Coffee Science: In-depth understanding of coffee production, tasting and culture

The origin of coffee

Coffee is a beverage made from coffee beans that originated in Africa. According to legend, coffee was discovered in the 9th century by a shepherd named Kaldi. He noticed that his sheep became unusually active after eating the berries of a plant. So he tried eating the berries himself and found that it kept people awake and energetic.

Coffee making process

There are many steps to making delicious coffee. The first step is to choose the right coffee beans. Beans from different regions have different tastes and flavors. Then the beans are ground into powder, and you can choose different coarseness according to your personal preference.

Next comes the brewing process. The most common, simple and quick method is to use a drip brewer or a French press. Drip brewing requires putting the ground coffee into a filter paper, adding an appropriate amount of boiling water and waiting for the water to fall into the cup through the filter. For a French press, put the ground coffee into the pot, add an appropriate amount of boiling water and stir evenly, then press the piston to isolate the coffee grounds.

In addition to drip brewing and French press, there are other brewing methods such as Italian cooker, hand pour, etc. Each method can bring a different taste and flavor experience.

Coffee tasting

Tasting a good cup of coffee requires savoring its aroma, acidity, sweetness, and bitterness. First, smell the aroma emanating from the coffee cup, which is the first step to judging its quality. Then take a small sip and let it stay on your tongue for a while to feel the acidity and sweetness. Finally, pay attention to the bitterness and whether it lasts.

Beans produced in different regions have their own characteristics, and you should also pay attention to the flavor differences they bring when tasting. For example, Ethiopian beans are often considered to have a strong floral and fruity aroma, while Colombian beans are characterized by the acidity and sweetness of citrus fruits.

Coffee Culture

Coffee is not only a drink, but also a culture. Many countries have their own unique coffee culture. For example, Italians like to enjoy strong espresso in the morning; Turks like to boil ground coffee beans with water and pour the foam into the cup.

In addition, coffee has become an indispensable element in social and leisure activities. People often choose to relax with a cup of fragrant coffee when gathering with friends, holding business meetings or reading.

Conclusion

By gaining a deeper understanding of coffee making, tasting and culture, we can better appreciate the joy of this delicious drink. Whether it's starting with choosing the right beans or savoring the differences in flavor, there's something new to discover at every step. And the rich and diverse international coffee culture makes one of the world's most popular beverages even more interesting.