What is the main purpose of coffee cupping?

The main purpose of coffee cupping is to evaluate the quality and flavor of coffee. Cupping is a standard practice within the coffee industry, where coffee professionals assess various attributes of coffee by brewing it in a specific manner and tasting it. This process allows baristas, roasters, and quality control experts to identify the flavor profile, aroma, aftertaste, acidity, body, and overall balance of the coffee.

Through cupping, differences between coffees from different regions, processing methods, or even specific lots can be discerned. It helps in understanding how factors such as growing conditions, processing techniques, and roasting profiles influence the final cup of coffee. The practice is crucial for making informed decisions about sourcing beans, creating blends, or offering quality coffee to customers, ensuring that only the best quality coffee is served.