Specialty coffee is prized for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. But have you ever wondered how this coffee is grown and processed before it reaches your cup? Here we present a tour of the fascinating process of specialty coffee, from its beginning until it reaches a cup.
1. Seed Selection and Planting
It all starts with selecting the right seeds to produce a quality coffee tree. Arabica varieties such as Bourbon, Geisha and Typica are chosen for their complex flavor profiles and adaptability to specific altitude and climate conditions.
2. Cultivation and Care
Coffee trees are planted in lands with altitudes between 1000 and 2000 meters above sea level, where the variation in temperatures between day and night contributes to the development of more complex flavors in the beans. Farmers devote meticulous attention and care to ensure optimal plant growth.
3. Selective Harvest
The harvest is a critical time in specialty coffee production. The beans must be picked at their optimal point of maturity, which is done by hand to ensure the best beans are selected and prevent damage.
4. Post-Harvest Processing
Once harvested, the beans go through one of three main processing methods:
- Washing Process : The pulp is removed and the grain is fermented in water, resulting in a coffee with bright acidity and clean flavors.
- Natural Process : The grains are dried with their pulp, absorbing the sugars and providing fruity and sweet notes1.
- Honey Process : It is an intermediate method where part of the pulp is left during fermentation, resulting in a coffee with body and distinctive sweetness.
5. Roasting
Roasting is an art that highlights the flavors and aromas of coffee. It is done with care to avoid burning the beans and to preserve the unique characteristics of each batch.
6. Grinding and Preparation
Finally, the roasted coffee is ground and prepared using techniques that vary depending on personal preference and type of coffee. An expert barista knows what grind is necessary for each variety and how to prepare it to maximize its flavor.
Conclusion
The process of growing specialty coffee is an art that requires knowledge, patience and passion. Every step, from planting to preparation, influences the final flavor we enjoy in our cup. When choosing a specialty coffee, you are not only