How to prepare a specialty coffee?

At Orígenes Coffee Roaster we believe that preparing a delicious cup of coffee is an art, and there are several factors that influence the final result.

Here are four key qualities for achieving the perfect cup:

• Selection of Quality Beans : The starting point to achieve the perfect cup of specialty coffee is the careful selection of high quality beans. Expert farmers focus on specific varieties of arabica coffee and grow their crops under ideal conditions, such as suitable altitude, climate and soil. These optimal conditions allow the beans to develop exceptional flavors and aromas, which makes the difference between a regular coffee and a specialty one.

• Harvest and Postharvest Process : The coffee harvest is a crucial moment in the production process. The beans must be picked at their optimum ripeness, and this is often done by hand to ensure that only ripe beans are picked. Then, the post-harvest is carried out, which can vary depending on the method used: washed, natural or honey. Each method gives different characteristics to the final coffee, and specialty producers take pains to choose the most suitable one to highlight the inherent qualities of the beans.

• Precision Roasting : Roasting is an art unto itself, and specialty coffee roasters are masters of this skill. Through roasting, chemical reactions are triggered that transform the flavor and aroma of coffee. Specialty roasters carefully adjust the time and temperature of the process to bring out the specific notes of each batch of coffee. The result is a wide range of flavor profiles, from fruity and floral notes to chocolatey and hazelnut notes.

• Preparation and Careful Service : Last, but not least, is the preparation and service of the coffee. Specialized baristas are trained to handle the beans with the greatest delicacy and precision. Each cup is prepared with care, using specific extraction methods that highlight the qualities of the coffee. From espresso and aeropress to Chemex and V60, each brewing method offers a unique experience. In addition, specialty baristas are concerned with maintaining a close relationship with customers, sharing information about the origin of the coffee and providing an interactive and educational experience on each visit to the coffee shop.

Another important factor to take into account that could change the flavor of the final result of the coffee in the cup, is the precision in terms of the proportion of coffee and water that you use in your coffee maker. Too much water or not enough coffee can ruin the end result, even if you use high-quality ingredients.

These factors will depend on the type of coffee maker you use. At Orígenes Coffee Roaster we prepare a note where we give some recipes from the main coffee makers to take into account the amount of coffee and water to use.

Below is the link to the note How much coffee do I need for each coffee maker?