Brewing a cup of coffee is easy enough, but there's so much more to know about this delicious beverage! From its beginnings as an energizing drink for Ethiopians to its current status as a worldwide morning necessity, coffee has come a long way. Read on to learn everything there is to know about coffee.
Brewing Methods
There are seemingly endless ways to brew a cup of coffee, but they can all be classified into one of four methods: drip, pour-over, cold brew, and espresso. Drip brewing is the most common method - hot water drips over ground coffee beans and filters into a carafe or mug below. Pour-over brewing is similar, but the water is poured over the grounds in a slow, controlled fashion. Cold brew is made by steeping grounds in cold water for 12 hours or more; it results in a less acidic, smoother cup of coffee. Finally, espresso is made by forcing hot water through tightly packed grounds at high pressure. It's the base for many popular coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Coffee Grades
The vast majority of the world's coffee production is divided into three grades: Arabica, Robusta, and Excelsa. Arabica beans make up around 75% of global production and are prized for their sweetness, acidity, and complex flavor profiles. Robusta beans are easier to grow and have twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans, making them popular for use in instant coffees and energy drinks. Excelsa beans are relatively rare - they make up less than 2% of global production - but they offer a sweet, nutty flavor that's often used in blends.
Conclusion:
From its humble beginnings in Ethiopia to its current status as a worldwide morning staple, coffee has come a long way. With so many different ways to brew it and so many different types of beans to choose from, there's something out there for everyone. Whether you like your coffee black or with multiple flavors added in, hot or cold, weak or strong, there's a perfect cup of coffee out there waiting for you!
Want to know what is the best Italian coffee? Check out our guide here!
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