The Science of Coffee Farm to port: why specialty costs more
Jun 23, 2025
Delve into the fascinating journey of specialty coffee, tracing its path from Colombia's Finca El Chafarote to your cup. Discover the dedication and challenges of coffee production, including the intricate processes that elevate flavors while navigating transportation hurdles. Learn why specialty coffee costs 50% more than commodity coffee, revealing the artistry and care behind every brew. Explore essential quality control measures and the critical role of water quality in enhancing your coffee experience.
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Erick Bravo's Meticulous Coffee Care
- Erick Bravo's specialty coffee undergoes meticulous manual sorting and drying for almost a month.
- This labor-intensive care results in award-winning coffees with unique flavors like guava and brown sugar.
Commodity Coffee Loses Identity
- Commodity coffee buying stations blend all coffees together, anonymizing individual farm characteristics.
- Erick Bravo feels this blending destroys the unique qualities and effort in specialty coffee.
Specialty Coffee Buying Station Setup
- The Coffee Quest specialty buying station operates out of a small residential house with quality control upstairs.
- They inspect, taste, and keep lots traceable, preserving the coffee's unique identity and flavor integrity.