Choose specialty coffee.
PROCESS × TERROIR × ROAST
プロセス × テロワール × ロースト
When choosing specialty coffee, many people may find themselves lost among the vast selection.
In our stores, we often receive questions such as, "What are the characteristics of coffee from this country?", "What is a processing method?", and "What kind of flavor does it have?"
We hope this article will help you find the coffee you're looking for. If you're wondering which coffee to choose, please read on.
What forms the flavor of specialty coffee.
Specialty coffee possesses unique flavors. Its distinctive characteristics are formed by a complex interplay of various factors. Even coffees from the same region can have quite different tastes. Why is that?
In this article, we will focus on three particularly significant elements that shape the flavor of specialty coffee: process (processing method), terroir, and roast, explaining them as simply and concisely as possible.
1: Flavor Differences by Process
NATURAL
No water is used; fermentation, drying, and hulling are done in the sun.
Flavor: Tends to bring out strong individual bean characteristics, allowing you to enjoy a rich terroir.
WASHED
A machine called a pulper is used to remove the pulp, after which the beans are sent to a fermentation tank and thoroughly washed with water.
Flavor: Features a prominent fruity acidity and a clear taste with minimal unwanted flavors.
SEMI-WASHED [HONEY / PULPED NATURAL]
An intermediate process between Natural and Washed. Generally, machines are used to remove pulp, similar to Washed, followed by drying and hulling. If the mucilage is left on during drying, it's called the Honey process.
Flavor: Acidity is mild, with a tendency for fruitiness and sweetness to emerge.
SMATRA / WET HULL
The Sumatra method is a processing method uniquely developed due to the special cultivation and production environment in the Sumatra region, similar to Semi-washed.
Flavor: Offers a distinct aroma often described as spicy, herbaceous, and earthy.
ANAEROBIC FERMENTATION
This method involves anaerobic fermentation, followed by processing with existing methods. It is a global trend in the current specialty coffee market.
Flavor: Characterized by strong fruitiness, a wine-like fermented quality, and complex flavors.
The above provides a very simplified explanation of common processes, but it should be clear that even with the same green beans, the flavor can change significantly depending on the process.
2: TERROIR
About Terroir
Terroir refers to the growing environment and regional characteristics formed by various factors in a particular region, such as climate, soil composition, water quality, and altitude. Terroir is one of the crucial elements that determine the flavor of coffee.
Even with the same varietal, the flavor can vary depending on the country, region, or even small plot.
Coffees from regions with strong terroir tend to be highly regarded and are often traded at relatively higher prices.
3: ROAST
Flavor Differences by Roast Level
The taste of coffee can change significantly with roasting, even for the same beans.
Light roasts bring out the acidity and fruitiness inherent in the coffee cherry. Deep roasts reduce acidity and enhance bitter components.
Everyone has different preferences for coffee taste. If you enjoy the original fruity flavors, acidity, and light taste of coffee, try light to medium roasts. If you prefer bitterness and the accompanying rich body, try medium-dark to dark roasts first.
In addition to the three elements above, there are many other important factors (such as varietal), but due to the sheer volume of information, we will omit them this time. (Even the three broad elements mentioned above are only briefly summarized, so if you are interested, please research them further yourself.)
Shops dealing with specialty coffee should generally be able to provide information from production to the shop, from a traceability perspective.
Process, terroir, roast. Start by exploring these three fundamental elements to find a coffee that suits your preferences. The wonderful world of specialty coffee is sure to expand even further for you.