Specialty coffee: What is it? And what is the difference between it and commercial coffee?
What is Specialty Coffee? And what is the difference between it and commercial coffee?
If you're looking for Specialty Coffee, you've probably heard this term a lot in recent years. But what does Specialty Coffee mean? And why has it become the first choice for coffee lovers around the world?
Specialty coffee is high-quality coffee grown on carefully selected farms, hand-picked, and then scientifically roasted to highlight the natural flavors within the coffee beans, without any additives or low-quality blends.
Unlike commercial coffee, specialty coffee aims to showcase the personality of each farm and each crop, so you might find coffee with natural fruit, chocolate, caramel, or floral notes.
Table of Contents
- What is Specialty Coffee?
- What is Commercial Coffee?
- What are the standards for Specialty Coffee?
- The difference between Specialty Coffee and Commercial Coffee
- How to know if the coffee is specialty?
- Famous countries producing Specialty Coffee
- Does Specialty Coffee have more caffeine?
- Is Specialty Coffee healthy?
- Popular methods for brewing Specialty Coffee
- How to choose your first Specialty Coffee?
- Why choose PURO Coffee?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is commercial coffee?
Commercial coffee is coffee widely available in markets in large quantities, with the primary goal being mass production and providing a low price.
Often:
- Different crops are blended.
- Lower quality beans are used.
- It's roasted very dark to hide imperfections.
- There's no focus on highlighting original flavors.
This is why most commercial coffee types taste similar.
What is Specialty Coffee according to international classification?
For coffee to be classified as Specialty Coffee, it must score 80 points or more out of 100 according to the standards of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).
It is evaluated based on factors such as:
- Absence of defects in the beans.
- Cleanliness.
- Sweetness.
- Balance.
- Flavor.
- Aroma.
- Mouthfeel.
- Crop quality.
The Difference Between Specialty Coffee and Commercial Coffee
| Specialty Coffee | Commercial Coffee |
|---|---|
| High-quality beans | Medium or low quality |
| Known source | Often a blend from several sources |
| Hand-picked | Automated harvesting in many cases |
| Roasted to highlight flavors | Dark roasted to hide imperfections |
| Diverse natural flavors | Similar taste in most products |
How do you know if the coffee is truly specialty?
When buying specialty coffee, look for the following information on the package:
- Country of origin.
- Farm or region name.
- Variety.
- Processing method.
- Roast level.
- Roast date.
- Altitude.
- Tasting notes or flavors.
The presence of this information indicates the roaster's commitment to quality and transparency.
Most Famous Countries Producing Specialty Coffee
Several countries are renowned for producing the finest types of specialty coffee, including:
- 🇪🇹 Ethiopia
- 🇨🇴 Colombia
- 🇰🇪 Kenya
- 🇧🇷 Brazil
- 🇬🇹 Guatemala
- 🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Each country has its unique character and distinctive flavors that make the coffee experience different.
Why has specialty coffee become more widespread?
Because consumers have become interested in knowing:
- The origin of the beans.
- The roasting method.
- The roasting date.
- The processing type.
- The altitude.
- The variety.
All these details directly affect the taste of the coffee.
Does specialty coffee have more caffeine?
Not necessarily.
The amount of caffeine depends on:
- Type of beans.
- Preparation method.
- Coffee to water ratio.
- Cup size.
Therefore, it cannot be said that specialty coffee always contains more caffeine than commercial coffee.
Is specialty coffee healthier?
Specialty coffee is not considered a cure or a superfood, but it often features:
- Higher bean quality.
- Fewer defects.
- Carefully considered roasting.
- Natural flavors without the need for additives.
The effect of coffee on health remains linked to the amount consumed and each person's health condition.
Popular Specialty Coffee Brewing Methods
Specialty coffee can be prepared in several ways, including:
- V60
- Chemex
- French Press
- Espresso
- AeroPress
- Kalita Wave
And each method gives the coffee a different experience.
How to choose your first specialty coffee?
If you are a beginner, choose:
- Medium roast.
- Chocolate or caramel notes.
- Washed or natural processing depending on your preference.
- Grind suitable for your brewing method.
Why choose PURO Coffee?
At PURO Coffee Egypt, we select specialty crops from the most famous coffee-growing regions, with fresh roasting to preserve the natural flavors within each bean.
You will find coffee from:
- Ethiopia.
- Colombia.
- Carefully selected crops from the best coffee-growing regions.
We also provide clear information about:
- Country of origin.
- Altitude.
- Processing.
- Tasting notes.
- Roast level.
Start your journey with Specialty Coffee
If you want to experience fresh specialty coffee, you can explore the PURO Coffee Egypt collection and choose the crop that suits your taste, whether you prefer V60, Espresso, or Chemex.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is specialty coffee bitter?
Not necessarily, it may even have a natural sweetness and fruity or chocolatey notes depending on the type of bean.
Can specialty coffee be used for espresso?
Yes, provided the appropriate roast level and grind are chosen.
Is specialty coffee suitable for V60?
Absolutely, it is one of the best ways to highlight natural flavors.
Is specialty coffee worth its price?
If you are looking for higher quality and a different taste experience, it is worth it for many coffee lovers.
Is specialty coffee better than regular coffee?
It features higher quality, a known source, and careful roasting, which gives it more distinct flavors.
Can specialty coffee be used for Turkish coffee?
Yes, provided it is ground very finely, suitable for preparing Turkish coffee.
Is it better to buy whole beans or ground coffee?
It is preferable to buy whole beans and grind them just before brewing to preserve the flavor.
What is the best roast level for beginners?
Medium roast is the most suitable choice for most beginners.
Conclusion
Specialty coffee has become the preferred choice for those seeking quality and the true taste of coffee beans. By knowing the origin of the beans, their processing method, and their roasting, you can enjoy a cup that reflects the character of each crop.
If you wish to experience fresh specialty coffee, explore the PURO Coffee Egypt collection and choose the coffee that suits your taste, and enjoy a different experience in every cup.