Specialty coffee has become a true delight for lovers of this appreciated drink. More than a simple cup of coffee, it is an experience that contains the passion and dedication of experts in its cultivation, harvesting and preparation. In this article, we will explore what specialty coffee is, highlighting its origin, distinctive characteristics, and the process that makes it unique. In addition, we will discover the best methods to fully enjoy this exquisite drink, highlighting the importance of choosing grains, proper preparation, and the secrets to obtaining a perfect cup full of unmatched flavors and nuances. Prepare your senses, because immersing yourself in the world of specialty coffee is a sensory journey that you will not want to miss.
Specialty Coffee: A Delicious Sensory Journey
Photo: Coffee picking .
The specialty coffee, a true masterpiece among infusions, stands out for its origin, selection and careful planting. Farmers choose specific varieties of grains, grown in regions specially chosen for their temperature, shade, humidity, and altitude. These factors combine to produce a truly unique coffee, full of flavor and aroma, and free of defects. In fact, the quality of specialty coffee is regulated by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) , whose standards establish that it must achieve a minimum score of 80 out of 100, evaluated by professional tasters known as Q graders. These experts meticulously analyze the aroma, flavor, personality and the absence of defects in the beans, focusing on aspects such as acidity, body, bitterness, roasting and taste.
Standards that specialty coffee must meet:
To ensure that specialty coffee meets the highest standards, certain requirements are established that must be respected.
1. Beans must not have category 1 defects, such as black, sour or vinegar beans, dry cherry, fungus, foreign matter or beans with severe defects.
2. A maximum of 5 category 2 defects are allowed, which include broken, immature, wrinkled, floating, parchment, shell or pulp, discolored or mottled beans, among others.
3. The sample must be 350 grams for an accurate evaluation.
Recommended methods for preparing Specialty Coffee
Photo: From left to right: Chemex with 6-cup handle, Bodum French Press, Aeropress, Hario V60.
For those looking to fully enjoy this extraordinary drink, there are several recommended methods of preparation.
CHEMEX
The Chemex is a drip coffee maker that allows 100% manual preparation, resulting in a light coffee, without acid and bitter notes. It is essential to use filtered water at a temperature no higher than 93°C to bring out the flavors of the coffee.
FRENCH PRESS
Another widely used method is the French Press, known for its immersion and porous filter that lets more of the coffee oils through, giving a cloudier, more flavorful experience. Here, the water must be heated to 93°C and used in a proportion of 850 milliliters for every 50 grams of coffee.
AEROPRES
The Aeropress Coffee Maker, simple but versatile, allows you to adjust the strength and amount of liquid in the cup through manually applied pressure. The grinding of the bean plays a crucial role in the extraction, allowing you to experiment with different times and temperatures to obtain a perfect cup.
V60 COFFEE MAKER
The most important variables to take into account in this method are the flow of water and the type of grinding. Adding water slowly will result in a full-bodied coffee, but adding water faster will result in a weak extraction and light body.
In conclusion, specialty coffee is a delicacy that combines production control with the preparation ritual. Its distinction lies in compliance with strict quality standards, from the selection of the beans to the meticulous tasting.
For those looking to indulge in this wonderful beverage, the various preparation methods offer an opportunity to discover and appreciate the rich flavors that go into each cup of specialty coffee.
If you want to get started in this world, we invite you to get to know our range of specialty coffee , each origin will surprise you with its marked flavor notes.
Let the sensory journey into the fascinating world of specialty coffee begin!