Understanding Special Coffee and Its Distinction from Regular Coffees

In the coffee world, you’ve probably heard the term “special coffee” frequently. Perhaps you’ve wondered what truly makes this type of coffee so unique. Why does a cup of specialty coffee sometimes cost several times more than regular coffee? In this article, we’ll delve deep into the world of specialty coffee and uncover the secrets of this fascinating product.

What is Special Coffee?

Specialty coffee refers to coffee beans that exhibit high quality and distinction throughout every stage of the supply chain, from cultivation to the cup. These coffees are meticulously evaluated by professional graders and receive a score of 80 or higher out of 100.

The History of Special Coffee: The Story Behind Its Origin

The journey of specialty coffee is quite interesting. In 1974, at a time when the coffee industry was focused on mass production and low prices, Norwegian coffee professional Erna Knutsen first coined the term. She aimed to introduce coffees grown in specific regions of the world under unique climatic conditions, boasting exceptional flavors.

This concept quickly gained traction in the coffee world, and today, specialty coffee has become a symbol of superior quality. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has developed a rigorous evaluation system for these coffees. According to this system, a coffee scoring above 80 on a 100-point scale earns the “special coffee” designation.

The Difference Between Specialty Coffee and Ordinary Coffee

Specialty coffee is exclusively made from premium Arabica beans, cultivated at altitudes above 1200 meters. This elevation slows down bean development, allowing them to develop deeper aromas and flavors. Farmers in these regions possess years of experience and know how to provide the optimal conditions for growing specialty coffee beans.

In specialty coffee production, every stage of harvesting and processing is meticulously executed. Farmers hand-pick only fully ripened coffee cherries. Unlike ordinary coffees that are harvested mechanically, each bean here is carefully selected. Best Coffee Brand in Iran like Diamante Specialty Coffee understand these distinctions and prioritize quality.

Distinguishing Special Coffee from Commercial Coffee

• Bean Quality: Special coffee is produced from high-quality beans with a score of 80 or higher, whereas commercial coffee typically uses lower-grade beans.
• Cultivation and Harvesting Methods: In special coffee production, particular attention is paid to cultivation, harvesting, and processing details to preserve unique flavor characteristics.
• Roasting: Special coffee beans are typically roasted in small roasteries using traditional methods, while commercial coffees are processed in large factories using industrial methods.

Quality Assessment of Special Coffee

Evaluating the quality of specialty coffee is a complex process carried out by expert cuppers. These professionals, known as Q Graders, assess the coffee from various aspects. They score the dry and wet aroma, acidity, sweetness, body, aftertaste, and overall balance of flavors.

Each of these attributes must meet high standards for the coffee to earn the specialty coffee title. During the cupping process, experts meticulously smell, taste, and score the coffee beans. They even pay attention to the appearance of the beans, noting any defects or inconsistencies. Special coffee must perform brilliantly in all these stages and be free of any flaws.

How to Prepare Special Coffee: Preparation Methods for Specialty Coffee

• Selecting Fresh Coffee Beans: Special coffee beans must be fresh and of high quality, scoring above 80 on the coffee grading scale.
• Grinding the Beans: Grind the beans according to your chosen brewing method (such as French press, V60, or espresso). Proper grinding significantly impacts the final taste of your special coffee.
• Using Quality Water: Clean, fresh water at a temperature of 90-95 degrees Celsius is ideal for preparing coffee.
• Precise Brewing: Brew the coffee with care and for the appropriate duration to fully bring out the flavors and aromas of the special coffee beans in your cup.
• Enjoying the Unique Flavor: Due to its high quality and distinct flavor characteristics, special coffee provides a uniquely delightful experience for every coffee lover.

Further Explanations:

Various methods exist for brewing special coffee, but the most crucial aspect is precision at every stage. Water temperature should be between 92 and 96 degrees Celsius, and the coffee grind size should be adjusted to the brewing method. Pour-over is one of the most popular methods, beautifully highlighting the delicate flavors of special coffee.

In this method, hot water is slowly poured over the coffee grounds, and the extract is gradually drawn out. Another method involves using an espresso machine, which produces a concentrated, flavorful extract under high water pressure. Chemex and AeroPress are also excellent options. Each method has its unique characteristics and can emphasize different aspects of specialty coffee’s flavor. Choosing the right method depends on personal preference and the type of special coffee.

Best Special Coffees in Iran

In the Iranian market, diverse specialty coffees from around the world are available. Ethiopian coffees like Yirgacheffe and Sidamo are highly popular. These coffees typically boast fruity and floral notes that distinguish them from other coffees. Kenyan coffee is known for its pleasant acidity and citrus aroma, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy complex flavors.

Colombian coffees, with their balanced and chocolatey flavors, are a good starting point for exploring the world of special coffee. Brazil also produces high-quality coffees, often with nutty and caramel notes. Amidst these, local brands like Diamante Specialty Coffee strive to offer the best specialty coffee beans in Iran to the market. Attending the Iran Specialty Coffee Expo can also be a great way to discover new and exciting special coffee options.

The Price of Specialty Coffee in the Market

The price of special coffee in the Iranian market is influenced by various factors. Contrary to popular belief, the higher cost of these coffees is justified. For instance, a farmer in Ethiopian farms can only hand-pick about 100 to 200 kilograms of coffee cherries daily, which ultimately translates to 20 to 40 kilograms of green beans. This volume is significantly less compared to mechanical harvesting, which can yield several tons daily.

Currently, the price of premium special coffee in the Iranian market starts from 800,000 Tomans per kilogram, reaching several million Tomans for rarer coffees like Panama Geisha.

However, second-grade special coffee is also available at more affordable prices, making them a good option for new coffee shops or for specialty coffee beans for distributors looking for a wider range.

Proper Storage of Special Coffee

Proper storage of specialty coffee is crucial. These coffees are highly sensitive to environmental conditions due to their natural oils and aromatic compounds. Heat, humidity, light, and oxygen are the main enemies of coffee. To preserve the quality of special coffee, it should be stored in airtight containers, away from direct sunlight.

The ideal storage temperature is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. It’s recommended to purchase special coffee in whole bean form and grind it just before brewing. Ground coffee rapidly loses its aroma and flavor. Also, it’s best to buy coffee in smaller quantities, weekly or bi-weekly, to ensure you always have fresh special coffee available.

The Future of Specialty Coffee

The specialty coffee industry is undergoing a transformation. The discovery of new farms, innovative processing methods, and modern coffee brewing techniques have all contributed to the advancement of this industry. Today, consumers are more informed and seeking new experiences in the coffee world. This has led producers to focus more on innovation and quality in special coffee production.

It’s anticipated that in the coming years, we will witness the emergence of new specialty coffee origins. Countries like China and Myanmar are investing in producing high-quality special coffee. Additionally, new processing methods such as controlled fermentation and drying with controlled temperature and humidity are pushing the boundaries of coffee flavor.