All About Coffee
Because drinking coffee is a great start to anyone’s day, we were curious to learn a bit more about our favourite drink. From roasting straight to the mug, not forgetting preparation, here’s what you need to know about optimizing the beverage’s aromas and flavours, along with a few coffee-based recipes to try.
Roasting
Once harvested and dried, the still-green coffee beans are heated in a roaster to temperatures ranging from 356°F to 464°F (180°C to 240°C). This heating process triggers a chain of chemical reactions known as Maillard reactions. The beans then turn dark brown and develop a complex set of aromas. Both the duration and temperature of roasting influence the colour and unique taste of various coffees.
Characteristics of Different Grinds
There exist many types of grinds, depending on the preferred coffee preparation method. A finer grind releases aromas more quickly when the coffee’s exposure to water is brief, such as with an espresso. A coarser grind is ideal when contact with water is prolonged (like with a French press or filtered coffee), in order to reduce the brew’s strength and bitterness.
To enhance your morning coffee, grind the beans right before brewing. Once ground, coffee tends to oxidize, losing its aroma quickly. This is why grinding one’s own beans is preferred. This freshness also benefits the crema (a dense and creamy caramel-coloured foam) by making it creamier.
Coffee Types Based on Your Machine
• Espresso Machine
In this classic Italian preparation technique, hot water passes through a fine grind under high pressure. The result is a rich and concentrated coffee topped with a foamy crema, and acts as a base for a variety of coffee drinks like lattes or cappuccinos.
• French Press
The brew occurs by immersing the coffee grounds in hot water, which is then separated from the grounds using a plunger. The result is a rich and oily coffee.
• Drip Coffee Maker
In this method, the water is at a lower temperature (158-176°F / 70-80°C) and it slowly passes through a filter (either paper or reusable) filled with coffee grounds, extracting the flavours in the process. The result is a light and less concentrated coffee that’s less bitter than an espresso.
• Stovetop Coffee Maker
The coffee is brewed by passing boiling water through the coffee grounds. Steam pressure pushes the hot water upwards to infuse the coffee before the brew makes its way to the top chamber of the pot. This is great for fans of strong, rich coffee reminiscent of espresso.
• Cold brew
Ground coffee is steeped in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. What results is a brew that’s concentrated but smoother and less acidic than a hot cup of coffee.
Storage Tips for Maximum Flavour
To take advantage of the best of coffee’s flavour, buy coffee in small quantities so that the beans are always freshly roasted.
Also, given that ground coffee quickly loses its aroma, it’s recommended to grind beans right before brewing, regardless of the preparation method you use. Whole beans should also be stored away from light, in an airtight container, to preserve their freshness.
Here are four recipes – hot, cold, salty and sweet – to enjoy the taste of coffee.