Heard “specialty coffee” tossed around and wondered what’s the big deal? It’s not just hype—specialty beans promise epic flavor, but there’s a catch. For beginners, knowing the standards can guide you to brews worth every penny!
➡️ The score: Specialty coffee (mostly Arabica) needs 80+ points on the SCA scale, judged for taste and quality. Fine Robusta has similar strict rules.
💡 What goes in: It starts with prime farms, ripe cherries, and flawless processing—think hand-picked beans dried just right. Sloppy steps? No specialty status.
📈 Why care: These beans shine with unique notes, like berry or caramel, but cost more. For newbies, a small bag of specialty Ethiopian Yirgacheffe is a safe bet to start.
Curious? Hunt for a specialty coffee at your local shop and check its origin story. What specialty flavor—like citrus or chocolate—are you craving, and why? Spill your thoughts!
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