Exploring the Hidden Sustainable Benefits of Specialty Coffee

This challenge explores the sustainable and social benefits of specialty coffee, from micro-lot farming to community initiatives, highlighting its impact on the environment and livelihoods.

Challenge Introduction

This challenge, brought to you in collaboration with Inka Gold Coffee, will guide you through the sustainable and social benefits of specialty coffee production. From micro-lot farming to community-driven initiatives, you’ll explore how specialty coffee impacts both the environment and the livelihoods of those involved. 

Discover how practices like shade-grown farming, water conservation, and recycling coffee grounds contribute to sustainability. 

Additionally, learn about the empowerment of women and the use of blockchain technology for transparency in the coffee supply chain, showcasing Inka Gold Coffee’s commitment to quality and community development.

Learning Goals

  • Understand Specialty Coffee: learn scoring and quality differences
  • Grasp the Coffee Process: follow selective harvesting to roasting
  • Recognize Sustainability: explore recycling coffee grounds into eco-products.
  • Explore the Micro-Lot Concept: see how precision farming boosts quality and sustainability
  • Appreciate Community Impact: see how specialty coffee aids communities
  • Discover Transparency through Blockchain Technology.

What is Specialty Coffee

In this first part of the challenge, we’ll uncover the process that makes each cup unique—from hand-picking beans to precision roasting. You’ll explore why specialty coffee stands out, the power of micro-lot farming, and how practices like recycling coffee grounds and using blockchain for transparency are shaping a more sustainable future. 

Grab your favorite coffee mug (and don't forget to snap it with MugShot); it’s time to see why every step in the specialty coffee journey makes that cup extra special!

Please complete the following tasks:
Read
What is Specialty Coffee?

Read • 3 mins

Read
How is Specialty Coffee Produced

Read • 3 mins

The unique sustainability characteristics of Specialty Coffee

We will now explore how specialty coffee does more than taste good—it builds up local communities, finds creative ways to repurpose used coffee grounds, and transforms tiny plots of land into powerhouse micro-lots that redefine quality. You’ll discover how specialty coffee producers are making a difference, one bean at a time, through practices that protect the environment and support farmers.

Please complete the following tasks:
Read
Micro-Lots

Read • 2 mins

Read
Community Development

Read • 2 mins

Inka Gold Coffee

We finish this challenge by exploring the coffee producers of Inka Gold Coffee. 

Nestled in the heart of Cusco, Peru, Inka Gold is more than just coffee—it’s a labor of love passed down through generations, all while championing the environment and supporting local farmers. 

Please complete the following tasks:
Read
Inka Gold Coffee – Sustainability in Action

Read • 5 mins

Visit a link
Visit Inka Gold Coffee

Visit • 5 mins • Optional

Ready to Earn 4 B3TR?

Show what you have learned:

  • Understand Specialty Coffee: learn scoring and quality differences
  • Explore the Micro-Lot Concept: see how precision farming boosts quality and sustainability
  • Grasp the Coffee Process: follow selective harvesting to roasting