Signs of High-Quality Specialty Green Coffee
It is also
worth knowing the definition of specialty coffee because it is a category, not
just a name, based on measurable standards. The Specialty Coffee Association
(SCA) categorizes specialty coffee as beans that score over 80 or above on a
100-point scale in cupping (a formal taste test). High-quality beans reveal
their excellence through a variety of visible and sensory qualities. Knowing
the signs of high-quality specialtycoffee green beans is crucial before making the purchase.
Uniformity
Perhaps the
most apparent sign of high-quality specialty
coffee green beans is the uniformity. When you look at a sample, they
should look mostly the same size and shape. Uniform beans roast more evenly,
which means that the coffee flavors will be equally consistent. If the batch
contains a mix of larger and smaller beans or broken pieces, that is a concern.
The equalness in size and shape often means that the beans have been sorted and
selected accordingly, often by hand. Farms that care about quality more than
quantity always prioritize attention to detail.
Consistent Color
High-quality
specialty green coffee usually has a fresh greenish-blue color or some shades
ranging from this tone to light olive color (varies based on where it is from
and the processing method). Quality green coffee should exhibit consistent
color across the samples and not have spots or inconsistent tones, as they are
signs of poor drying. Occasionally, discoloration can be caused by age or
moisture exposure. Yellowish, dark, or moldy spots on green coffee beans
indicate that they have either aged or were not properly stored and processed.
Consistent colors are an apparent sign of careful drying and handling.
No Defects
Specialty
coffee aims to be the best it can be, and any defect can ruin the roast and the
final cup. High-quality specialty coffeegreen beans should not contain any black, sour, or insect-damaged beans.
These defects are usually caused by bad harvesting, drying, or storage
practices. Specialty grade beans are sorted to eliminate defects. It is common
to find a flaw or two in a large batch of specialty coffee, but a good batch
should have very few imperfections, if any. When there are fewer defects, it
has the potential to have a high cupping score.
Pleasant Aroma
Green coffee
beans should have a fresh smell even before they are roasted. Green beans do
not have a smell like roasted beans. However, they should still have a
pleasant, mild smell, which can be earthy, slightly grassy, or perhaps fruity,
all aligning with where the beans were grown and their processing. In fact, specialty coffee fruity notes can
sometimes be subtly detected.
The sour,
moldy, or musty smell could indicate that the beans were exposed to moisture
during transport or storage, or simply aged poorly. A pleasant and clean smell,
for the most part, indicates that the beans have been stored properly and
handled correctly from the farm to export. Specialty coffee beans are usually
stored in cold, dry places with ventilation to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
It takes some
time to recognize the indicators of high-quality specialty green coffee, but
this is a skill that pays off. It is not only about taste; it’s about endorsing
quality, sustainability, and transparency in the world of coffee. By buying the
best beans, you are supporting the farmers, roasters, and communities that make
exceptional coffee possible.
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