What Is Micro-Lot Coffee: If you’re into specialty or third-wave coffee, you’ve likely come across the term “micro-lot.” But what exactly does it mean? Is it simply coffee from a smaller plot of land, or does it indicate something more about the coffee’s quality? Interestingly, it’s a bit of both. Continue reading to learn more.
What Is Micro-Lot Coffee? Defining a Micro Lot Coffee
The term “microlot coffee” is not consistently defined, similar to many terms in the coffee industry, leading to varied interpretations. This lack of a standardized definition can diminish the term’s significance across the coffee supply chain.
Generally, a micro-lot coffee is traceable to a specific region, where each bean is grown under the same climate, soil, altitude, and processing conditions.
Typically, microlot coffee is defined in two primary ways: either it comes from a small plot on a single farm or it is processed at a particular washing station on a single day. The essential attributes are traceability and purity, ensuring the coffee maintains the unique flavor profile of its specific region. In contrast, a blend combines coffees from various regions, countries, or even continents.
Marketers often use the term “micro-lot” to highlight coffees of exceptional quality. Although the definition doesn’t inherently demand high quality, this is often the case. Cultivating and processing a specific plot separately involves additional time and expense for the farmer, who typically aims to produce superior coffees that command higher prices.
Why Choose Micro-Lot Coffee?
The rise of micro-lot coffee is closely tied to the emergence of coffee’s third wave. More consumers now seek to understand the origins of their coffee, including the growing region, conditions, and processing methods, as these factors significantly influence the coffee’s unique characteristics.
The Meaning of Single-Origin Coffee
The term “single-origin” has become quite broad. For instance, with Brazil producing 30% of the world’s coffee, a single-origin Brazilian coffee might be no different from a blend. Brazil’s states alone can grow more coffee than many countries combined.
The Micro-Lot Difference
Micro-lot coffee guarantees a distinct taste experience by ensuring traceability to a specific region where each bean undergoes the same growing and processing conditions. This traceability is not only about taste but also about sustainability. Environmentally and socially conscious consumers appreciate knowing how their coffee is grown, and micro-lots make it easier to track these factors.
For growers, micro-lot coffee offers the advantage of identifying and cultivating higher-quality lots, which can fetch higher prices. It also helps establish long-term relationships between producers and buyers, as feedback is easier to implement on a small scale. According to Ubion Terra of O’Coffee Brazilian Estates, this close connection benefits all parties involved by maintaining or improving coffee quality through direct feedback.
Unique Offerings for Buyers and Roasters
For buyers and roasters, micro-lot coffee provides an opportunity to offer customers unique, premium products. The term “micro-lot” is becoming as significant as “organic” or “fair trade,” terms that have lost some of their impact over the years.
Trying Micro-Lot Coffee
Interested in experiencing micro-lot coffee? These are often available through subscription services, or you can explore top picks for African coffee or coffee from Honduras.
The Future of Micro-Lot Coffee
As third-wave coffee continues to thrive, micro-lot coffees are likely here to stay. The next critical step is to establish a consistent definition for micro-lot coffee. Modern technology can aid in this by enhancing coffee tracing. Given its potential to benefit the entire supply chain, along with the environment and local communities, the term “micro-lot” holds significant value and is worth preserving.