A basic definition:
Speciality Coffee is a higher-grade coffee because farmers put a lot of attention and care into the beans they grow. What makes them high grade is that it goes through a longer process overall, the growing process is longer and so is the trading process as a third party is not involved.
Why are we enthusiastic about Speciality coffee?
Firstly, they are fully traceable.
What does this mean?
Basically, this is central to Speciality Coffee because it allows everyone (yes, even customers) to know which farm the beans have come from.
Why is this important?
It's important for ethical sourcing. In other words, the farmers who grew the beans will be fairly paid because it is clear where the beans have come from. This makes it easier to directly pay the farm rather than a third party.
They are also single origin.
What does this mean?
It means that the coffee beans came from one single area.
Why is this important?
Well, it’s important for traceability and ethical sourcing (as mentioned above). But also, it’s interesting. There is so much you can find out from knowing the origin. For example, the altitude (how high above sea level they were grown).
Why is that interesting?
The higher the beans are grown the further they are away from harmful organisms and the sweeter the bean (more below).
Finally, the beans just go through a longer process to allow for the best taste.
They are grown over a longer period, the farmers put a lot of care into the coffee plants while they are growing and even after. After the coffee beans have grown, they are hand-picked and handled with care until they arrive at the destination.
What do farmers do to ensure Speciality Coffee beans are special?
Beans are grown at a high altitude (on a hillside far away from the sea).
This helps them avoid harmful organisms and allows the complex sugars to mix. This extra sweetness means you don't need any added sugar!
Picking the right soil.
Farmers often choose soil with high mineral content to allow for proper water retention and drainage.
And of course the light, but not how you would think.
Coffee beans are grown in the shade to ensure they don't ripen quickly. The longer they are grown the more the hidden notes come out.
