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December 18, 2022It’s no secret that coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. But what sets specialty coffee apart from the rest?
Specialty coffee is the highest grade of coffee available and is typically sourced from single origin or single estate coffee beans.
According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), specialty coffee must score at least 80 points on their 100-point scale in order to be considered as such. Coffee that scores between 90-100 is considered "Outstanding," 85-90 is graded as "Excellent," and 80-85 is graded as "Very Good."
The SCA also sets standards for coffee production, including acceptable defects in green beans, water standards, and brew strength. Other coffee organizations have their own standards for specialty coffee, but they generally agree that coffee should be selectively hand-picked from mature beans and must score at least 80 points with no more than 5 defects per 350g or 12 ounces.
Coffee is primarily grown in the so-called "Bean Belt," which encompasses over 70 countries in the equatorial regions of the Americas, Asia, India, and Africa.
Map showing areas of coffee cultivation
With its distinct taste, aroma, and flavour profile, specialty coffee is an experience to be savoured, and it's no wonder that it has become a favourite among coffee aficionados around the world.
