Specialty coffee or “specialty coffee” is a type of coffee that is characterized by its artisanal process, from harvesting to packaging and final consumption. Here are the key premises:

Arabica Variety : The specialty coffee is 100% Arabica variety , known for its smooth and aromatic flavor.

Artisan Process : It is grown and processed with care, avoiding defects and highlighting its unique characteristics.

Single Origin : Comes from specific regions, often from a single estate, reflecting the terroir.

Quality Score : It is evaluated according to international standards, granting a score of at least 80/100 by a certified taster.

Roasted coffee is roasted by adding sugar before finishing the process. Although it is darker, it has less aroma and flavor than specialty coffee. Being burnt sugar produces acrylamide which is harmful to our health, so we have to avoid it at all costs. Roasting became popular in Spain during the post-war period due to the shortage of raw materials.

The most important species are:

Arabica Coffee : The oldest, originally from Ethiopia. Cultivated in Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora) : Stronger and bitter, it is grown in warmer climates.

Liberica Coffee : Originally from Liberia, with a niche market in some African regions and Scandinavia

Specialty coffee is cared for from seed to cup:

Manual grain selection : Defects are avoided.

Proper drying : To preserve quality.

Careful roasting : Highlights flavors and aromas.

Shade coffee refers to coffee plants that grow under a canopy of trees, in contrast to conventional methods that involve clearing large areas for sun-drenched coffee plantations. This traditional growing approach creates a harmonious symbiosis between the coffee plants and the surrounding ecosystem:

Benefits of Shade Growing:

• Flavor Quality : Shade-grown Arabica coffee has a special flavor with fruity, floral and spicy notes not found in coffee grown in full sun.
• Sustainability : Shade cultivation protects soil, biodiversity and water resources
• Less Caffeine : These coffees are smoother and contain less caffeine than robusta.
• Robust Aroma : In addition, they are light and have a distinctive aroma.

Varieties Used:

• Quality Arabica coffee is the largest recipient of this form of cultivation. Arabica is appreciated for its smooth and aromatic flavor.
• Robusta (Coffea canephora) is also grown, but its cost is lower, and its acidity is higher with fewer aromatic properties.

Additional benefits:

• Selective Harvesting : Shade-grown coffee is selectively harvested by hand, improving the quality of the bean.
• Biodiversity : Promotes biodiversity by maintaining a more natural and balanced environment.
• Less Risk of Disease : Shade helps prevent diseases and pests on coffee plants.

Coffee traceability is a system that allows you to identify and track each step that the coffee bean has taken from its plantation to its final sale. Some key aspects are:

Certifications : Traceability also includes certifications such as Fair Trade , Rainforest Alliance or Direct Trade . These labels guarantee sustainable and fair practices in the supply chain.

Lots and Labels : Each lot of coffee is labeled with specific information, such as the farm of origin, harvest date, and processing. This allows consumers to know the story behind their cup of coffee.

Transparency : Traceability encourages transparency and connection between producers, roasters and consumers. Some brands even provide QR codes on their packaging so customers can trace the history of the coffee.