Choose specialty coffee.
PROCESS × TERROIR × ROAST
Process × Terroir × Roast
When choosing a specialty coffee brand, many people may find it difficult to choose because there are so many varieties available.
In fact, at our store, we often receive questions such as, "What are the characteristics of coffee from this country?", "What is the refining method?", and "What kind of flavor does it have?"
We hope this article will help you find the coffee you are looking for. If you are not sure what kind of coffee to choose, be sure to read it.
What gives specialty coffee its flavour.
Specialty coffee has a unique flavor. Its distinctive flavor is formed by a complex interplay of various factors. Even coffee from a particular region can taste quite different. Why is that?
This time, I will keep it as simple and concise as possible and focus on three key factors that determine the flavor of specialty coffee: process (refining method), terroir, and roasting .
1. Differences in flavor due to processing
NATURAL
Fermentation, drying and threshing are done in the sun without using water.
Flavor: The beans tend to have strong individuality, allowing you to enjoy the richness of the terroir.
WASHED
A machine called a pulper is used to remove the pulp, which is then passed through a fermentation tank and rinsed thoroughly with water.
Flavor: It has a fruity acidity and a clear taste with few impurities.
SEMI-WASHED [HONEY / PULPED NATURAL]
Between natural and washed. Generally, like washed, the pulp is removed using a machine, dried, and hulled. If the honey is dried while leaving the mucilage intact, it is called refined honey.
Flavor: The acidity is mild, and it tends to have a fruity and sweet flavor.
SMATRA / WET HULL
The Sumatra method is a unique refining method that has developed due to the special growing and production environment of the Sumatra region, and is similar to the semi-washed method.
Flavor: It has a unique aroma that is described as spicy, herbal, and earthy.
ANAEROBIC FERMENTATION: NATURAL / WASHED
This method uses anaerobic fermentation and then refines the coffee using existing processes. This is a process that is currently trending globally in the specialty coffee market.
Flavor: Intense fruitiness, winey fermentation, and complex flavors are achieved through combination with other processes.
Above, we have given a fairly simple explanation of the typical processes, but I hope you can see that the flavor of the same raw beans can change considerably depending on the process.
2: TERROIR
About terroir
Terroir refers to the growing environment and characteristics of the region, which are formed by various factors in the region, such as the climate, the components contained in the soil, the quality of the water source, the altitude, etc. Terroir is one of the important factors that determine the flavor of coffee.
The same variety may vary between different countries, regions or even small plots.
Coffee from regions with strong terroir characteristics tends to be highly valued and is often traded at relatively high prices.
3: ROAST
Differences in flavor depending on roast level
The taste of coffee can change dramatically depending on the roasting process, even if the beans are the same.
Light roasting brings out the acidity and fruitiness of the coffee cherries, while dark roasting reduces the acidity and strengthens the bitterness.
Everyone has different tastes and preferences when it comes to coffee. If you like the original fruity flavor, acidity, and light taste of coffee, try a light to medium roast. If you like the bitterness and the rich flavor that comes with it, try a medium-dark to dark roast.
There are many other important factors besides the above three (such as the variety), but we will not go into detail here because the amount of information would be too large. (The above three major factors are only a concise summary, so if you are interested, please do your own research.)
From a traceability perspective, shops that sell specialty coffee should basically be able to obtain information about the process from production to the shop.
Process, terroir, and roast. First, find the coffee that suits your taste from these three basic elements. From there, the wonderful world of specialty coffee will open up within you.