Specialty coffee: all about origin and brewing methods
Drinking coffee has long ceased to be just a way to wake up; it has become an art. Specialty coffee, with its refined flavor profiles and artisanal preparation, takes coffee to a whole new level. But what makes this luxury coffee so special? And which brewing methods get the most out of your beans?
In this blog you will discover everything about the origins of specialty coffee and learn how to make the perfect cup at home.
The origin of specialty coffee: it starts with the bean
Specialty coffee starts on the plantations, where farmers grow high-quality beans with love and precision. The biggest difference from regular coffee? Specialty beans are often picked by hand, so that only the ripest berries are selected.
example: Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, is known for its unique varieties. The beans from the Yirgacheffe region have delicate notes of jasmine and citrus that you won't find anywhere else in the world.
Did you know? To be classified as specialty , coffee must score at least 80 points on a scale of 100 according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).
Practical tip: Choose single origin coffee beans to truly taste the unique flavours of a specific region.
Slow coffee: the art of patience
Specialty coffee deserves a brewing method that does justice to its quality. This is where slow coffee comes in. With methods like the Chemex or the V60, you can have complete control over the extraction, which ensures a clear, rich flavor.
example: The chemex pours hot water slowly and evenly over the ground coffee, allowing the flavors to develop optimally. This method is perfect for beans with floral and fruity notes, such as those from Ethiopia.
Practical tip: Use water of about 93 degrees Celsius and a ratio of 1:16 (coffee to water) for a perfectly balanced cup.
Luxury coffee beans: quality over quantity
What sets specialty coffee apart is the emphasis on quality above all else. This begins at the farm, but continues through the roasting process. Small artisanal roasters give the beans just the right treatment, so that the natural flavors remain intact.
example: A medium roasted bean from Colombia reveals nutty and caramelly flavors, while a lightly roasted Ethiopian bean retains fruity notes.
practical tip: Always buy your beans fresh and grind them just before use. A good grinder makes a world of difference.
Brewing methods: which one is right for you?
There are many ways to brew specialty coffee, each with its own benefits. Here are three popular methods:
- Aeropress: Ideal for a quick, strong cup with lots of body.
- French press: Gives a rich, full flavor due to the longer extraction.
- Espresso machine: Perfect for lovers of intense, concentrated coffee.
Practical tip: Experiment with different brewing methods to find out which one works best with your favourite beans.
Coffee from Ethiopia: a class apart
Ethiopian coffee is an icon in the specialty world. The unique terroirs and varieties provide complex, distinctive flavors that are rarely found elsewhere. Try a natural-processed bean from Sidamo: the dried coffee cherry gives an intense fruity flavor to the coffee.
Practical tip: Drink Ethiopian coffee black, without milk or sugar, to experience the delicate flavours to the fullest.
Specialty coffee is more than a drink
Specialty coffee is a journey that begins on the plantation and ends in your cup. With carefully selected beans, the right brewing method and a little patience, you can enjoy a luxurious coffee experience like no other. As barista James Hoffmann says: “Good coffee is about care and attention, from seed to cup.”
So, what are you waiting for? Let yourself be carried away by the art of specialty coffee and discover new dimensions of taste.