Origin of Coffee
Coffee is an energizing and stimulating beverage that is often enjoyed in the morning, as well as throughout the day. It has a rich history, with evidence of its use in 9th century Ethiopia. Subsequently, the aromatic brew made its way to the Eastern hemisphere, with accounts of it being consumed in Yemen, Turkey, and North Africa. By the 15th century, it had made its presence felt in Europe, with a surge in popularity in Venice.
From there, coffee spread to other parts of the world, with the Dutch establishing large plantations in Indonesia, the French and Italians in India and Southeast Asia. By the 19th century, Colombia had emerged as the largest producer of the commodity in the world. Nowadays, the world has seen tremendous growth in the popularity of coffee, with stores such as Starbucks providing customers with a unique drinking experience, and aiding the communal drinking culture that has generated across the globe.
Types of Coffee
Coffee has grown to take on a variety of different forms, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, frappe, and iced coffee. Espresso is a particularly popular option, and is made by forcing hot water under pressure through ground coffee beans, creating a thick and velvety foam on top that adds to the flavor.
Cappuccino is also popular, particularly in Europe, and is made from espresso shot and milk, with a sprinkling of chocolate powder on top of the foam. Latte has a more subtle flavor, as its main ingredients are espresso shot, steamed milk, and milk foam. Frappe is an iced coffee that is made with cold milk, sugar, and chocolate powder. It is popular during the hot summer months, and its rich flavor means it can be enjoyed all year round.
Drinking Coffee
Coffee drinking is a popular activity, with more than two thirds of adults consuming at least one cup a day. It is believed to have several health benefits, such as aiding alertness and improving cognitive performance. Many coffee drinkers enjoy their cup in the mornings or throughout their day, with the beverage now being widely available from convenience stores and coffee shops.
Besides being an enjoyable beverage, it has become a social experience for those looking to relax, connect with friends, exchange ideas, and brainstorm with colleagues. Furthermore, the sharing of such experiences allows for the free exchange of thoughts and ideas that can benefit the local community.
Preparation of Coffee
There are numerous ways to prepare coffee, with manual methods such as the moka pot, French press, percolator, and aeropress being popular. They are all relatively easy to use, simple to clean, and provide a great cup of coffee.
Automatic coffee machines adopt a more contemporary approach, making use of modern technology to produce coffee with astonishing speed and accuracy. Moreover, they often come with several interchangeable parts that allow for the perfect cup of coffee.
The Roasting Process
The roasting process is an integral part of making coffee, and influences its flavor. The beans are first dried, and then roasted. Low temperature roasting ensures that the bean retains its natural aroma, enzymatic activity, and flavors, while a higher roast brings out the aroma and caramelizes the sugar present in the bean.
The beans are then bagged and shipped to coffee shops and stores, where they are ground. The coarseness of the grind should be tailored to match the particular machine used, whether an espresso, filter, or moka pot. Coarse grinds are best suited to cafetiere, while the fine grind is more appropriate for espresso.
Flavours and Fragrances
The flavor of a cup of coffee depends on several factors, including the type and origin of bean, the grind, and the method of preparation. Beans from Brazil have an earthy, full body flavor, while those from Ethiopia are usually acidic, with a lightly fruity or floral taste.
Brewing methods also have an impact on the flavor. For example, espresso has an intense and bitter taste, while iced or cold brew coffee offers a sweeter, rounder flavor. The type of grind affects the flavors too, with the finer grind releasing more oils and aromas, resulting in a stronger and more intense flavor.
Adding Milk and Sweeteners
Some coffee drinkers enjoy their cup with a dash of milk and a spoonful of sugar, as it adds flavor and smooths out the bitterness of the beans. Although there is no definitive answer regarding the best type of milk to use, some people opt for full-fat, while others favor skimmed varieties. Sweetening the coffee is also a matter of personal preference, and some people opt for cane sugar due to its subtle sweetness.
The Impact of Alternative Drinks
Alternative drinks such as tea, soda, and energy drinks have grown in popularity over the past few years, and have made inroads into the coffee industry. However, there is evidence to suggest that more people are still drawn to the taste and smells of coffee, which means it is still the drink of choice for many people.
Coffee shops are also still hugely popular, and increasingly offer a wide range of flavors and styles of coffee. Some shops even offer specialized brewing techniques, such as pour over, which is becoming increasingly popular among coffee aficionados. For those looking to make their own coffee, there are plenty of grinding and brewing tools available to get the best out of the beans.
Health Benefits of Coffee
Coffee has many possible health benefits, and regular consumption, within sensible limits, can have a positive impact on the body. Studies have shown that drinking coffee can lower the risk of Type-2 diabetes, Alzheimers, and liver conditions. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of cancer, with high levels of antioxidants that are believed to have anti-carcinogenic effects.
However, it is important to monitor the amount of coffee consumed, especially for those with a heart condition, or those who already have high blood pressure or cholesterol. Nevertheless, excluding those with existing medical conditions, moderate coffee consumption can be beneficial.
The Latest to Drink Coffee
The latest coffee trend that is gaining vast popularity is cold coffee. It is an ideal beverage for hot summer days, and can be easily prepared at home. Cold brew is created by soaking coffee beans in room temperature or cold water for an extended period of time. This allows the flavors to infuse more evenly throughout the beverage, resulting in a smoother and less acidic taste than regular hot coffee.
Additionally, charcoal coffee is becoming more mainstream over the past few years. It is believed to be a healthier option, and contains charcoal, which may help to reduce bloating. Furthermore, charcoal coffee may help cleanse the body of unhealthy substances, and is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Grinding and Brewing
Having the perfect grind and the appropriate brewing method is essential for the perfect cup of coffee. A grinder with good quality burrs and consistent results is key, and many coffee shops now offer a choice of grinds. It is important to select the right grind size, as this directly impacts the extraction rate, ensuring that the whole of the coffee is properly extracted, providing a more intense flavor.
Once the correct grind has been selected, the brewing method can be chosen. Filter coffee machines offer convenience, but those wishing to produce a cup with more body may opt for a pour over machine instead. This allows for greater control of the brewing process and produces a cup with greater complexity.
Finally, the water temperature also has an effect on flavor. Boiling water extracts more bitterness from the grounds and makes for a stronger cup, while cooler temperatures tend to reduce the bitterness and create a less acidic beverage.
New Infusions and Blends
Specialty coffee is becoming increasingly popular among coffee aficionados. New infusions and blends are being developed to provide a unique coffee experience. For those looking to add an extra twist to their cup, there is the option of flavored syrups and ingredients, such as honey, chocolate, and cinnamon.
Moreover, coffee shops are now offering blends made from beans from different countries, which results in a more distinct flavor. This gives customers the ability to create their own unique coffee blend, allowing them to craft the exact flavor they desire.
Trends in Coffee
The trends in coffee are constantly evolving as more people become interested in the beverage. From single origin coffee, to nitro coffee and cascara tea, there is now something for everyone. Technological advancements have also allowed for more convenience in the process of brewing the perfect cup.
Furthermore, customers are no longer just interested in the taste of the beverage, but are also interested in finding out more about the process of making it. Coffee shops now focus on educating customers about the entire production process, from the growing of the beans and the roasting process, to the grind and flavor extraction, resulting in a pleasant experience for all.
Conclusion of Coffee
Coffee drinking is one of the most popular pastimes in the world, providing hundreds of millions of people with a daily boost of energy, and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. New trends are constantly emerging, and while older mindsets still remain, the market is constantly being revolutionized by new ideas and flavors.
Whether you’re a fan of regular coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, or flavored coffees, you can rest assured that your favorite cup is becoming ever more diverse and delicious.
