What is a specialty coffee?

A specialty coffee is a high-quality bean that is grown under optimal conditions and harvested and processed with care. This type of coffee is scored by certified cuppers and scores above 80 on the 100-point scale of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). Although we at Artisan Coffee buy 95% of our coffees above 85 SCA points.

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How is a specialty coffee different from a commercial coffee?

Specialty coffee is differentiated by its quality, traceability and sustainability . Unlike commercial coffee, which often blends beans of different origins and qualities, specialty coffee comes from a specific origin and is selected for its exceptional flavor and cup profile. Additionally, specialty coffee is typically more sustainable, as producers typically receive a premium price for their product, allowing them to invest in better growing practices.

Therefore, the production of specialty coffee requires a greater degree of attention and care at each stage, from cultivation to harvesting, processing, selection, roasting and finally preparation. This attention to detail ensures exceptional quality and taste, but it also comes with an additional cost that is ultimately reflected in the price.

Does specialty coffee have more caffeine than commercial coffee?

The amount of caffeine in coffee can vary depending on many factors, including the variety of the bean, how it is grown and processed, and how it is brewed. In general, there is no significant difference in caffeine content between specialty coffee and commercial coffee.

However, we only use Arabica beans, while many times supermarket coffee uses Robusta coffee beans which contain about twice the caffeine. This affects both its flavor, with Robusta being more bitter, and its resistance to pests, with Robusta being more resistant due to its higher caffeine content, a natural insecticide.

How can I prepare specialty coffee at home?

Specialty coffee can be prepared in the same way as commercial coffee, although you may want to experiment with different brewing methods to bring out the unique flavors of the bean. This may include using a French press, drip coffee maker, Chemex, V60, AeroPress, moka pot, or espresso machine. Whichever method you choose, be sure to use fresh beans, good quality water, and the right ratio of coffee to water.

Why is the labeling on specialty coffee more complete and with more information?

Our labels usually contain much more information than those of commercial coffees. This information includes details about the origin of the coffee, the variety of the plant, the altitude at which it was grown, the processing method, flavor profiles, and sometimes even the name of the farm or producer. This transparency helps consumers understand the quality and uniqueness of the coffee they are purchasing and allows them to appreciate all the work and care that goes into its production.

When the coffee label or information says process: natural, what does it refer to?

This information has little to do with what you usually find in supermarkets, and the only information you will have is whether it is natural roasted, blended or roasted (we will talk about this later in another question).

When we talk about processes there are basically 3 types:

1. Natural or Dried : In this method, the coffee fruits are dried in the sun immediately after harvesting, with the cherry still intact. Once dry, the pulp and skin are removed. This process can intensify the sweetness and give a fruity flavor to the coffee.

2. Washed or Wet : Here, coffee cherries are pulped immediately after harvesting. The grains, still covered with mucilage, are fermented in water to break it down. They are then washed and dried. This method tends to highlight the acidity and flavor characteristics of the grain.

3. Honey or Miel : This process is an intermediate point between natural and washed. After cherries are stripped of their skin, a layer of mucilage (which is sticky like honey, hence the name) is left around the kernel during drying. This method can result in a coffee with pronounced body and sweetness and mild acidity.

I don't see in the info if the coffee is natural, blended or roasted?

All our coffees are Arabica and are roasted naturally, and in no case do we use roasting. We only apply heat and do not add any extra ingredients, like roasting does, which adds sugar.

What is the degree of roasting and why is it important?

The degree of roast refers to how much a coffee bean has been roasted. Grades range from light roast, which retains many of the bean's natural flavors, to dark roast, which has a more roasted flavor and less of the bean's original flavors. In specialty coffee, the roast is carefully selected to highlight the unique flavors and characteristics of each bean.

In general, we apply a medium roast to our coffees, except in certain cases when we will apply a medium-low roast so as not to lose those delicate notes that tend to disappear with larger roasts.

We roast each coffee in a totally different way, and in our control tastings we define whether that coffee needs a different roast than the one we have done so that it further enhances its flavor notes.

What does the roast date on the coffee package mean?

The roast date indicates the day the coffee beans were roasted. For specialty coffee, it is recommended to consume the coffee between a few days and up to two months after the roast date to enjoy maximum freshness and flavor. Normally it puts it on the same label or on a label that we will stick to the base of the package.

How is the freshness of specialty coffee ensured?

We buy coffees from recent harvests so that our coffees, in addition to being freshly roasted, are as fresh as possible.

We also use bags with one-way valves that allow coffee gases to escape without letting air in, which helps preserve freshness.

How does specialty coffee contribute to sustainability and environmental protection?

Many specialty coffee producers practice sustainable growing methods that protect the environment. This may include using shade to protect coffee plants and conserve biodiversity, water conservation through efficient irrigation systems, and composting coffee waste. Additionally, many specialty coffee producers receive a fair price for their product, allowing them to invest in sustainable agricultural practices.

In addition, our coffee bags are part of a CO2 compensation project.

When ordering the coffee, he asks me about the type of grind. Why is the grind adjusted to your type of coffee maker important?

Grind size, that is, the fineness or coarseness of the ground coffee beans, has a big impact on the flavor of your cup of coffee. Different brewing methods require different grind sizes. For example, an espresso needs a fine grind, while a French press needs a coarser grind. Proper grinding ensures optimal extraction, leading to a balanced and delicious cup of coffee. Not being able to select the degree of grinding ensures poor coffee extraction, and therefore a much less pleasant flavor than what you could obtain.