We are used to drinking all kinds of coffee at home, gas stations, stores, and even coffee shops. Most of these coffees have something in common: they taste bitter and sour because they use low-quality coffee. As a result, we often need to add large amounts of sugar and milk to soften the strong flavor. What would you think if I told you there is a coffee of higher quality, with a superior flavor that can be enjoyed without sweetening, allowing you to appreciate its natural taste notes? This type of coffee is called specialty coffee.
The process of specialty coffee is organic and handcrafted. Coffee growers use high standards to care for the coffee plant through wet or dry processes to achieve the desired final product.
What is specialty coffee?
According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), specialty coffee is a coffee bean that “has no defects and has a distinctive flavor in the cup.” The coffee bean is cultivated with strict care and quality controls to maintain its flavor.
The coffee bean type used in specialty coffee is the Arabica variety, as it generally produces a better flavor. The coffee bean should be a medium roast to achieve an appropriate balance between acidity and bitterness. It must be of a single origin, meaning it comes from a single country, cooperative, or farm and does not contain any mixtures.
How is Specialty Coffee Qualified?
This association has expert tasters called Q graders who examine and taste the coffee bean. They use a scale of 0 to 100 points to rate the coffee. If the final rating is higher than 80 points, it is classified as specialty coffee.
- Specialty: 80 to 100 points
- Premium: 60 to 80 points
- Standard: 60 or below
What qualifies a Q grader?
- Aroma: Scent notes such as floral, fruity, or herbal
- Coffee Body: Pressure sensors indicating light, medium, medium-high, and high
- Acidity: Desired attribute
- Balance: Expression and aroma of all elements
After undergoing long tests and complex care processes, a high-quality coffee bean is obtained, allowing us to enjoy aroma, flavor, acidity, and bitterness naturally and organically. Prepared by our barista, we can savor the best cup of coffee. At Sand Dust Coffee, we offer specialty coffee from different regions of Mexico, such as Veracruz, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Nayarit, among others, all of which are of single origin. Mexico is the eighth-largest coffee producer in the world and is renowned for its excellent specialty coffee, known for its sweet, mild, medium, and balanced flavors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, specialty coffee offers a superior drinking experience compared to conventional coffee. By focusing on high-quality beans, meticulous cultivation, and precise roasting, specialty coffee delivers a rich, nuanced flavor that can be enjoyed without the need for additional sweeteners. The rigorous standards and processes set by the Specialty Coffee Association of America ensure that each cup is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the coffee growers and Q graders. At Sand Dust Coffee, we are proud to bring you the finest specialty coffees from various regions of Mexico, each with its unique and delightful taste profile. Embrace the authentic flavors and aromas of specialty coffee and discover a new appreciation for this exquisite beverage.