Coffee has evolved into a daily beverage with the improvement of people's living standards. Many individuals enjoy drinking black coffee, relishing its bitter and unsweetened essence. Simultaneously, others find straight coffee too bitter and prefer adding sugar or cream to temper its bitterness. The taste of coffee varies depending on the type of coffee bean used, ranging from intensely bitter to mildly bitter profiles.
Embark on a delightful journey through the world of coffee, where a myriad of names like Mocha, Cappuccino, Americano, Kopi Luwak, Latte, Macchiato, and Flat White dance on the taste buds. Simplifying this rich tapestry, coffee gracefully divides into two main categories: Americano and Espresso. The defining visual cue is the absence of an oily surface layer after extraction, uniting these diverse brews under the common thread of Espresso as their foundation.
Americano (Drip-brewed Coffee): Distinguished from Espresso by its oil-free surface, Americano, or drip-brewed coffee, emerges with the addition of a substantial amount of water. Crafted through low-pressure extraction in home coffee machines or via drip-brewing methods, this brew promises a comforting and approachable coffee experience.
Espresso Coffee: The quintessential Espresso, the very heart of Espresso-based drinks. Meticulously obtained by finely grinding coffee beans, high-pressure, high-temperature water extracts the essence, creating the coveted layer of coffee crema on its surface. A true testament to the art and science of coffee extraction.
Unveiling the Essence of Coffee Beans: Beyond Brewing, a Symphony of Flavor
At the core of crafting a perfect cup lies the soul of coffee—the coffee bean. Beyond the realm of the coffee machine, the journey begins with the quality of the raw material, the freshness of the bean, and the intricate factors of cultivation and roasting. Approximately 40% of a high-quality coffee's character is attributed to its variety, cultivation, and processing methods; 30% to the art of roasting; 20% to the brewing equipment; and 10% to the brewer's skill.
Types of Coffee Beans: In the botanical embrace of the Rubiaceae family, coffee trees weave a diverse tapestry of over 120 species. Among them, the Arabica and Robusta species reign supreme, contributing to 90% of the market share. Arabica, the epitome of sophistication, claims 70%, while Robusta, the robust companion, stands at 20%. Numerous varieties under these species bestow distinctive flavor profiles upon our beloved brews.
Processing Methods (Washed, Sun-dried, Honey-processed): Before the alchemy of roasting, coffee beans undergo crucial processing. The methods—washing, sun-drying, and honey processing—serve as the alchemists' spells, infusing beans with distinct flavor characteristics. Washed beans sparkle with bright acidity, sun-dried beans preserve a fruity essence, and honey-processed beans boast enhanced sweetness.
Roasting Levels (Light, Medium, Dark): Post-processing, coffee beans gracefully waltz through the transformative flames of roasting. Three levels—light, medium, and dark—determine the final flavor profile. The dance of acidity in light roasts, the harmonious balance of medium roasts, and the bold crescendo of bitterness in dark roasts, each offering a symphony of tastes ranging from chocolate to caramel.
Remember, it is the alchemy of the coffee bean that shapes the poetry in your cup, where each sip narrates the tale of meticulous cultivation, precise processing, and the artistry of roasting.
