You might have heard many times before that all coffee tastes the same, but is it really like that? We don’t think so, and here’re pertinent reasons why!
Your coffee flavour is a matter of chemistry, as various chemical reactions are involved in preparing that much-needed cup of coffee in the morning. But apart from the complicated – and still in its early stages of research – chemistry behind a delicious cup of coffee, there are also things such as variety, brew recipe, roast profile, and processing method that contribute to the aroma. Surely, if you’re a true coffee lover, you’ll know that not all coffee tastes the same and that its flavour varies from floral and tea-like to earthy and sweet. You probably know that there’s also no random step in preparing a mouth-watering coffee, and factors like the grind, temperature, and time can also determine its taste.
For a better understanding of the flavour-influencing factors of this beverage, often called lifeblood, read on.
Before diving into factors like variety and farming practices, we’ve found it useful to clear out that your coffee machine also plays a crucial role as regards the beverage taste.
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The equipment used
You’d be surprised by how much the quality of the brewing equipment counts toward the flavour of your morning coffee. Every brewing equipment involves specific brewing variables and techniques, so it’s unlikely, if not impossible, for all coffee to taste the same. Everything from the infusion duration to the coffee-to-water ratio is accountable for the taste of your coffee. That’s why it’s important to choose your coffee machine very carefully, especially if you’re a true enthusiast.
Any barista will tell you that coffee taste depends on the brewing machine, and they’re definitely right. But the thing is that it’s expensive to buy your coffee every morning from a barista, so the best you can do is to invest in a top-notch coffee maker. Depending on how much you want to invest, you can buy machines rendering custom brewing options. A good coffee maker also lets you choose the type of coffee and the perfect amount for every member of your family. Nonetheless, you don’t have to worry too much about the price, as you can find the best coffee maker under 200 if you know where to look.
Coffee, expresso, or a hybrid? The choice is yours! There are a bunch of options you can choose from – a drip coffee maker, thermal coffee maker, and dual coffee maker or a coffee maker with a grinder and a single-serve coffee maker. Today’s range of coffee machines is made to suit any taste, need, and of course, budget.
Still no idea about what to choose? Sites like https://coffeemakerspecialist.com/ can help you in this regard, so if you’re in search of a practical yet advanced machine, you’re likely to find it there.
Variety
Just like wine varies in taste depending on the grapes’ variety, so does coffee. There’re more than one hundred species of coffee, but the most common ones are Arabica and Robusta. 98 percent of the global coffee production actually comes from these types, while the remaining 2 percent comes from Liberica – a quite rare type of coffee. However, these types are planted in different parts of the world, so their flavour is likely influenced by the climate of that region and growing conditions. Arabica species, for example, are usually produced in Colombia, Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Brazil due to the specific climate and soil these regions have in common. People often allude to the quality of coffee by linking it with its origin country. Ethiopia, for example, is the home of coffee, being famous for its tropical citric and fruit aromas. Brazil, on the other hand, plants coffee that is best recognised for its nutty, chocolatey flavour. If your morning coffee tastes a bit winey or similar to blackcurrant, it’s likely to come from Kenya, a country popular for its SL34 and SL28 varieties.
Farming practices
One of the most significant factors influencing the coffee flavour is represented by the practices of the farm growing the coffee. Everything from the pruning regimen to using chemicals impacts the crop’s taste. Picking is also crucial – close attention must be given to the ripeness status of the cherries and the manner used to pick them. As with most plants, coffee cherries don’t ripen uniformly, so a picking machine is not the best idea. Such equipment gathers all the cherries, regardless of their ripeness, so unripe cherries will likely find their way into the harvest. You might wonder why we use “cherries” instead of “beans”. Well, coffee as we know it undergoes various production processes, including removing the cherry (fruit) skin and pulp to obtain the seeds (later on, beans), drying, milling, and roasting.
Roast style
Coffee roasting plays a critical role in shaping the flavour and aroma of beans. During roasting, several chemical reactions happen inside the coffee beans, so the roast style will likely depend on these reactions. As a general rule, the less a bean is roasted, the more flavourful, but it’s not always that simple to obtain the perfect roast, as different types of coffee require different roasting styles. Lightly roasted coffee is typically associated with a delicate, elegant taste, whereas a dark roast is synonymous with a bold flavour and smoky undertones. Of course, it’s a matter of preference here, as some consumers will always be happy to taste a cup as described in the latter case.
The roaster will decide on the roasting style based on their knowledge in the field. It’s essential for them to realise the coffee’s full potential so they can craft a roast profile suitable for a particular set of beans. It’s not as approachable as light and dark – roast colour can easily lead to confusion. What matters most is the actual roasting peculiarities taken into account during the process – timing, drum speed, charge temperature, cooling speed, and rise rate.
After so much talk about coffee, aren’t you craving one cup?