What you should pay attention to when buying specialty coffee beans

Specialty coffee is a term you may have come across in the coffee world. It's more than just a marketing term; it's a recognition of quality and craftsmanship. But what exactly does specialty coffee mean, and what should you look for when buying specialty coffee beans? These questions aren't always easy to answer, especially if you're new to the world of coffee.

In this blog post, we'll delve deeper into the world of specialty coffee beans, what sets them apart, and offer some tips for making the best choice. Whether you're a seasoned barista or someone just exploring the coffee-loving journey, this guide will help you get the most out of your next cup of specialty coffee.

Origin of coffee

The origin of the coffee is a crucial factor influencing the flavor and character of your cup of specialty coffee. Each coffee-producing country or region produces beans with unique flavor profiles, influenced by the local soil, climate, and processing methods.

Asian coffees, from countries like Indonesia and Vietnam, are known for their spicy and sometimes earthy flavors. These coffees can contain notes of spices like pepper or cloves and have a full, rich body, making them perfect for espresso brews.

African coffees, especially those from countries like Ethiopia and Kenya, are often bright and fruity. They can have a range of flavors, from berry to citrus, and are known for their vibrant acidity and floral aromas. These coffees are fantastic as filter coffees and demonstrate the versatility of coffee as a specialty product.

South American coffees, such as those from Colombia, Brazil, and Peru, often have more earthy and nutty flavors. They can have notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel and are often medium to full-bodied. These coffees are excellent for a variety of brewing methods and represent the warm, inviting side of specialty coffee.

Understanding how origin influences the flavor of your coffee can help inform your next specialty coffee bean purchase and deepen your appreciation for this complex and fascinating product.

Processing method

The coffee processing method , also known as the 'processing method', is an essential aspect of specialty coffee production and has a significant impact on the final flavor of the bean.

One of the most commonly used methods is the "washed" method. This involves stripping the coffee cherries of their pulp and then washing them to remove any remaining residue. This results in a coffee that is clean, clear, and often with a pronounced acidity.

There's also the "(pulped) natural" method, where the cherry pulp is partially or completely left intact during drying. This results in a sweeter, fuller flavor in the coffee, often with notes of fruit and honey.

Finally, there's the "honey" method, which occupies a kind of middle ground between the washed and natural methods. In this method, part of the pulp is left intact during drying, giving the bean a sweet, complex flavor reminiscent of honey.

Understanding these processing methods can help you select your next specialty coffee. By considering the influence of these methods on the bean's flavor, you can choose a coffee that perfectly suits your personal taste preferences.

Roast Date

It's crucial to consider the roast date when purchasing a bag of specialty coffee. Why is this so important? Coffee is a fresh product, and its flavor quality diminishes with increasing time after roasting. Zwarte Roes coffee bags have this date stamped on the back of the seal, under "Roast Date." A quick glance at this date can tell you a lot about the freshness of the coffee you're buying.

Ideally, specialty coffee is at its best within 6 to 8 weeks of the roast date. So, while it may be tempting to buy in bulk to save money, we recommend buying only as much coffee as you can consume within this timeframe. Buying coffee that was roasted too long ago will result in a diminished flavor experience.

So when you're looking for the perfect cup of specialty coffee, pay attention not only to the processing method and origin, but also to the roasting date. It's a small effort that can make a world of difference in your coffee experience.

Roast Level

The roast level is a crucial factor in determining the flavor profiles of specialty coffee. This is the process by which green coffee beans are transformed into the dark, fragrant beans we know and love.

At Zwarte Roes, we opt for light or medium roasts. A light roast, often chosen for pour-over or filter coffee, preserves the unique characteristics of the coffee bean and its origins. The beans develop a smooth, subtle finish, preserving the fruit flavors and a pleasant acidity. This roast is perfect for coffee lovers who want to discover the complexity and unique character of the bean.

On the other hand, we have the medium roast, used for espresso coffees. In this case, the beans are roasted a little longer, allowing the sugars to caramelize more and creating a perfect balance between acidity and bitterness. This roast is known for its rich, full flavor, with a smooth, velvety finish.

While (extra) dark roast has a place in the world of coffee, you won't often find this roast level in specialty coffee. Extra dark roast was originally intended to mask the low quality of beans and impart a uniformly burnt flavor. At Zwarte Roes, our mission is to emphasize the purity and true flavors of the coffee bean, which is why we choose a light or medium roast.

Type of bean

When talking about specialty coffee, we also need to consider the type of bean we use. The basic assumption is that it's always a specialty bean, and almost always an Arabica bean . Arabica beans are known for their superior flavor profiles and high quality. They have a wide range of flavors and aromas, ranging from sweet and fruity to chocolate and nutty. But we shouldn't forget that there's enormous diversity within the Arabica group.

There are hundreds of subspecies of the Arabica coffee bean , each with its own unique flavor characteristics. These varieties are created by geography, climate, soil conditions, and post-harvest processing methods. This means the same Arabica variety can taste very different in different regions. This is what makes the world of specialty coffee so fascinating and complex. At Zwarte Roes, it's all about discovering these differences, selecting the finest beans, and honoring their unique qualities. It's a never-ending journey of experimentation and learning, and it's what drives us to continually push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of specialty coffee.

Flavor profile

When choosing your specialty coffee, the flavor profile plays a crucial role. This profile reflects the diverse notes and fruit flavors you can detect in the coffee. For example, you might find coffees with hints of chocolate, fruity notes, acidity ranging from lemon to apple, or even floral notes. However, it's important to remember that taste is a highly personal experience. What's fruity and sweet for one person might be tart or even bitter for another.

When selecting your specialty coffee, it's therefore essential to choose a flavor profile that suits your personal preferences. If you like a sweet, mild coffee, choose beans with a chocolate or vanilla flavor profile. If you prefer floral or fruity coffee, choose a light roast with fruity or floral notes.

The brewing method can also influence the flavor profile of your coffee. For example, espresso can bring out the sweeter notes in the coffee, while a V60 can emphasize a fruity flavor. It's a matter of experimenting to find your ideal combination of bean, flavor profile, and brewing method.

In the world of specialty coffee, there are no hard and fast rules. It's all about what suits you best and what makes your coffee experience most satisfying. So, experiment, discover, and enjoy the journey through the fascinating world of specialty coffee flavor profiles.

Height

The altitude at which the coffee cherries grow plays a crucial role in the flavor profile of specialty coffee. Coffee cherries grown at higher altitudes are typically exposed to cooler temperatures and a slower ripening process. This results in higher acidity and a more complex flavor profile, often with more fruity and floral notes. These coffees are known for their clarity and vibrant flavor characteristics, which are highly sought after by coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

For example, coffee cherries grown at altitudes above 1200 meters above sea level, such as in the mountains of Ethiopia or Colombia, are known for their high acidity and complex flavor profiles. They possess a wide range of flavors, from fruity and citrusy notes to sweet and chocolatey notes.

However, as always with specialty coffee, the final flavor also depends on other factors, such as the bean variety, processing, and brewing method. Therefore, it's important to experiment and discover which flavors appeal to you most. But generally speaking, the higher the growth height, the more acidic and complex the flavor.

Conclusion

The world of specialty coffee is one of limitless possibilities, endless flavor variations, and intriguing complexity. Aspects such as roast level, roast date, flavor notes, and growth height all profoundly influence the final flavor profile of the coffee.

Whether it's the deep, rich notes of a medium roast or the vibrant, fruity flavors of a high-altitude coffee cherry, every cup of specialty coffee offers a unique experience. But above all, remember that the ultimate coffee experience is one of personal preference and discovery. So experiment, be curious, and enjoy the journey through the fascinating world of specialty coffee.