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Coffee Flavor 101 | 9. Why Is Specialty Coffee More Expensive Than Regular Coffee?

  • Writer: BeRo
    BeRo
  • Sep 16, 2024
  • 2 min read

1. Definition:

   - Specialty coffee is coffee that is graded 80 points or above on a 100-point scale by a certified coffee taster or Q-Grader. It is considered to have superior flavor and quality compared to regular coffee. The term "specialty" encompasses the entire coffee production chain, from cultivation to the final cup, emphasizing excellence at every stage.

2. Purpose:

   - Understanding why specialty coffee is more expensive helps coffee lovers appreciate the value and effort that goes into producing high-quality coffee. It allows them to make informed decisions when purchasing coffee, knowing that the higher price reflects the meticulous processes and quality controls involved in producing specialty coffee.

3. Example:

- Production Process: Specialty coffee often comes from carefully selected coffee farms where the beans are handpicked at peak ripeness. The farmers follow sustainable and precise agricultural practices to ensure the highest quality. The beans are then processed with great care, whether through washed, natural, or honey processing methods, to preserve their unique flavors.

- Quality Control: During the processing and roasting stages, specialty coffee undergoes rigorous quality control. Each batch is cupped (tasted) by certified Q-Graders to ensure it meets the high standards required for specialty classification. Any defects or imperfections are meticulously sorted out, ensuring only the best beans make it to market.

- Comparison to Regular Coffee: In contrast, regular coffee is often mass-produced with less attention to detail. The beans might be mechanically harvested, processed in bulk, and roasted for consistency rather than flavor complexity. This results in a lower production cost but also a lower quality product, which is why regular coffee is generally less expensive.


Commentaires


Specialty Coffee

"COVID initiated an unexpected crisis, causing the world to stall and shut down. Thus, we must live slower and capture the best moments in the darkest of times. I wondered whether my love for coffee has ripened over this period. I began devoting my time and passion towards researching the field of specialty coffee. I realized the value of coffee is more than just caffeine. It embodies a culture, a taste of different countries that diversify itself in every nation with a history of development dated back to the 19th century."

 

Slowly, the “sophisticated knowledge” I once pride myself on shattered. I had been so shortsighted and so assumptious. I never cared about where the products of my passion came from, knew nothing about growing to preliminary processing, roasting, preserving, and brewing a great cup of coffee. And I know, there are many presumptuous people all around us, just like me a few years back. They never knew what a great experience coffee could be despite it being indispensable in our lives. ​ As my appreciation for coffee reaches its peak, I feel delighted and satisfied sipping every cup of high-quality espresso extracted from Vietnam Fine Robusta beans. If you could experience every stage of the coffee value chain, from the early plantations to a cup of coffee, you will feel the same way as i do. This is the biggest motivation for us to pursue our dream of bringing high-quality Robusta beans to coffee lovers around the world. Trust me! The nature-gifted Fine Robusta that Vietnam has proudly developed shall be a great addition to your collection of specialty coffee. ​ iO Coffee looks forward to the companionship of all partners and the coffee-loving community on this wonderful journey. ​

 

Sincerely,

Ngo Huan Trung

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