Looking to learn a bit about Specialty Coffee Beans? You’ve reached the right place. We wrote in the past about the best foods to pair with specialty coffee, but in this post – we’ll delve deeper into what they really are.
When coffee was first discovered, it was simple to obtain coffee beans by taking a bag to the field and gathering them as advised. But this is not the case with specialty beans. Each bean has a distinct flavor and different effects on the body. They are more expensive than other types of beans, but they are said to produce a more intense and flavourful cup of coffee.
If you want a one-of-a-kind, high-quality experience, investing in specialty coffee beans may be the way to go. Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica are the four main varieties with distinct flavors.
These beans are typically grown in specific regions, such as Ethiopia, Brazil, or Colombia. They are often single-origin beans, which means they are grown on a single farm or estate.
Processing Method
It is processed differently worldwide, depending on the country’s infrastructure, heritage, climate, and water. A large amount of specialty coffee is washed. This means that the coffee is de-pulped and picked from the fruit, and the slimy outer layer of the bean is flushed off before drying on the floor. It is the most controlled and efficient way of producing large amounts.
Watch this clip to understand what it means when coffee is washed:
Natural is a standard process that you will see in numerous specialty coffee shops. This procedure is typical in areas where water is limited. The coffee is dried with the cherry attached, which produces unique taste notes. Still, it increases the risk of germs trying to interfere with the drying process. Various other techniques fall between natural and washed, such as honey or semi-washed.
What Are Different Roast Profiles Of Coffee?
There have been three levels of roasting: light, medium, and dark. Although there are other names for specific roasts, such as French or Italian, they are all in the dark roast category. As specialty roasters, you have always tried to improve rather than hide the inherent flavors of the bean. Medium and light roasts are an excellent way to achieve this, so all of your beans are ready in this manner.
Caffeine levels in darker roasts are not higher than in lighter roasts. Many people associate dark roasted coffee with flavors such as toast, charcoal, and a general burned-ness and incorrectly assume this translates to coffee “strength.” Still, several other factors, such as brewing method and original bean, are more critical determining factors to consider.
It’s good to enjoy dark-roasted coffee, but we always recommend that anyone new to the world of single origins or specialty coffees start with light and medium roasts, especially if you’ve never tried this type of coffee before.
Which Specialty Coffee Beans Should You Choose?
Coffee is about personal preference and taste, but there are things to consider when choosing specialty beans. Arabica represents the vast majority of specialty products sold today. If you buy from an independent roaster, it is almost always Arabica, whether in a combination or as a single origin.
Arabica coffee is the best choice if you want to spend some extra dollars on specialty coffee beans. This is an excellent coffee with a wide range of flavors. Robusta is less expensive than Arabica.
The best place to look for specialty beans is from people who source beans directly from producers before roasting them. Most businesses will sell online and deliver freshly roasted to your door.
Conclusion
Everyone’s taste buds are unique, and it evolves as you try new types of coffee. If you need assistance selecting your first coffee bean bag, you must try 100% Arabica. Specialized coffee is typically grown at high altitudes with great care and attention from the farmer. It is sold at a higher price to coffee traders or roasters.
The most important way is to continue experimenting with new flavors and types of coffee. It would improve your daily life by allowing you to always enjoy the surprise and joy of a freshly brewed cup.
