Reasons to Switch to Specialty Coffee Today

In a world where we increasingly value what we consume — from the ingredients in our food to the origin of our clothes — coffee has also entered a new stage of awareness and quality.

Let me preface this by saying that we don't like the term "specialty coffee," because we consider it elitist and a bit snobbish, to be honest. But for this article to appear in your search results, we have to use it. Whenever we talk about specialty coffee, understand that we're referring to aged coffee, which for us is a more accurate term.

Specialty coffee has arrived to completely transform how we understand this everyday beverage. It's not just about a tastier cup or a passing fad; it's a holistic approach that values ​​the producer's work, the care taken during harvesting, the traceability of origin, and above all, a unique sensory experience.

If you've been drinking coffee your whole life and think you know it all, you probably haven't yet experienced its true potential. Switching to specialty coffee not only means improving the flavor of your mornings, but also supporting a fairer, more sustainable, and more transparent value chain.

This change may seem small, but its repercussions are enormous , both for you as a consumer and for the planet and coffee-growing communities. Here's why taking this step today can make all the difference.

What is specialty coffee?

A specialty coffee is much more than a beverage; it is the result of a meticulous process that prioritizes quality at every stage, from the plant to the cup.

To be considered a specialty coffee, it must score above 80 points on a 100-point scale, according to the standards of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). This means the beans must be grown under ideal conditions, hand-picked, and selected for their flawless quality. Furthermore, they are roasted using traditional methods to highlight the unique flavors of their origin: floral, fruity, chocolatey, or citrus notes, among many others.

Unlike commercial coffee , specialty coffee has complete traceability, allowing you to know who grew it, how, and where. At Black Jebena , each batch tells a real story and offers an authentic experience. So when you choose specialty coffee, you choose uncompromising quality, sustainability, and flavor. Furthermore, we strive to work with coffees that score above 90, meaning Grade 1.

Reasons to Switch to Specialty Coffee

Have you ever wondered why specialty coffee is gaining so much popularity? More than just a trend, it represents a revolution in how we consume and appreciate this ancient beverage. If you haven't yet taken the plunge, here are some compelling reasons to do so today.

1. Unbeatable taste and aroma

Specialty coffee is distinguished by its unique sensory profile. Unlike commercial coffee, which often has a flat and bitter taste due to over-roasting to mask defects, specialty coffee offers a rich and varied experience, with floral, fruity, and chocolatey notes.

2. Health benefits

Drinking specialty coffee is not only a pleasure for the palate, but also beneficial for health. This type of coffee is rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals and help prevent premature cell aging. Furthermore, it can improve brain function, protect against neurodegenerative diseases, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

3. Sustainability and fair trade

Specialty coffee is grown using sustainable practices and less pesticide use, resulting in a purer and healthier product. Furthermore, producers are paid a fair price for their work, which improves their living conditions and allows them to invest in more sustainable techniques.

4. Traceability and transparency

One of the great advantages of specialty coffee is traceability. Each bag of coffee indicates its origin, variety, altitude, and processing method, allowing you to learn its history and ensure its quality.

5. Support for local communities

By choosing specialty coffee, you're supporting small producers and cooperatives, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their hard work. This approach supports local communities and fosters sustainable economic development.

6. Lower contaminant content

Specialty coffee is grown using sustainable practices and less pesticide use, resulting in a purer and healthier product.

7. Complete sensory experience

Drinking specialty coffee is a complete sensory experience. From the moment you open the bag, the freshness and aroma of the coffee transport you to the origins of the beans.

8. Variety of preparation methods

Specialty coffee lends itself to a variety of brewing methods, from the classic French press to the modern AeroPress, allowing you to explore different flavor profiles and find the one that best suits your preferences.

9. Coffee education and culture

By delving into the world of specialty coffee, you immerse yourself in a rich and educational culture, where learning about origins, processes, and preparation techniques becomes a passion.

10. Connection with the origin

Each cup of specialty coffee tells a story, connecting you with the people and places that made its existence possible, creating a more meaningful and conscious experience.

Why is specialty coffee better?

Specialty coffee is better for one fundamental reason: quality is present in every stage of the process, from cultivation to the cup. Unlike commercial coffee, it is grown in ideal microclimates, carefully hand-harvested, and rigorously selected for flawless beans.

This meticulous attention to detail guarantees a beverage with complex flavor profiles, intense aromas, and a cleaner texture. Furthermore, it is hand-roasted in small batches, allowing the unique characteristics of each origin to shine through.

It's not just about flavor; it also involves sustainability , fair trade, and respect for producers. Ultimately, it's better because it represents a genuine connection between those who grow, roast, and enjoy coffee.

If you're looking for real quality in every sip, specialty coffee is the logical choice.

Discover it for yourself here .

Why pay more for specialty coffee?

Paying more for specialty coffee isn't a luxury; it's an investment in quality, ethics, and sustainability. Unlike commercial coffee, which is mass-produced without regard for flavor or social impact, specialty coffee involves responsible farming practices, selective harvesting, and artisanal roasting that highlights unique flavor profiles.

This process requires more time, knowledge , and dedication, which justifies the price. Furthermore, by paying more, you are directly supporting producers who receive fair compensation, promoting more equitable trade and decent working conditions.

You're also opting for a superior sensory experience , where each cup reveals nuances and aromas that mass-produced coffee simply can't offer. At Black Jebena , every coffee has a story and a purpose. Is it worth it? Absolutely, because the real value lies not only in the cup, but in everything behind it.

Learn how to prepare a good specialty coffee at home

Once you discover the flavor and quality of specialty coffee, the next step is to prepare it correctly to unlock its full potential. It's not about following complicated rituals, but rather understanding some basic principles: proper grind, good quality water, correct proportions, and a technique suited to your brewing method, whether it's a V60, French press, or Aeropress.

If you've never brewed specialty coffee at home or want to improve your technique, we have a step-by-step guide to help you master the process. Learning how to brew good specialty coffee will not only guarantee a delicious cup, but will also connect you more deeply with what you're drinking.

Check out our complete guide here and start enjoying coffee like never before.

Differences between specialty coffee and commercial coffee

When choosing your daily coffee, it is essential to understand the differences between specialty coffee and commercial coffee .

Specialty coffee is distinguished by its superior quality, traceability, and sustainable production methods. Each bean is carefully selected, ensuring that only the best reach your cup. This meticulous process guarantees unique flavors and an unparalleled sensory experience.

On the other hand, commercial coffee is mass-produced , prioritizing quantity over quality. The beans are often blended without regard for their origin, and dark roasting is used to mask imperfections, resulting in a uniform and less complex flavor. Furthermore, a lack of information about the origin and production process is common with these coffees.

If you'd like to delve deeper into these differences and understand why specialty coffee offers a superior experience, we invite you to read our detailed article: Differences between specialty coffee and commercial coffee .

Black Jebena: The soul of specialty coffee in Seville

Black Jebena is more than just a coffee shop; it's a cultural and sensory space where specialty coffee comes alive. Founded by Ethiopian artist Abezash , this roastery in Seville offers an authentic experience that connects with the roots of Ethiopian coffee, the birthplace of this ancient beverage.

Here, coffee is roasted by hand in small batches, with meticulous attention to detail to highlight its unique notes and origin. In addition to selling freshly roasted coffee and brewing accessories, Black Jebena organizes tastings, workshops, cultural events, and artistic gatherings that bring together coffee lovers.

The mission is clear: to offer an honest, traceable, and exceptional product. Whether you visit their physical location or place your order online, you're supporting an independent project that prioritizes quality and respect for producers.

Follow us on Instagram and become part of this coffee community.

Frequently Asked Questions about Specialty Coffee

1. What is the difference between specialty coffee and commercial coffee?
Specialty coffee is grown, selected, and roasted to a much higher quality standard. It has traceability, defined flavors, and is free of defects. Commercial coffee, on the other hand, prioritizes volume and tends to be more bitter and bland.

2. What are the benefits of specialty coffee?
It offers a more complex flavor, is healthier thanks to its lower content of defects and chemicals, and promotes sustainable and ethical practices throughout the production chain.

3. Why pay more for specialty coffee?
Because you're paying for quality, for the fair work of small producers, and for a much richer sensory experience. It's not an expense, it's an investment.

4. Where can I buy reliable specialty coffee?
At Black Jebena , where each coffee has been selected and roasted by hand to guarantee freshness, flavor and origin.

5. How to prepare a good specialty coffee?
Check out our full guide here .

Conclusion

Switching to specialty coffee isn't just a matter of taste; it's a conscious choice that has a positive impact on multiple levels. By choosing this type of coffee, you become part of a network that values ​​quality, transparency, sustainability , and, of course, exceptional flavor.

There is no comparison possible with commercial coffee : specialty coffee allows you to rediscover a beverage that you may have taken for granted.

Today more than ever, we have the opportunity to choose intentionally. Every cup of coffee we consume can tell a different story: the story of a farm, a community, a culture, and a roaster committed to excellence.

Switching to specialty coffee today will not only transform your routine, but also broaden your perspective on what it means to enjoy coffee with purpose. It's not about a gourmet indulgence, but a new way of appreciating what we consume. And that decision, cup by cup, changes everything.