Commercial Coffee vs. Specialty Coffee: What's the Difference?

When you think of coffee, you probably associate it with a morning boost of energy or a reason for a good conversation. But did you know that not all coffees are the same? Today, we'll walk you through the key differences between commercial coffee and specialty coffee so you can make more informed (and delicious!) choices about what you're drinking.

1. Origin and Quality of the Bean

Commercial Coffee:
It comes from mass blends of beans from various regions, often selected solely for their quantity rather than quality. It's common for it to contain defects like under-ripe or damaged beans, which affects the final flavor.
Specialty Coffee:
Grown in specific microclimates with great attention to detail, each bean undergoes strict quality control and is evaluated by experts. Only those with a score of 80 or higher (on a scale of 100) receive the specialty grade.

2. Harvest and Processing

Commercial Coffee:
The harvest is typically mechanical, with no distinction between ripe and green beans. This results in inconsistent and less refined flavors.
Specialty Coffee:
The harvest is done manually, selecting only the beans at their peak ripeness. Additionally, the processing methods (washed, natural, honey) are designed to highlight the coffee's unique notes.

3. Roasting

Commercial Coffee:
Roasted in large batches, usually to very dark levels to mask defects in the beans. This results in flat or bitter flavors, with little complexity.
Specialty Coffee:
Roasting is lighter and customized, tailored to the origin and characteristics of the beans. This allows unique flavors, such as fruity, floral, or chocolate notes, to shine through.

4. Flavor in the Cup

Commercial Coffee:
Tends to be bitter, generic, and often loaded with sugar or additives to enhance the flavor.
Specialty Coffee:
Each cup tells a story. You can find flavors as diverse as red fruits, caramel, honey, or even floral notes, depending on the coffee's origin and processing method.

5. Relationship with the Producer

Commercial Coffee:
Large brands often prioritize volume over fair treatment of farmers, leading to low prices and unsustainable practices.
Specialty Coffee:
There is a closer connection with producers, who receive fair prices for their work. This fosters sustainability and continuous improvement on the farms.

6. Price

Commercial Coffee:
Cheaper, but at the expense of quality, flavor, and sustainability.
Specialty Coffee:
It may be more expensive, but it's an investment in flavor, quality, and supporting a more ethical value chain.

Conclusion

Choosing between commercial coffee and specialty coffee depends on your priorities as a consumer. If you're looking for a quick and economical cup, commercial coffee might meet your needs. But if you want to explore unique flavors, support sustainable practices, and enjoy coffee with soul, specialty coffee is for you.

Ready to make the switch? We invite you to discover our selection of specialty coffees and experience something completely different with every sip.

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