Introduction to Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It has been an integral part of our culture for centuries, providing us with an energizing jolt to start off our day, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Coffee is a complex beverage and is consumed in a variety of ways, from espresso to decaf. Whether you are an experienced coffee lover, or a beginner just starting out, understanding the basics of how to properly drink coffee will improve your experience.
Grinds & Brew
Types of grinds and brewing methods heavily influence the taste and intensity of the brew. Espresso, which is made by pushing hot water through finely ground coffee beans, is usually brewed quickly to extract greater flavour. By contrast, when preparing a standard cup of coffee, it is important to grind the beans in a suitable size and steep the grounds for a longer period.
Brewed or Filtered
When deciding whether you would prefer a brewed or filtered cup, keep in mind the level of caffeine desired. A filtered cup, such as a French press, typically contains more caffeine than a brewed cup. Alternatively, for a less intense cup of coffee, opt for a brewed cup.
Mix Ins & Sweeteners
Adding milk, cream and sugar to your coffee is a great way to customize its taste. However, if you want to try something a bit different, consider adding spices or herbal extracts to the mix. For example, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg are all said to possess health benefits and can add a unique flavor to your coffee. Moreover, you can use natural sweeteners such as honey or raw sugar to add sweetness.
Water & Storage
When drinking coffee, quality of the liquids used is critical. The right kind of water and good storage practices can make or break the flavor of your cup. Tap water can contain added tastes and minerals that will affect your coffee’s flavor. Use filtered water, bottled water, or spring water instead. Grinds should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, in an airtight container. If using pre-ground coffee, look for a product with a sealed package for longer shelf life.
Practice & Enjoy
Practice and patience are key when brewing coffee. Try to experiment with different brewing methods, grind sizes, and ingredients. With enough practice, you will start to understand what tastes good to you and the nuances of different types of coffee.
Benefits of Coffee
Apart from its energizing effects, many studies have found there are numerous potential health benefits of drinking coffee. For example, studies have linked coffee consumption to reduced risk of certain types of cancer, increased cognitive performance, and reduction in risk of certain types of cardiovascular diseases.
Precautions
It is important to remember that coffee can dehydrate you, so it is important to maintain good hydration while consuming coffee. Too much coffee can also affect your blood pressure and cause jitters. Moderation is the key here. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about coffee consumption at due time.
Ground vs. Beans
In terms of convenience, pre-ground coffee does have some advantages, but if you want to experience the freshness of coffee, you need to make it yourself at home. Therefore, investing in a coffee grinder (manual or automatic) is key to having an optimum cup of coffee. Another factor to consider is the type of beans used, as they impart different levels of flavor and intensity. Typically, dark roasted beans result in a stronger brew with a bolder taste.
Bringing it Together
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned coffee enthusiast, remember that practice makes perfect. Take your time to figure out what you like, adjust the parameters accordingly and enjoy each cup you make. As you learn the basic of coffee drinking, explore the various types of beans available and the different flavors that you can enjoy.
Roast Profiles
Merely choosing a roast profile (light, medium, dark, etc.) is not enough to reach the desired level of flavor. The specific type of beans used and the way they are handled during the roasting process will affect the resulting taste. Knowing some of the available options is important when searching for the right beans. For instance, the light roast generally produces a slightly acidic and lighter flavor, while the darker roast has a richer, smoky taste.
Evaluation
It is important to be able to identify the quality of the beans you are buying. Cupping and tasting are two important practices that allow you to assess the flavor, acidity, and complexity of the beans. Evaluation of the brewed coffee is another important step in understanding the characteristics of the coffee and to see if it meets expectations.
Temperature & Brewing Time
Brewing time and temperature are essential parameters in achieving an optimum cup of coffee. Too long of a brewing time can extract unwanted flavours from the grounds and create a bitter, under-extracted cup. Temperature is equally important, as too low of a temperature can lead to an over-extracted and weak cup.
Storage
The way you store your coffee is also essential to preserve its flavour and freshness. Cool, dry and dark places are best for storing ground coffee and whole beans. Avoid humid areas and direct sunlight, as this will make the beans spoil faster, as will storing them in plastic containers. Ground coffee has a shorter shelf life than whole beans, as more surface area is exposed to oxygen, leading to a faster rate of oxidation.
Enhancement
Exploring various techniques and experimentation is a great way to further enhance your experience. For instance, you can add spices or organic extracts, or try using different oils to change the flavour of your cup. Coffee syrups and creamers are other popular ways to customize your cup according to your own preferences.
