introduction:
Coffee is part of our culture, but many people confuse Arabic coffee with specialty coffee .
Although they are both drinks based on the same bean (coffee), there are significant differences between them in terms of roasting, flavors, and presentation style.
Let's explain the difference simply:
1. Type of coffee used
- Arabic coffee:
- Often used are beans from Yemen, India or Ethiopia, coffee with a very light or even green roast.
- It is not focused on "evaluation", but rather quality depends on local taste.
- Specialty coffee:
- They are evaluated by experts (80 points or more out of 100), and often come from countries such as Ethiopia, Colombia, Kenya, El Salvador, and others.
✅ The difference? Specialty coffee is subject to strict quality standards.
2. Roasting
- Arabic coffee:
- Very lightly roasted, tending to a golden color, often with the addition of cardamom and cloves.
- Specialty coffee:
- Multiple roasting degrees (light, medium, dark), the goal is to highlight the original flavor of the coffee without any additives.
✅ The difference? Specialty coffee focuses on the flavor of the coffee itself, without spices.
3. Preparation method
- Boil with water + spices, and serve with a suit and a cup.
- Specialized: Prepared by distillation (V60, Chemex, Clever), using precise scientific methods.
✅ The difference? The specialist prepares with a calculated weight, time, and method.
4. Flavor
- Mild , herbal, and spiced flavor.
- Specialty: Fruity, floral, chocolatey flavors depending on the source and processing.
✅ The difference? The specialist offers natural and varied flavors without additives.
5. Culture of presentation
- Arabic coffee: a staple of hospitality, served with dates.
- Specialty coffee: a taste experience, usually drunk without sugar or additives.
✅ The difference? Arabic represents a part of the tradition, while specialty represents a specialized taste experience.
✅ Conclusion:
Each type has its place, and if you are a coffee lover, what's wrong with enjoying both?
But if you want to delve into a world of flavors and sensory experiences, specialty coffee opens new doors for you every day.