Understanding Specialty Coffee Bean Scoring

Introduction to Specialty Coffee Bean Scoring

Specialty coffee is a term you might have come across if you are passionate about coffee. But what does it mean? One key aspect of specialty coffee is the scoring system used to evaluate and grade coffee beans. This system helps baristas, roasters, and coffee lovers understand the quality of the beans they are using.

What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee refers to coffee that scores 80 points or above on a 100-point scale. This scale is set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). These beans are grown in special and ideal climates. They exhibit unique flavors and are free of defects. The journey of specialty coffee starts from the farm and ends in your cup.

Overall taste, including any distinct notes.

• Aftertaste: The taste that lingers after swallowing.
• Acidity: The brightness and liveliness of the coffee.
• Body: The weight or thickness of the coffee in your mouth.
• Balance: How well the flavors, acidity, and body work together.
• Sweetness: The natural sweetness of the coffee.

Why Scoring Matters

Scoring helps ensure that only the best beans are labeled as specialty coffee. For baristas, it provides a standard to maintain high quality. For consumers, it offers a way to understand what they are drinking. Knowing the score can help you choose better coffee and appreciate the nuances in flavor.

How to Taste Coffee

Tasting coffee coffee grounds and smell again.

• Slurp the coffee to spread it across your palate.
• Note the flavors, acidity, body, and aftertaste.

Conclusion

Understanding specialty coffee bean scoring can elevate your coffee experience. Whether you are a barista or a coffee lover, knowing how to evaluate coffee beans can help you appreciate the effort that goes into producing high-quality coffee. Next time you sip your coffee, think about the journey it took to get to your cup.