Coffee for Beginners: Basic Knowledge

The origin of coffee

Coffee is a beverage made from ground coffee beans that originated in Africa. According to legend, a shepherd named Kaldi Sheikh Abdullahi discovered the magical effects of coffee beans. He noticed that his sheep became excited and active after eating a certain red berry. So he tried eating a few of the berries and felt more energetic.

Coffee tree and coffee beans

Coffee trees belong to the Rubiaceae family and are mainly distributed in Asia, Africa, Latin America, etc. They usually grow at high altitudes and prefer warm and humid climatic conditions.

A mature coffee tree will produce cherry-sized coffee beans with a red or yellow outer skin covered with two inner cores (the so-called "peeled" "bullets"). These cores are what we call "coffee beans". Coffee beans produced in different regions have different characteristics and flavors.

Coffee Processing

After being picked, coffee beans need to go through a series of processing steps to become the coffee we know as coffee. First, the picked coffee cherries must be removed from the skin and pulp. This process is usually done by soaking the coffee cherries in water to ferment them, and then rinsing them with water.

Next, the washed coffee beans are dried until the moisture content is reduced to a suitable level. They are then roasted and processed at high temperatures to enhance their aroma and taste.

Different types of coffee

There are many types and varieties of coffee in the world, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some common types:

• Arabica: Arabica is one of the most popular and widely used varieties. It has low bitterness, high acidity, and a floral aroma.
• Robusta: Robusta is another common coffee variety. It has a higher bitterness and caffeine content, making it suitable for full-bodied Italian coffee.
• Special origin coffee: Some regions are known for their unique soil and climate conditions, producing coffee with unique flavors. For example, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is known for its soft taste and rich aroma.

Brewing a good cup of coffee

To brew a delicious cup of coffee, you need to pay attention to the following key points:

1. Choose high-quality beans: It is very important to buy beans that are fresh and of good quality. Try to choose whole beans and grind them into powder before use.
2. Control water temperature and ratio: The water temperature should be kept between 90°C-96°C, and the appropriate ratio should be adjusted according to the beans used.
3. Choose the right utensils: Different brewing methods require different utensils, such as a French press, drip coffee maker, or espresso machine.
4. Pay attention to the brewing time: different brewing methods require different times. Too long or too short a brewing time will affect the taste.

Coffee Culture and Customs

Around the world, people have different cultures and customs regarding coffee. Here are some famous examples:

• Italy: Italy is one of the most important representatives of strong coffee culture. Here, people usually like to drink espresso and regard it as an indispensable part of social and leisure activities.
• Turkey: Turkey is another country known around the world for its unique way of drinking. They make traditional Turkish coffee by grinding it very finely and adding spices, then slowly settling it in boiling water.
• United States: The United States is famous for its fast, convenient and popular coffee culture. People usually choose to buy a cup of freshly ground coffee in a coffee shop, or use a home coffee machine to brew their favorite flavor.

Conclusion

Through this article, we have learned about the origin, processing and different types of coffee. At the same time, we have also learned how to brew a cup of delicious coffee and explored different coffee cultures and customs around the world. I hope these basics can help you get started better and enjoy this delicious drink.