fewer than five Category 2 defects per 350-gram sample of beans, according to the SCA. have a higher quality taste than regular coffee. It has been cultivated with care and is often roasted in small batches.

From Sustainable Coffee Farms to Your Perfect Cup

The term speciality coffee is used to describe a high-quality coffee bean produced from farms, grown in specific areas and expertly roasted. It is usually more expensive than regular coffee. In addition to producing higher-quality coffee, specialty roasters are also involved in the cultivation and production process of the beans and often support sustainable practices. There are a number of different organizations that define the industry and promote fairness.

In general, a cup of specialty coffee must meet the highest standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association. These standards include the cultivation of the coffee plant and the respect of the environment and workers. This is in addition to the high quality of the coffee itself, as demonstrated through a cupping score above 80 points.

Green coffee is graded by visually inspecting a sample of 350 grams of beans. The beans must have zero Primary defects and five or less Secondary defects. They must also have a consistent size and exhibit good density. Additionally, the coffee must have no Quakers (unripe beans).

In order to be considered a specialty coffee, farmers must follow rigorous farming and processing practices. This includes ensuring that there is ample, but not excessive precipitation, proper altitude and slope and consistent harvest dates. They must also ensure that the beans are handled carefully and consistently in the processing plants.

A Difference You Can Taste

Coffee farmers and roasters take great care in producing and processing specialty grade coffee. This is why these beans are more expensive than commercial grade coffee. However, for many people the extra cost is worth the high quality and flavor of this type of bean.

Specialty Coffee is defined as any coffee that scores 80 or higher on a standardized score sheet by “Q Graders” (Coffee Quality Tasters). This is the highest quality of whole bean coffee available to consumers.

The strict standards for specialty coffee mean that the beans are screened very carefully, and only those with minimal defects make it to this level. The beans must also be roasted in a way that highlights the unique qualities of each bean.

In addition, the coffee must be traceable from farm to cup. This is an important aspect for many specialty coffee drinkers who want to know where their coffee comes from and how it was produced.

The coffee industry is a massive one, with billions in profits every year. Despite this, the specialty coffee movement is working to bring this beverage back to its roots and connect with the people who grow, produce, and consume it. By choosing to purchase and drink specialty grade coffee, you are helping to support these farmers, roasters, and suppliers and showing that you value the work they put into this popular beverage.

How is Specialty Coffee Scored?

Once a coffee is classified as specialty, it can be tasted and evaluated by qualified Q graders using the cupping method. This involves pouring water over the ground coffee, waiting 4 minutes to allow the crust to form, then breaking it to expose the wet aroma and smelling it for scents. They then evaluate the acidity, body, flavor, and aroma of the coffee. A scoring sheet is then completed and the coffee can be sold or roasted.

The Farmers Commitment to High Quality Coffee

The coffee supply chain is long and complicated, filled with many hands dedicated to upholding quality. The farmer who grows specialty coffee spends years cultivating and tending to their crops with a focus on taste, not quantity. They grow their beans in ideal climates and at select altitudes to produce exceptional flavor. They nurture them throughout their growth with tender loving care, and only a small percentage of the world’s coffee bean yield qualifies as “specialty”.

This is different from the word gourmet coffee, which is used to describe foods that are rich and complex but do not have the rigorous standards that specialty coffee requires. The term gourmet is also used to describe food that was prepared or made with a high level of skill, but it can be misleading since it is often used as a marketing tactic for lower-quality foods. Specialty Coffee, however, does require a great deal of skill and work, which can lead to a higher price tag.

Specialty coffee is only achieved through the dedication of dedicated professionals throughout the life cycle of a bean-from farmers, growers, and roasters to baristas, coffee buyers, and consumers. These professionals make quality their top priority and are committed to maintaining this high level of quality from start to finish, even when faced with tough circumstances in their regions and at various stages along the chain. If you are curious about high quality specialty grade coffee, then be sure to check out our Bali Blue from Kintamani Region.  One of my personal favorites.

Where to Buy Specialty Coffee? Local Roasters

Are you intrigued by the world of specialty coffee? Do you find yourself wondering, “Where can I find specialty coffee near me?” Look no further. Wanderlust Beans is your one-stop destination for all things coffee.

At Wanderlust, we share your passion for coffee. We offer a wide range of specialty coffees from around the world, each with its own unique flavor profile. Whether you’re a fan of the fruity notes of an Ethiopian Natural or the bold intensity of a Colombian roast, we’ve got something for every palate.

But we offer more than just coffee. We’re committed to educating our customers about the art and science of coffee. From the origins of the beans to the intricacies of brewing, we aim to deepen your understanding and appreciation of this beloved beverage.

So why wait? Embark on your own coffee journey today. Visit our online coffee store and discover the world of specialty coffee. Your taste buds will thank you!