Not all coffee is created equal. While both specialty coffee and regular coffee are made from coffee beans, there are significant differences in quality, flavor, and production methods.
Specialty coffee is a premium product that is carefully sourced, roasted, and brewed to bring out the unique flavors of the beans. Regular coffee, on the other hand, is often mass-produced and lacks the nuances and complexity of specialty coffee.
In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between specialty coffee and regular coffee.
What is Specialty Coffee?
Specialty coffee is a type of coffee that is grown in specific regions, has unique flavor profiles, and is carefully selected, roasted, and brewed. Specialty coffee beans are grown in ideal conditions, such as high altitudes and fertile soils, and are harvested by hand to ensure that only the best beans are selected.
Specialty coffee beans are also subject to strict quality control standards. They are graded based on a variety of factors, including size, shape, and color, and must receive a score of 80 or above on a 100-point scale to be considered specialty coffee.
Specialty coffee is typically roasted in small batches using artisanal techniques to bring out the unique flavors of the coffee beans. The roasting process is carefully controlled to create a range of roast profiles that cater to different tastes.
What is Regular Coffee?
Regular coffee, on the other hand, is typically made from commodity-grade coffee beans. These beans are grown in large quantities and are often of lower quality than specialty coffee beans. They are machine-harvested and processed, which can result in a less consistent flavor profile.
Regular coffee is typically roasted in large batches using industrial equipment, which can result in a less nuanced flavor profile. Additionally, regular coffee is often roasted to a darker roast level, which can mask the unique flavors of the coffee beans.
Differences Between Specialty Coffee and Regular Coffee
Now that we have defined specialty coffee and regular coffee, let's take a closer look at the differences between the two.
Quality
One of the most significant differences between specialty coffee and regular coffee is the quality. Specialty coffee is held to a higher standard than regular coffee and is subject to strict quality control measures. This means that specialty coffee is more likely to be consistent in flavor and quality.
Flavor Profile
Specialty coffee is known for its unique and nuanced flavor profile. The flavor of specialty coffee is influenced by the region where it is grown, the type of soil, the altitude, and other factors.
Regular coffee, on the other hand, tends to have a more generic flavor profile and is often roasted to a darker roast level, which can mask the unique flavors of the coffee beans.
Traceability
Specialty coffee is typically traceable, which means that the coffee roaster knows exactly where the beans came from and who grew them. This traceability allows specialty coffee roasters to ensure that the coffee beans they use are of the highest quality and have been grown in an ethical and sustainable manner.
Regular coffee is often less traceable, which means that the quality and ethical standards of the coffee beans may be less certain.
Roasting Process
Specialty coffee is typically roasted in small batches using artisanal techniques, which allows for greater control over the roasting process. Regular coffee, on the other hand, is often roasted in large batches using industrial equipment, which can result in a less nuanced flavor profile.
So, specialty coffee and regular coffee are two very different products. Specialty coffee is held to a higher standard in terms of quality, flavor profile, traceability, and roasting process.
If you are looking for a coffee experience that goes beyond just a caffeine fix, then specialty coffee may be the way to go. Kafeido Roasters offers a range of specialty coffee beans that are carefully selected, roasted, and brewed to bring out their unique flavor profiles.
