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Specialty coffee

German: Specialty Coffee Also known as: Spezialitätenkaffee, Speciality Coffee

A term for particularly high-quality coffee that scores at least 80 out of 100 points according to the criteria of the Specialty Coffee Association.

Specialty coffee is green coffee that shows hardly any defects when graded and scores at least 80 points on the Specialty Coffee Association's 100-point scale in a standardised tasting. Its origin can often be traced to the farm or cooperative.

The term is not a legally protected designation but an industry quality category. Specialty coffee is often roasted lighter to preserve origin flavours. Only a small share of the world harvest reaches this level.

Related terms

CuppingSCA score (cupping score)Single originThird wave (coffee)

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