Roasted coffee beans.
Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, but it comes in many types and varieties. Many of the key distinctions can be traced back to the beans from which the drink originates. Beans impart flavor based on their type and, secondarily, on the soil conditions where they were grown. The way the beans are roasted also influences the end result, as does the brewing and preparation technique. There are also many different types of coffee drinks, ranging from a standard drip brew to more exotic espresso or French press creations.
types of beans
The soil conditions in which coffee is grown can affect its flavor.
Most of the world’s coffee comes from one of two types of beans: Arabica or Robusta. The vast majority of beans on the market are of the Arabica variety. These beans tend to have a mild, consistent flavor and grow well in a variety of climates.
Robust beans are used less often, largely because they tend to have a more bitter and acidic flavor. However, much of this has to do with soil conditions. In the right climate and with the right soil, robusta beans can produce brews of amazing consistency and flavor. Hawaiian-grown Kona coffee is an example of the best Robusta beans.
Significant geographic distinctions
Espresso requires strong, dark coffee beans.
The flavor of coffee is often determined more by the region in which the beans are grown than by their variety. Beans tend to take on flavor characteristics from both their geography and topography, and for this reason they are often sold by place name. Ethiopian varieties tend to be mild and sometimes flowery, for example, while beans from nearby Kenya tend to have a stronger, pepperier flavor. Beans grown in the rocky volcanic soil common in the Pacific islands produce similarly different results from those grown in the rain forests and mountains of Latin America. Much depends on sunlight, water, and general soil nutrients.
roasting techniques
Ground coffee is an easy type of coffee to find commercially, but it is less fresh than other types.
Coffee beans are typically of little use to beverage brewers when raw. To release their flavors and aromas, they must be roasted. There are several different techniques and processes that can be used, each leading to a slightly different result.
When first picked, the beans are sealed inside a red berry. The exterior should be peeled off to reveal a green inner pod. Through various phases of roasting, that green pod turns light brown, caramelizes, and then roasts to a dark brown color, becoming easily recognizable as a standard coffee bean.
Instant espresso powder allows people to make espresso at home or in the office without the need for an espresso machine.
Roasters can control overall strength and flavor by adjusting the proximity of the beans to the heat and the length of exposure. The method can also influence the final product. Most roasting is done in pans over an open flame, but there are many variations, including roasting machines and specialized roasting ovens.
Bean purchase options
There are several different ways to buy beans. Some specialty stores and cafes will sell the beans whole, often right after roasting; this is usually the most cost-effective purchase option, but the customer will usually have to grind the beans independently before use. Ground coffee is easier to find commercially, but is often not as fresh. Some roasters also grind fresh beans to order, but this is usually a more expensive option.
Coffee made from Arabica beans typically contains less caffeine than coffee beans from other types of plants.
It is often possible to buy decaf coffee, either whole bean or ground. Decaf varieties generally don’t taste any different than their regular counterparts, but they do go through a chemical process to remove many compounds. These beans usually still contain trace amounts of the stimulant, but only in very low amounts.
ways to prepare
Coffee beans are sometimes sold unroasted.
Just as there are different ways to grow and roast coffee beans, there are also different ways to turn those beans into a beverage. The simplest and most traditional method is to prepare ground coffee in hot water. This can be done on the stovetop, but is most commonly completed with the help of an appliance known as a drip coffee maker. The idea is to expose the ground beans to hot water long enough for the water to take on the unique coffee flavor. The grounds are usually filtered before serving.
Espresso is particularly popular as a style of coffee in Europe.
Beers made with a French press are usually a bit stronger. This method requires boiling water to be poured over the soil and then allowed to sit for some time. A “press,” usually a mesh strainer, is used to isolate the beans at the bottom of the brewing chamber when it’s time to serve.
Espresso is also a popular style, particularly in Europe. Hot water and steam are very quickly forced through ground beans, usually a dark roast, using a dedicated espresso machine. The resulting brew is quite strong and has a concentrated coffee flavor.
instant varieties
So-called “instant coffee” is available in many markets and requires no preparation to prepare. Most instant mixes are made from pre-made grains and are specially designed to dissolve in hot water. Instant mix is made from beans, but is usually much weaker and has a distinctly different flavor than that made fresh. A lot is usually lost in processing, but the tradeoff is often worth it for those on the go or who prefer not to deal with the mechanics of brewing.
drink combinations
While many people enjoy coffee as a beverage on its own, there are many variations. It is common to add milk and sugar, as well as to glaze the drink and serve it cold. Espresso is often combined with milk froth or foam to create specialty drinks like lattes and macchiatos. Drip brews are also added to a number of commercially prepared beverages, usually as a means of increasing caffeine content or promoting energy.