Coffee Origins & Types
Coffee has a long and complicated history. Prehistoric humans were consuming coffee as far back as 500 B.C. as a food or medicinal herb. Today, it has become an international staple consumed by millions of people around the world. There is an endless variety of coffee beans and methods of preparation, from cold brew to cappuccino, from Darjeeling to Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. Coffee comes from two main varieties of plants, Arabica and Robusta. Each has its own distinct flavor profile and its own environmental regions.
Most coffee consumed in the world is a blend of Arabica and Robusta. Arabica coffee plants thrive in high altitudes, and are known for producing a complex, full-bodied cup of coffee. Robusta coffees are more tolerant of lower altitudes and soil types, and often come with a stronger body and more fruit-like acidity.
Brewing Methods
There are multiple different brewing methods that can be used to create a unique cup of coffee. The most popular methods are drip coffee, French press and pour-over. With drip coffee – a method that requires paper filters – water is slowly and evenly poured over medium-ground coffee in a paper filter. French press produces a stronger cup of coffee. Coarse grounds are submerged in hot water, and left for 4-6 minutes for press time before draining.
Pour-over is a popular brewing method for those who prefer a smoother cup of coffee. Hot water is slowly poured over medium-fine ground coffee in a cone-shaped filter. Pour-over produces a light, flavorful cup with sweet undertones.
Grinding & Roasting
Grinding can be done by hand or with a grinder. The finer the grind, the more intense the flavor of the coffee – however, it’s important to ensure the grind is not too fine, otherwise the flavor will be bitter.
Roasting is the process of heating the beans to create flavor and aroma. This can be done in a drum-style roaster or an air-roaster. Usually dark roasts produce more of a smoky flavor, while light roasts can be less spicy and more floral.
Best Coffee Beans
The best coffee beans depend on individual taste preferences. Specialty coffee beans are often thought to be superior, due to the greater care taken in their harvesting, processing and roasting. Specialty coffee beans are often more expensive and bring unique flavor notes to the cup.
Other popular, high quality coffee beans are Brazilian beans and Colombian beans. Colombian beans are usually known for their fruity and nutty flavors, and Brazilian beans for their sweet chocolatey flavors.
Coffee Trends
Third wave coffee is the latest trend of appreciation for high-quality coffee. Third wave coffee shops focus on flavour profiles, perfect brewing methods and high-end brewing equipment. These shops take their coffee beans – often specialty beans – and treat each step of the process with the utmost care.
Cold brew has grown in popularity in recent years. Cold brew coffee takes up to 12 hours of steep time and produces a sweet and smooth cup of coffee.
Health Benefits
Coffee’s caffeine content can provide a variety of health benefits, such as increasing alertness and focus. Studies have also shown that caffeine can reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Coffee is also an excellent source of antioxidants, which can help neutralize and protect from free radicals.
How to Choose the Right Coffee
Choosing the right coffee depends on factors such as taste preference, brewing method, price and face value. Specialty beans may cost more, but they are often a more enjoyable cup of coffee. Coffee drinkers should experiment with different types and varieties of beans until they find what they like.
When it comes to brewing methods, it is important to research and understand the basics of each method before embarking on a particular style of coffee. The best advice anyone can give is to experiment and figure out what works best for an individual’s taste.
Coffee Trends in the Year 2021
In 2021, consumers are looking for a more bespoke coffee experience. Independent and small craft roasters are becoming more popular as consumers embrace transparency in the entire process from sourcing beans to roasting.
Cold brew has become a popular choice for consumers as cafes experimenting with nitro cold brew. Nitro coffee is cold brewed coffee that is infused with nitrogen to create a smooth and creamy coffee experience.
At-home coffee makers have become more common as people invest in high-end coffee machines. These machines allow for more experimentation with coffee. Pod-style machines are emerging as a way for consumers to enjoy coffee at the push of a button.
Gifting Coffee
Gifting coffee is a great way to bring people together. Specialty coffee makes a great gift because it exposes the receiver to new and unique flavor profiles. There is an array of gift options available, from coffee gift baskets to monthly subscription boxes.
Hipster-approved creative coffee gifts are more popular than ever, and include options such as reusable coffee cones and brass Coffee canisters.
Additionally, gifting a coffee-of-the-month club subscription is a great option. This selection includes a different limited-edition bag of coffee each month.
Coffee Subscriptions
Coffee subscriptions are a great way to guarantee that fresh coffee will be delivered to the doorstep. Subscriptions often allow for picking your own blend, frequency of delivery and payment option.
Subscriptions often have members-only benefits, such as access to exclusive flavours and discounts on products.
Additionally, for those that follow a single roaster or specific beans, some subscriptions will even allow for members to save their favourite coffees, so their subscription can be tailored to their unique tastes and preferences.
Coffee & Climate Change
Coffee production has a significant impact on the environment. As climate change continues to intensify, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain consistent production of coffee. Climate and weather are two of the most influential factors in the production cycle of coffee.
Ultimately, the effects of climate change on coffee production and the specialty coffee industry overall will likely be vast and lasting. To mitigate the effects of climate change, many initiatives have been developed to help safeguard the production and quality of coffee.
From supporting farmers and sustainable production, to researching and developing resilient coffee varieties, the specialty coffee industry is leading the way in providing solutions to the climate crisis.
Fairtrade Coffee
Producers of Fairtrade coffee ensure that the rights of farmers are respected. Fairtrade takes into account aspects such as fair wages and safe working conditions for coffee farmers. It also ensures that coffee farmers are paid a minimum price of coffee to cover the cost of sustainable production.
In addition to farmers receiving fair wages, Fairtrade also helps coffee farmers protect their environment with the use of sustainable production processes and the preservation of the land.
For coffee consumers, drinking Fairtrade coffee is a way of contributing to the moral and ethical transformation of the coffee industry. It is both a responsible and an environmentally friendly choice.
