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What is Specialty Coffee?
If you're a coffee lover, you've probably heard the terms "specialty coffee" and "single origin coffee" before. But what exactly do these terms mean, and why are they so highly prized by coffee aficionados? At Trading Post Coffee Roasters, our speciality roasts are single origin coffees that are classified as specialty. Here's a closer look at what that means.
Specialty coffee is coffee that has been graded and certified by coffee experts as being of exceptional quality. These experts use a grading system called the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Cupping Protocol to evaluate the coffee's flavour, aroma, acidity, body, and aftertaste. Coffees that score 80 or above (out of 100) are considered specialty. Specialty coffees are typically made from high-quality beans that have been grown and processed with great care, using sustainable and environmentally friendly methods. These coffees are often sourced from specific regions or estates and are roasted in small batches to bring out their unique flavours and aromas.
How is Specialty Coffee Grown and Processed?
The journey of specialty coffee begins on the farm. Specialty coffee is grown at high altitudes, typically above 1,200 meters, where the cooler temperatures slow down the growth of the coffee cherry and allow it to develop more complex flavours. The beans are hand-picked when they are ripe and then carefully processed to remove the outer layers of fruit and pulp. There are several processing methods used to remove the fruit, including the natural, washed, and honey methods. Each method produces a different flavour profile in the coffee.
After processing, the beans are sorted to remove any defects, such as unripe or damaged beans. The beans are then dried, either in the sun or using mechanical dryers, until they reach the ideal moisture content for roasting.
Care & Attention
Once the coffee arrives at The Roastery, it is carefully roasted in small batches to bring out the unique flavours and aromas of each bean. The roasting process is a combination of art and science, with our roasters using their experience and expertise to control the roast profile and bring out the best in the coffee. After roasting, the coffee is packaged and shipped directly to our customers, ensuring that it remains as fresh as possible.
If you're a coffee lover, there are many reasons to choose specialty coffee. First and foremost, specialty coffee is all about flavour. These coffees offer a complex and nuanced flavour profile that is unlike anything you'll find in commercial-grade coffee. Specialty coffee is also about sustainability and transparency, with an emphasis on supporting small farmers and ensuring that the coffee is ethically sourced.