What is Specialty Coffee?
Specialty coffee is a term used to describe a type of coffee that stands out for its exceptional quality, flavour, and character. It is made from high-quality coffee beans grown in specific regions of the world known for their rich, complex flavours and aroma.
Specialty coffee has seen a rise in popularity in recent years, particularly in cities like Melbourne where coffee culture is deeply ingrained.
To be considered as specialty coffee, the coffee must meet strict standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), which involves a rigorous cupping process to evaluate the coffee's aroma, taste, body, and overall character. This process takes into account the coffee's growing conditions and processing methods, ensuring that only the best quality beans receive the distinction of being considered specialty coffee.
What are the benefits of specialty coffee?
- Improved Flavour Profile: The primary benefit of specialty coffee is its improved flavour profile. Specialty coffee is carefully sourced from high-quality coffee beans, grown in specific regions of the world known for their rich, complex flavours. These beans are then carefully roasted to preserve their natural flavour and aroma, resulting in a cup of coffee that is unmatched in taste and quality.
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Increased Caffeine Content: Specialty coffee is often higher in caffeine content than regular coffee. This is because specialty coffee is made from Arabica coffee beans, which are known for their higher caffeine content. For those who are looking for a quick pick-me-up in the morning or for a mid-afternoon energy boost, specialty coffee can be a great option.
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Health Benefits: Specialty coffee is packed with antioxidants, which are compounds that help to neutralize free radicals in the body and reduce the risk of various diseases. Additionally, specialty coffee is a rich source of magnesium, which is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and supporting strong bones. Specialty coffee also contains polyphenols, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Grading System: The specialty coffee industry has its own grading system,
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Rigorous Grading System: The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) implements a rigorous grading system to evaluate the quality and flavour of specialty coffee. The evaluation process involves a cupping protocol, which assesses the coffee's aroma, taste, and overall character. The cupping process also considers the coffee's growing conditions and processing methods. This strict grading system ensures that only the highest quality coffee beans receive the distinction of being considered specialty coffee. The SCA's cupping protocols involve a sensory evaluation of the coffee's aroma, flavor, and aftertaste, as well as a physical evaluation of the coffee's appearance and body. These rigorous standards guarantee that only the best quality coffee is classified as specialty coffee, and offers consumers a level of quality assurance when purchasing specialty coffee.
- Sustainability: The production and sourcing of specialty coffee often places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Specialty coffee farmers and roasters are committed to using environmentally-friendly practices and supporting local communities. This includes using fair trade practices to ensure that coffee farmers receive a fair price for their beans, reducing waste through sustainable packaging, and conserving natural resources through sustainable farming methods. By choosing specialty coffee, consumers can enjoy their coffee knowing that it has been produced in a responsible and sustainable manner.
At Grounded Cup, we are passionate about serving the best coffee possible. Our Original Blend is made from Colombian and Brazilian beans, is locally roasted in Melbourne with care and attention to detail. Our efforts have paid off, as our Original Blend has an average cupping score of 83.
This high score is a testament to the quality of our coffee and the care we take in sourcing the finest beans.