introduction:
I found a bag of coffee for 38 riyals…
And a second bag from the same country, but for 105 riyals!
What's the difference? Does a higher price mean a tastier cup?
Answer: Not always .
The difference could be in the actual quality... or in other things that have nothing to do with taste.
Let's break it down.
1. What are the factors that raise the price of coffee?
✅ Green coffee quality (Cup Score):
- Coffee that exceeds 87+ in rating is often rare and special.
The higher the points, the more complex the flavors and natural sweetness.
✅ Rare breed:
- Such as Geisha, Pacamara, hybrid breeds
- Its flavor is unique, and its cultivation is more difficult.
✅ Type of treatment:
Anaerobic or lactic treatments take more time and effort.
- Gives unconventional flavors
✅ Limited production (Microlots):
- Small quantity, special care, high competition
- Each bag has its own identity and character.
✅ Farm and source:
– Famous farms = higher demand
- Some of them win annual awards.
2. When does the price not reflect the quality?
❌ Sometimes the price is high without any real justification, such as:
- Only fancy packaging, no distinction in coffee
- Famous roaster name but average product
- "Qeisha" bag, but of average quality
- Marketing a cold or ready-to-drink beverage at an exaggerated price
🎯 You have to ask yourself:
What type of coffee is it? What is its breed? What is its rating? Who is the roaster? What is written on the bag?
Not everything expensive is worth it, and not everything cheap is bad.
3. How to buy smartly?
🧠 Quick Tips:
- The role of coffee is clearly described (country, breed, processing, flavors).
- Try seasonal crops, they are often reasonably priced and of high quality.
- Buy from roasters you trust and provide accurate information.
- Don't be influenced by price alone — compare it to what the coffee actually offers.
✅ Conclusion:
Price is an indicator... but not the final judgement.
Sometimes a cup for 40 riyals outperforms a cup for 90 in terms of taste and experience.
The more your taste develops, the more you will know the difference yourself.