Specialty Coffee vs Commercial Coffee

Discover the Hidden Truth Between Commercial Coffee and Specialty Coffee

Por Salvatge coffee

In the fascinating world of coffee, two major categories mark a vast difference in terms of quality, taste, and experience: commercial coffee and specialty coffee. In this article, we will uncover the secrets behind these two types of coffee and help you understand why specialty coffee is the preferred choice for true coffee lovers.

What is Commercial Coffee?

Commercial coffee is the type of coffee generally found in supermarkets and large chains. This coffee is usually a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, focusing on mass production and cost reduction. Here are some key aspects:

Production and Quality

Robusta Coffee Plants

Commercial coffee primarily uses Robusta beans, known for their resistance to diseases and adverse climates. These beans are easier and cheaper to grow, making them ideal for mass production. The Robusta plant is strong and adaptable, capable of growing at lower altitudes and in warm, humid conditions. However, this ease of cultivation comes at a significant cost in terms of flavor quality.

Roasting and Defects

Commercial coffee beans are often roasted at high temperatures to hide defects, resulting in a bitter and astringent flavor with earthy and ashy notes. This dark roast not only masks defects but also eliminates many of the natural characteristics of the bean that could be appreciated in high-quality coffee. The result is a drink that lacks the complexity and richness that coffee aficionados seek.

Torrefacto Process

In some places, sugar is added during roasting, creating a caramelized layer that further hides the defects of low-quality beans. This process, known as "torrefacto," involves adding up to 15% sugar to the bean during roasting. The sugar caramelizes, forming a shiny, sticky layer that protects the bean from moisture and oxidation, extending its shelf life. However, this process also masks the low quality of the bean and can be harmful to health, as burnt sugar produces carcinogenic compounds.

Impact on Flavor and Health

Bitter and Astringent Flavor

Due to the high caffeine content and defects in the beans, commercial coffee generally has an unpleasant flavor and needs more sugar to be drinkable. The caffeine, amino acids, and chlorogenic acids present in Robusta contribute to a very bitter and astringent flavor profile. This, combined with bean defects and dark roasting, results in a drink that is often hard to enjoy without adding large amounts of sweeteners or cream.

Health Issues

The roasting process can produce harmful compounds, including carcinogenic substances from burnt sugar. Additionally, low-quality coffee beans can contain mycotoxins, which are toxins produced by fungi that can contaminate beans during storage and production. Regular consumption of low-quality coffee can have long-term negative health effects.

What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee, on the other hand, is cultivated, processed, and roasted with a much higher level of detail and care. This coffee focuses on quality and sensory experience, offering a rich and complex beverage that stands out for its unique flavors and freshness.

Production and Quality

Rigorous Selection

Specialty coffee is selected with rigorous quality standards, using high-quality Arabica beans grown under ideal conditions. Specialty coffee producers choose specific regions with high altitudes, cool climates, and mineral-rich soils that allow beans to develop complex and distinctive flavors. Careful selection during harvest ensures that only ripe and high-quality beans are processed.

Careful Processes

From harvest to roast, each step is meticulously done to preserve and enhance the unique flavors of each batch. Processing methods such as washed fermentation or natural (dry) process are used to highlight the best characteristics of the beans. These methods allow for controlled fermentation and drying, eliminating any defects and ensuring a high-quality final product.

Transparency and Freshness

Specialty coffee packages often indicate the roast date, ensuring the coffee is fresh and full of flavor. Unlike commercial coffee, which often does not provide information about the roast date, specialty coffee producers understand the importance of freshness in flavor quality. Freshly roasted coffee has a brighter and more complex flavor profile, with rich and vibrant aromas.

Impact on Flavor and Health

Complex Flavor Profile

Specialty coffees offer a variety of flavors, from citrus notes to hints of cocoa and honey, providing a rich and pleasant experience. Each cup of specialty coffee is an opportunity to discover new dimensions of flavor, influenced by the growing region, fermentation process, and roasting method. These coffees are not only more pleasing to the palate but also offer a complete sensory experience.

Health Benefits

Without harmful additives and being fresher, these coffees are a healthier and safer option for consumers. Specialty coffee does not contain added sugar or other harmful additives. Moreover, due to the high-quality standards in production and processing, specialty coffee beans are less likely to contain mycotoxins and other contaminants.

Direct Comparison**

To better understand the differences, we conducted a comparative tasting of several coffees. Here are the results:

Torrefacto Coffee

Torrefacto coffee was extremely hard to enjoy. The main flavor was ash, with intense bitterness that made it impossible to detect any other flavor notes. The caramelized sugar layer not only masked the defects of the beans but also contributed to an unpleasant and potentially harmful flavor profile.

Commercial Coffee

Commercial coffee, though slightly better than torrefacto, still presented a very astringent and bitter flavor profile. Notes of wet cardboard and paper dominated the cup, with very little complexity or depth. The lack of freshness and the presence of defective beans were evident in every sip.

Big Chain Coffee

The 100% Arabica coffee from a large chain was a disappointment. Despite its high-quality label, the flavor was bitter, with earthy and mushroom notes. The high roast concealed any potential positive characteristics of the bean, resulting in a drink that did not justify its price.

Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee was a welcome relief after tasting the other types. The flavor was sweet, with citrus notes of mandarins and rich cocoa aromas. Each sip offered a complexity and depth missing in the other coffees, highlighting the superior quality of specialty coffee.

Why Choose Specialty Coffee?

The difference between commercial coffee and specialty coffee is notable in terms of quality, flavor, and health. Here are some reasons why you should consider switching to specialty coffee:

Superior Quality

Specialty coffee is cultivated and processed with a level of care and attention that guarantees superior quality. From bean selection to roasting method, each step is performed to highlight the best flavors and characteristics of the coffee. This results in a drink that is rich, complex, and pleasant in every cup.

Exceptional Flavor

Specialty coffees offer a range of flavors simply not found in commercial coffee. Each cup is an opportunity to explore new flavor notes and aromas, from bright citrus to deep dark chocolates. This flavor complexity makes each cup of specialty coffee a unique and rewarding experience.

Health and Well-being

Specialty coffee does not contain harmful additives and is processed to preserve its freshness and quality. This means you are consuming a drink that is healthier and safer for your body. Additionally, by choosing specialty coffee, you are supporting sustainable and ethical farming practices that benefit both the environment and producing communities.

Sustainability and Ethics

Many specialty coffee producers commit to sustainable and ethical practices that support local communities and protect the environment. By choosing specialty coffee, you are contributing to a more fair and responsible production system that values both product quality and the well-being of people and the planet.