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Choosing which coffee to drink can be a daunting task. Instant or ground? Americano or cappuccino? Medium roast or dark roast? These specific ‘coffee terms’ are often confusing and many of us rely on our hunch when selecting coffee. Making coffee has become an art; many factors come into play from extracting the beans to packing them, and finally brewing them. All these things result in the unique aroma and flavor of the coffee.
Just like wine, the flavor of the coffee depends on the region in which it is grown. You will get the best coffee in places that are at high altitude and have a tropical climate and that’s why Brazil dominates the coffee market today. The coffees from Brazil have chocolate and spicy flavors. Coffees from Columbia, on the other hand, have a caramel tone. Africa and many parts of Asia are also popular for growing coffee. Indonesian coffee has a spicy and bitter tone which is liked by many people around the world.
Arabica and robusta are the two varieties of coffees that you will find today. If you have just started drinking coffee then you will prefer Arabica as it has a sugary and fruity taste. It is mostly used to make black coffee. Robusta has a stronger nutty taste with more caffeine, perfect for the mornings to wake you up and get going. It is used for espresso drinks and is cheaper than Arabica.
The type of roasting varies the strength and flavor of the coffee. Light roast means you will get the actual flavor of the coffee. It is high in acidity as well. Medium roast locks the flavor during brewing. For Columbian coffee, the medium roast will be the best choice. Dark roast coffees lower the flavor of the coffee and you will get a bittersweet taste afterward. If you don’t like sweet coffee then you can go for a dark roast.
Ground coffees are made from whole beans. They are first grounded and then packed to be marketed. Most people prefer ground coffee as it’s very convenient to make. But coffee connoisseurs often prefer the whole bean coffees for a better taste. When you buy whole bean coffee, you are responsible for grinding it before brewing. You can use a coffee grinder to grind the whole beans. The whole bean coffee remains fresh for a longer time.
You will find various types of coffee in the market from Espresso and Americano to Cappuccino and others. It’s worth understanding how they differ so that you can choose the best coffee for yourself when you go to a coffee shop.
It is very simple to make. All you need to do is add hot water to ground coffee beans. It is also called café noir. If you want just the simple coffee without milk or sugar then just go for the black coffee.
This coffee is concentrated and is made by pouring hot water at high pressure on the fine ground coffee beans. The only difference between an espresso and a regular coffee is the brewing method. In the case of regular coffee, hot water is poured in slowly, without applying pressure. The espresso beans are darker and roasted for a long time. So, it gives a deeper flavor and a fuller feeling.
It is a diluted form of espresso. It is less dark and acidic than espresso. You need to add 3 ounces of hot water to 2 ounces of espresso. Americano is very similar to the normal drip coffee. Its flavor is similar to that of black coffee.
Cappuccino has an espresso that is mixed with milk. After adding espresso to the mug, steamed milk is poured in and then foamed milk is added. You can add cocoa or cinnamon powder on top for an extra flavor.
Latte is also a variety of espresso. It includes the same ingredients as cappuccino; the difference is in the ratios. To make a latte you need to have 2 ounces of espresso. Then pour 10 ounces of steamed milk and 2 ml of foamed milk. It contains less foam than a cappuccino. You can add extra flavor like vanilla to it.
Mochas are ideal for those with a sweet tooth. It is made with liquid chocolate. The ratio is 2 ounces of espresso, 2 ounces of liquid chocolate, and 1 ounce of steamed milk. So, if you like the chocolaty flavor of the coffee then you should choose mocha.
Starbucks has made Frappuccino well known among coffee lovers around the world. It is iced coffee that has whipped cream and syrup on top. Even the kids love it.
This coffee has recently become very popular. It is made by whipping instant coffee with sugar and hot water until a creamy froth is formed. Then it is added to cold or hot milk.
Those who are very picky about coffee, often don’t like instant coffee. But if you are outdoors in a camp, for example, it is better to have instant coffee than not to have any coffee at all. All you need to do is just pour water on the coffee.
Now you know the differences between different types of coffees. Of course, there are many other types of coffees; but these are the common ones. You also know about the type of beans and roasting methods that may affect the flavor and taste of the coffee. Next time you go to a coffee shop, choose coffee like a pro!
