
What is SCA?
Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)
The Specialty Coffee Association is a global non-profit trade organization founded in 1982, representing coffee professionals across the supply chain—from farmers to baristas. It promotes excellence through education, research, sustainability initiatives, and industry standards, with over 10,000 members in 100+ countries.Â
Grading Process
SCA's grading evaluates green coffee quality via the Cupping Protocol, a standardized sensory analysis using a 100-point scale (minimum score of 6 per attribute, except defects). Key steps include:
- Preparation: 8.25g coffee per 150ml water at 93°C, ground to medium, steeped 4 minutes.
- Evaluation Phases: Aroma (fragrance before/after breaking crust), taste (hot, cooling, cold), noting attributes like flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, uniformity, cleanliness, and sweetness.
- Scoring: Total score ≥80 qualifies as "specialty" coffee; 90+ is exceptional. Defects deduct points.
This process ensures transparency and consistency in assessing coffee's distinctive attributes.Â
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