SCA coffee test questions: challenge your coffee knowledge!

Coffee Knowledge Challenge: SCA Coffee Exam Questions

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, with a long history and rich culture. For those who really love coffee, it is essential to know about coffee. Today, we will challenge your knowledge of coffee through the test questions provided by SCA (Specialty Coffee Association).

1. Which country is the world's largest coffee producer?

Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer. The country has vast fertile land and suitable planting conditions, as well as advanced and efficient agricultural technology, making it a major global supplier.

2. What is “single origin” or “single origin” coffee?

"Single origin" or "single origin" refers to coffee beans produced from the same geographical area, the same farm or the same cooperative, which maintain purity and quality stability during the picking, processing and roasting process and have specific flavor characteristics.

3. What is SCAA (now SCA)?

SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of AmerIca) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and developing the coffee industry. It provides professional training, certification and resources to help coffee practitioners improve their skills and promote the development of the industry. Now, it has merged with SCAE (Specialty Coffee Association of Europe) in Europe to become the global SCA.

4. What is “cupping”?

"Cupping" is a method of evaluating the quality and flavor characteristics of coffee. The quality is judged by putting the ground coffee powder into a cup and using the nose and tongue to perceive its aroma, taste and aftertaste.

5. What factors affect the taste of coffee?

Multiple factors can affect the taste of coffee, including natural factors such as geographical conditions, altitude, soil fertility, climate change, and human factors such as planting methods, picking time, and processing technology.

6. What is latte art?

"Latte art" is a coffee art technique that increases the visual effect of coffee by drawing various patterns and shapes on the milk foam. This requires the barista to have good hand-eye coordination and control of the milk foam.

7. What is "espresso"?

"Espresso" is coffee brewed using high-pressure steam through finely ground and compacted coffee powder. Due to its high concentration and strong flavor, it is often used as the basis for making other types of coffee drinks (such as latte, Americano, etc.).

8. What is “nitrogen flushing”?

"Nitrogen flushing" is a cold brew coffee that injects liquid nitrogen into a concentrated cold brew liquid made from black or dark ground beans that have been refrigerated overnight, and mixes it with air through special equipment to produce a rich, creamy texture and smooth taste.

9. What are “green coffee beans”?

"Green coffee beans" are coffee beans that have not been roasted. At this stage, they are usually green or yellow in color and have not developed specific flavor characteristics. The roasting process will give them changes in color, aroma and taste.

10. What is “SCA certification”?

"SCA certification" is a process of obtaining professional qualifications by attending training courses provided by SCA and passing exams. These training courses cover everything from procurement and quality control to baking and latte art, helping practitioners improve their skills and get better opportunities in the industry.

The above are the answers to some important questions in the SCA coffee exam. I hope this article can challenge your knowledge of coffee and further inspire your pursuit and exploration of quality and innovation.