Coffee Academy: Explore the Basics of Coffee

The origin of coffee

Coffee is a beverage made from coffee beans that originated in Ethiopia, Africa. Legend has it that a shepherd noticed that his sheep became unusually active after eating a red berry. So he tried the berry and found that it had a refreshing effect. This is the story of how coffee was discovered.

Coffee tree and coffee beans

Coffee trees belong to the Rubiaceae family and are usually between 5 and 10 meters tall. They grow in hot and humid climates and require lots of sunlight and adequate rainfall to thrive. Each mature coffee tree can produce tens or even hundreds of kilograms of coffee beans.

Main varieties

There are two main varieties in the world: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is of higher quality and has a smoother and more delicate taste; Robusta is more bitter and astringent. Different varieties are suitable for different taste preferences.

Coffee Processing

After coffee beans are picked from the tree, they need to go through a series of processing steps to become the coffee we know as coffee. First, the skin is removed, then the beans are dried or fermented, and finally roasted. Each link in this process will have an impact on the final result.

Coffee roasting

Roasting is the process of heating green beans to a specific temperature to change their color, aroma and flavor characteristics. Light roasting produces a lighter color, higher acidity, fragrant and bright aroma coffee; medium to dark roasting will make the coffee darker, richer in flavor but more bitter.

Brewing method

Brewing involves contacting ground or powdered coffee with water to extract its dissolved substances and flavor characteristics. Common brewing methods include drip, pressure (such as espresso machines and French presses), and steeping (such as Turkish coffee and cold brew). Each method produces a different taste and flavor.

Caffeine Content

Caffeine is a stimulant found naturally in coffee. Arabica varieties are generally lower in caffeine, while Robusta is higher in caffeine. Drinking coffee in moderation can be a wake-up call, but excessive intake can lead to adverse effects.

Health Benefits

Moderate coffee consumption is thought to have health benefits. Research suggests it may reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and improve cognitive function. However, individual differences exist, and excessive intake may still have negative effects on some people.

Conclusion

By learning these basics, we can better understand and appreciate the charm of coffee. Whether it is tasting different types of coffee or exploring different brewing methods, we can all discover our own unique coffee experience in this diverse and creative field.