Coffee for Beginners: Learn the Basics of Coffee

The origin of coffee

Coffee is a beverage made from ground coffee beans. It originated in Ethiopia, Africa. According to legend, in the 9th century AD, a shepherd found that his sheep became unusually active after eating the fruit of a plant. So he also tried to eat the fruit and found that it could keep people awake and energetic. This is the earliest legend about the origin of coffee.

Classification of coffee beans

Coffee beans can be divided into several different types according to factors such as origin and quality. The most common ones are Arabica and Robusta.

Arabica beans are considered to be high-quality beans with a delicate taste and rich aroma. They are usually grown in areas with higher altitudes and warm and humid climates, such as Colombia, Brazil and other countries.

Robusta beans are cheaper and contain more caffeine. They are adaptable and can grow at lower altitudes and in harsh climates. Robusta beans are often used to make strong Italian coffee.

Coffee roasting

Roasting is the process of heating coffee beans to a certain temperature to produce a special aroma and taste. According to the different degrees of roasting, coffee beans can be divided into light roasting, medium roasting and dark roasting.

Light roasting retains the sourness and floral aroma of the original coffee beans, and is suitable for people who like a light taste. Medium roasting is more balanced, with both sourness and bitterness, and a balanced and lasting aftertaste to a certain extent. Deep roasting makes the coffee beans shiny and exudes a rich and bitter taste.

Brewing method

Brewing is the process of mixing ground or pulverized coffee with water to extract its components and create a drinkable liquid (what we call "drinking"). Here are a few common brewing methods:

1. Drip coffee: Put the ground coffee into the filter paper, and then slowly pour boiling water into the filter. This method is simple and easy, suitable for home use.

2. French press: Coarsely ground coffee beans are mixed with boiling water, and then the coffee grounds are separated by a press rod. This method produces a rich and mellow coffee.

3. Espresso machine: This machine uses high pressure to produce a stronger, creamier espresso. This machine usually uses specially designed and formulated capsules or powder cubes.

Tasting and evaluation

Tasting is the process of appreciating and evaluating the quality and taste of a good cup of coffee. The following are some common factors used to taste and evaluate the quality of coffee:

1. Aroma: Smell the freshly brewed coffee, it should have a pleasant and enticing aroma.

2. Acidity: Acidity refers to the sourness of coffee, which can make the coffee more refreshing and lively.

3. Sweetness: Sweetness does not mean that the coffee itself has sugar, but refers to the natural sweetness in the coffee. High-quality coffee usually has a soft and lasting sweetness.

4. Aftertaste: The feeling left in the mouth after taking a sip of coffee is called aftertaste. A good aftertaste should last for a long time and be pleasant.

Conclusion

By understanding the basics, we can better appreciate and enjoy a cup of delicious coffee. From origin to classification, roasting, brewing to tasting and evaluation, each link has an important impact on the final result. I hope this article can help you get started and make you more confident and interesting when exploring the rich and diverse coffee culture!