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The Main Differences Between Specialty Coffee and Commercial Coffee
These two types of coffee differ not only in flavor and aroma, but also in their production process, quality, and price. For people who enjoy drinking coffee, understanding the differences between these two types and choosing based on personal taste is very important.
Specialty coffee has a score between 80 and 100, while commercial coffee scores below 80 and its beans are of lower quality. Specialty coffee is processed and produced with much more care and is often handled manually, whereas commercial coffee is usually harvested and processed by machines.
In terms of flavor, specialty coffee has a balanced and pleasant taste with fruity and floral notes, while commercial coffee tends to be more bitter, similar to the taste of Robusta beans.
When it comes to quality and price, specialty coffee beans are superior and more expensive than commercial beans. Robusta beans also contain more caffeine, which is why commercial coffee usually has a higher caffeine level. For this reason, people who are looking for a balanced flavor and controlled caffeine intake may find blended coffee to be a smarter choice compared to purely commercial coffee.
Table Comparing Specialty Coffee and Commercial Coffee
| Selection Criteria | Commercial Coffee | Specialty Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Consumption | Suitable for everyday and regular drinking | Ideal for a special and enjoyable coffee experience |
| Caffeine Level | Higher, Robusta beans | Lower, Arabica beans |
| Quality and Flavor | Medium quality, cost-effective | High quality, diverse and distinctive flavors |
| Price | Affordable and economical | Higher, an investment in quality |
Difference Between Specialty Coffee and Commercial Coffee
Specialty and commercial coffee each have their own unique characteristics that distinguish them from one another. Specialty coffee refers to coffee that scores between 80 and 100 points. This score is awarded by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCA) based on precise sensory and physical evaluations of quality standards. On the other hand, commercial coffee is coffee that scores below 80 and includes beans of lower quality. Many international coffee suppliers use this grading system to classify coffee on the global market.
Difference Between Specialty and Commercial Coffee: Production Process
The difference between commercial and specialty coffee is also related to how they are produced. Specialty coffee is harvested by hand. Farmers carefully remove unripe and damaged beans, which helps improve the final quality of the coffee. In contrast, commercial coffee is harvested and produced in large quantities using industrial machines. This method reduces the final quality, because machines may also collect damaged and unripe beans. At major events such as the Iran Specialty Coffee Expo, this difference in harvesting and processing is often highlighted.
Difference Between Specialty and Commercial Coffee: Flavor and Aroma
Flavor and aroma are also important aspects when comparing specialty and commercial coffee. Specialty coffee has a balanced taste and a complex aroma, which come from careful production and bean selection. It usually has mild acidity and unique flavor notes that reflect different geographic regions.
For example, Ethiopian coffees are known for fruity and floral flavors, while Colombian coffees have a smoother and more balanced taste.
Commercial coffee, however, has a more bitter taste and a less complex aroma. This is mainly because robusta beans are commonly used in commercial coffee, and these beans are naturally more bitter. This is one of the main reasons why cafés that focus on serving the best packaged coffee in Iran usually prefer specialty-grade beans.
Difference Between Specialty and Commercial Coffee: Quality and Price
The quality of specialty coffee beans is significantly higher than that of commercial coffee. Specialty coffee beans meet international standards, and more care and precision are applied during their production and processing. As a result, the price of specialty coffee is higher than that of commercial coffee. For example, the cost of producing specialty coffee is higher because of hand-picking and detailed processing. That is why many high quality coffee brands for cafés rely on specialty beans to ensure consistency and premium taste.
Difference Between Specialty and Commercial Coffee: Caffeine Content
Caffeine level is also one of the main differences between specialty and commercial coffee. Robusta coffee, which is used in commercial coffee, contains more caffeine. This feature is attractive for people who are looking for a quick energy boost. However, it should be noted that excessive caffeine consumption can lead to problems such as anxiety and insomnia, something that is also discussed by many international coffee suppliers when comparing arabica and robusta beans.
Daily Coffee: Specialty or Commercial?
What is specialty coffee? What is commercial coffee? Choosing between specialty and commercial coffee depends on your personal taste and needs. If you are looking for complex flavors, rich aroma, and high quality, specialty coffee is the right choice. However, if you prefer a more affordable coffee with higher caffeine content, commercial coffee will be a good option.
Choosing the Right Coffee: The Difference Between Specialty and Commercial
Before choosing a type of coffee, consider the following points:
Consumption level:
If you drink coffee as a daily and regular beverage, commercial coffee is a suitable option. But if you are looking for a special and enjoyable coffee experience, specialty coffee is the better choice.
Caffeine level:
If you like higher caffeine in your coffee, commercial coffee made with robusta beans can be a good option. However, if you want to reduce your caffeine intake, specialty coffee made from arabica beans is a better choice.
Quality and price:
If quality matters most to you, specialty coffee is the right option. But if you prefer a more affordable coffee, commercial coffee may better meet your needs.
Conclusion
The difference between specialty and commercial coffee comes down to bean quality, production process, flavor, and price. Choosing the right type of coffee for daily use should be based on your personal taste and individual needs. Since coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, the importance of choosing the right type cannot be ignored.
In this regard, Diamante Coffee can help you make the best choice by offering a wide range of high-quality options. If you are looking for premium quality and a special coffee experience, specialty coffee can be the best option for you. Diamante Coffee, with its careful selection of beans and precise production process, is introduced as a great choice for people with refined taste.
