What is specialty coffee?
What is specialty coffee, which is growing in popularity worldwide?
These are rare and valuable coffee beans, said to account for roughly the top 5% of all coffee production.
Specialty coffee refers to roasted coffee beans that have been processed from green coffee beans that cleared various conditions related to quality control in the producing country, roasted without deterioration, and show no signs of defective beans mixed in.
As such, specialty coffee is more expensive than common coffee, and many varieties possess special flavors and aromas, valued for their unique taste and quality.
Specialty coffee must meet certain quality standards.
For example, specialty coffee must be cultivated in a specific region, with fully ripened beans selected and roasted.
Additionally, specialty coffee must meet standards established by experts who evaluate the taste and aroma of coffee.
Specialty coffee is highly regarded by coffee lovers and professionals in the coffee industry.
The number of cafes and shops offering specialty coffee is also increasing, and its popularity is growing worldwide.
Grind size
Choose your grind size according to your preferred brewing method.
The grind size of coffee beans varies depending on the brewing method used.
Below are common brewing methods and their corresponding grind size guidelines.
・French press (press-style coffee maker)
Medium coarseness (like peppercorns)
・Drip Coffee (Paper Drip)
Medium to fine coarseness (sugar particle size)
・Espresso
Finely coarse (like coarse sugar particles)
・Aeropress
Relatively coarse (about the size of coarse sugar particles)
However, depending on the extraction method and equipment used, you may need to grind finer or coarser than the above guidelines.
You can also fine-tune it to your preference.
It is a good idea to try brewing a small amount of ground beans and adjust it while checking the taste and strength.
Also, coffee beans release the most aroma the moment they are ground.
If you have a coffee grinder,
we recommend using whole beans to enjoy the rich aroma of coffee.
Below is an explanation of the grind sizes.
1. Beans (Recommended)
Coffee beans are most fragrant the moment they are ground.
If you have a coffee grinder, we recommend buying whole beans so you can enjoy the rich aroma of coffee.
2. Super Fine Grind
Because the particles are very fine, almost like powder, extraction is quick.
The flavor is rich, with a very strong bitterness and almost no acidity.
It is used in special brewing methods such as Turkish coffee.
Recommended brewing method using "extra fine grind"
Extra fine grind is suitable for use in espresso machines.
Since it is extracted under pressure, it produces a thick, rich flavor, almost like a coffee sauce.
3. Fine grind
Due to its small particle size and large surface area, it has a large contact area with water, so extraction does not take long.
The flavor is rich, with a strong bitterness and a tendency for low acidity.
It is used in espresso machines, etc.
Recommended brewing methods for "fine grind"
Fine grind is suitable for drip, French press, and cold brew coffee.
The finer the beans are ground, the more coffee components are extracted, resulting in a stronger and more concentrated flavor.
It is recommended for those who prefer a stronger-tasting coffee than a coarse grind.
4. Coarsely Ground
Because the particles are large and have a small surface area, the contact area with water is small, and extraction takes a long time. The taste tends to be weak, with strong acidity and little bitterness.
Recommended brewing methods for "coarse grind"
Coarse grind is suitable for brewing methods where the coffee is steeped in hot water for a long time, such as drip, French press, cold brew coffee, and coffee machines.
It's easy to adjust the taste and produces a consistent flavor, so we recommend coarse grind for those who brew coffee with drip, French press, cold brew coffee, or coffee machines.
5. Medium Grind
This is the grind size I use for drip coffee.
The particles are of a consistent, moderate size, making it suitable for extraction.
This grind is commonly used for drip coffee and other standard brewing methods because it allows for an optimal extraction time and a well-balanced flavor.
How to store coffee beans
With proper storage, specialty coffee can retain its flavor and aroma for a long time.
[How to Store Coffee Beans]
Avoid air, light, and humidity: Coffee beans can lose their flavor due to air and humidity, so it's important to store them in an airtight container.
Also, make sure to store them in a location away from direct sunlight or strong light.
Pay attention to storage temperature and humidity: High temperatures and humidity can alter the flavor of coffee beans, so it's recommended to store them in a cool, dark place.
While you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer, try to avoid sudden temperature changes.
As described above, when storing specialty coffee, it's crucial to use an airtight container, avoid humidity and light, and store it at an appropriate temperature.
Additionally, using them while fresh will allow you to enjoy their flavor and aroma to the fullest.
