Coffee is a plant that is grown all over the world and flourishes in the
countries that lie between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, in
countries as diverse as Brazil, Colombia, Jamaica and Indonesia. There are
two main species of coffee: Arabica and Robusta. Arabicas are
characterised by mildness, acidity and good flavour; whereas robusta
coffees are in general more earthy and possess body or weight. Both have
their place in coffee blending but generally, arabica is interpreted by
consumers to be of better quality.
Coffee beans grow inside the cherries of a coffee tree. Nine months
after a coffee tree flowers, the cherries are ripe and ready to be
harvested. Once harvested some batches of cherries are pulped, either by
hand or machinery, to remove the fruit – known as washed coffee. Other
batches keep the fruit on to preserve the fruity flavour of the cherry,
this is natural processed coffee. The beans, or cherries, depending on
the processing method, are then dried-often in the sun on raised beds.
Following this, the beans are sorted to remove defects.
As the green coffee heats in the roaster, sugars in the coffee
caramelise – and cell structures of the bean start to breakdown.
Throughout the roasting, chemical reactions occur which create flavours
and turn the green beans brown. As the green coffee heats in the
roaster, sugars in the coffee caramelise – and cell structures of the
bean start to breakdown. Throughout the roasting, chemical reactions
occur which create flavours and turn the green beans brown, making them ready to be brewed.
How to brew a good coffee
As mentioned by James Hoffmann, "a cup of coffee can be many things: a jolt of caffeine, fuel for our work, a social lubricant, a necessity, or a luxury. It can be surprising, delightful, and delicious, and it can transport you around the world. It can also be a lot of fun". As one of the most popular beverages of all time, coffee is a drink that requires a few fundamental elements that are needed to brew the perfect cup of coffee. Overall, the step-by-step guide on brewing coffee involves choosing fresh, locally roasted and whole coffee beans; grinding what you need when you need it by measuring out the coffee; and boiling the water. The last point to be considered to ensure great taste is the brewing technique. To help you with that, we suggest here some of the most popular methods for you to brew coffee at home, with no less than a barista quality!
Click on the titles below for further information, and have a good coffee! ☕️
Use 50 grams of coffee grounds and 500 grams of boiled and filtered water. Add the coffee and all 500g of the water, let it sit for 4 minute, stir the crust, scoop the foam and coffee bits off the top and wait for 5-8 minutes. Aftwards, push the plunger down to just to underneath the surface and finally, pour gently.
Use 16 grams of coffee grounds, 250 grams of boiled and filtered water and a coffee filter. Pour in all 250g of the water, add all 16g of the coffee, stir, and let it steep for 2 minutes. Then break the crust by stirring, leave for 30 seconds, and then place the Clever Dripper on the cup to release the coffee.
Use 15 grams of coffee grounds, 220 grams of boiled and filtered water and a coffee filter. With an inverted Aeropress, add the 15g of the coffee, pour in all 220g of the water, stir for 10 seconds, steep for another 30 seconds and then plunge.
Use 30 grams of coffee grounds, 300 grams of boiled and filtered water and a coffee filter. Pour boiling water in the Moka's boiler and fill in the basket with the coffee. Towards the end of the brew, to avoid the sputtering phase, cool the boiler under cold water.
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