All about coffee

Types of Coffee

There are two main species of bean:

Robusta is grown at lower altitudes.
It has a high yield per plant and high caffeine content.
It has a stronger flavour than Arabica with a full body and a woody aftertaste.
It is useful in creating blends and in instant coffee.
Robusta is mainly grown in:
Western and Central Africa
Indonesia

Arabica grows at higher altitudes.
Although it has a lower yield and less caffeine content, it is widely recognised to be superior to Robusta.
It has a delicate acidic flavour, a refined aroma and a caramel aftertaste.
Arabica is mainly grown in:
Central America & South America
India

Some Thoughts on Preparing the Perfect Coffee

The perfect cup of coffee starts with freshly roasted beans. While roasted whole bean coffee stays fresh for about 1 week, ground coffee becomes stale after as little as 2 hours.

Grind Size
The grind size will affect the final taste of your coffee.
Most coffees do well on a medium grind if you are using automatic drip machines.
The finer the grind, the greater the yield.
However, it is important to match the correct grind size to the brewing method to achieve a good taste.
A good espresso requires a fine consistent grind.
French Press method will require a coarser setting for coffee.
A good coffee grinder will offer different grind settings; course, medium, fine and very fine.

Water Quality
The quality of the water used is essential to the outcome of the coffee.
Only use cold, freshly drawn water which is chemical-free

Proportions
The proper portioning is 2 heaping tablespoons of coffee for each 6 oz. of fresh and extremely hot water.
If you prefer your coffee a little weaker, add hot water to your cup after you brew.

Brewing
There is such a variety of brewing equipment available on the market today; manual infusion, the press or plunger, the vacuum pot or glass balloon, the pumping percolator, and the most commonly used, the drip pot.
Whatever you choose to use, follow the advice below:
1. Water used in brewing should be very hot. Hot water extracts the oils and the aromatic flavours from the bean, resulting in the best brew.
2. The water should saturate the grounds thoroughly, taking from 4 to 6 minutes. The timing is critical since it gives the coffee the proper infusion time with water at the proper temperature. If any longer than 8 minutes, the coffee will become bitter.
3. Fresh brewed coffee should be consumed immediately. After about 20 minutes, it rapidly loses its flavour and aroma.

Types of Coffee Drinks

Espresso or Short Black, a one ounce shot of rich, full bodied dark coffee with a silky layer of cream.
Espresso Lungo, the opposite of a ristretto, made by adding an ounce or two of hot water to a single espresso to make a milder or "long" cup.
Espresso Americano or Long Black, a standard Espresso served on top of hot water, served in a tall glass or regular sized coffee cup. The coffee is added to the glass of hot water to help maintain the layer of cream at the top of the glass.
Latte, a standard Espresso with hot milk topped by a small layer of silky milk foam, usually served in a glass.
Cappuccino, a standard Espresso with silky foamed milk poured into it, topped with a dusting of chocolate powder.
Macchiato, a standard Espresso with just a dash of milk added, served in a small espresso cup.
Ristretto, a half shot of Espresso
Doppio, a double Espresso.
Flat white, a standard Espresso with hot milk, no foam.
Mocha, a standard Espresso, hot chocolate and hot milk served in a glass.
Cafe Freddo, a standard Espresso, served chilled. However you prepare your coffee, you may also want to look into the range of coffee and other beverages to be found in many of today`s food hampers. Whether a gift to your nearest and dearest or indeed to yourself, current offerings allow you to choose by food genre and may surprise even the most cynical of palettes.