How Does Coffee Qualify as “Specialty”?

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    Cleo
    Cleo
    Keymaster

    You might’ve seen “specialty coffee” labels and thought—marketing buzzword? Actually, it’s more like the Oscars of coffee. 🏆☕

    ➡️ Specialty coffee isn’t a casual term. A bean must score 80+ points out of 100 by certified coffee graders to earn the title. But what goes into that score?

    🔍 Behind the scenes:

    • Farming precision: Farmers only pick ripe cherries, often by hand.

    • Meticulous processing: Washed, natural, or honey methods—all influence taste.

    • Expert roasting: Light roast to highlight fruitiness? Medium roast to balance complexity? It’s an art.

    💡 These coffees can showcase dazzling flavors—blueberry, bergamot, even red wine. It’s not flavoring—it’s how the bean is grown and handled.

    📈 Why care?

    • You’re drinking a product of craftsmanship and care.

    • You support fairer trade, as many specialty roasters use direct trade.

    • You elevate your palate and start noticing flavor notes beyond “bitter” or “strong”.

    So next time you see a specialty coffee bag, look for the score, the origin, and the roaster’s notes—they’re clues to a sensory experience worth slowing down for.

    Question for you: Have you ever tried a coffee that changed what you thought coffee could taste like?

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