Coffee Basics Course: Learn more about the charm and skills of coffee

Coffee Basics Course: Learn more about the charm and skills of coffee

Coffee, as a popular drink, has become an indispensable part of people's lives. However, for most people, they simply enjoy a cup of coffee every morning, and do not really understand the rich knowledge and skills hidden behind coffee. Therefore, in this article, we will take you to explore the charm and skills of coffee in depth.

1. Origin and history of coffee

To truly understand and appreciate coffee, we first need to understand its origin and history. According to legend, the first person to discover and use coffee beans to make a drink was a shepherd named Kaldi in Ethiopia. He noticed that his sheep became unusually active after eating a certain red fruit, and gave these fruits to monks to try to make a drink that could keep them awake and focused during long prayer ceremonies. Since then, coffee has spread around the world.

2. Coffee varieties and origins

There are many different varieties and origins of coffee, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. The two most common main coffee varieties are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica coffee generally has a softer, aromatic and complex taste, while Robusta is stronger, bitter and contains a higher caffeine content.

In addition, different countries and regions also affect the taste of the coffee beans they produce with their unique climate conditions, soil quality and other factors. For example, Brazil is one of the world's largest coffee producers, and the beans grown there usually have a nutty and sweet taste; Colombia is famous for its high balance and moderate acidity; Kenya is known for its bright and rich citrus flavor.

3. Coffee bean processing and roasting

The processing and roasting of coffee beans has an important impact on the final taste of coffee. First, when the coffee beans are picked, they need to be peeled, fermented, washed and other steps to remove the pulp and mucus. Then, these processed beans are dried and stored in a specific environment for storage.

Next is the roasting stage, which is a very critical step. By controlling the temperature and time, the moisture inside the coffee beans can be evaporated and the aroma compounds can be produced, and the surface can become golden or dark brown. Different degrees of roasting will result in coffee with different flavor characteristics: light roasting usually has a brighter and floral aroma; medium to deep roasting is more intense and has flavors such as cocoa and nuts.

4. Coffee extraction and brewing

A cup of delicious coffee is inseparable from the correct and precise extraction and brewing techniques. The most common and popular coffee extraction methods are dripping and immersion.

In the drip method, ground coffee is placed on a paper filter and warm water is poured through it. This method generally produces a clean, milder coffee.

The immersion method, on the other hand, involves mixing a certain proportion of ground coffee with the right amount of warm water, and then letting pressure or gravity separate the liquid after a period of time. This method generally produces a fuller, richer-tasting cup of coffee.

5. Coffee Culture and Art

In addition to the technical understanding of coffee, we cannot ignore the rich and diverse culture and art behind it. From espresso to latte art, each country and region has its own unique and fascinating way to express their love for coffee.

For example, in Italy, espresso is considered the most authentic and representative way to enjoy coffee, while in Japan, latte art has become a popular coffee culture, where people show their creativity by skillfully pouring milk into espresso to form various shapes and patterns.

Conclusion

In summary, coffee is a profound and fascinating subject. By gaining a deeper understanding of its origins, varieties, processing and roasting processes, as well as extraction and brewing techniques, we can better appreciate and enjoy the rich culture and art behind this delicious drink.