Coffee is an exquisite and beloved by many drinks with a deep taste and unique aroma with light bitterness. To make this drink even more tasty and aromatic, various additives are added to it.
Some people think that flavored coffee does some harm. However, this is not quite true. If you choose a quality product, then it will not harm health. Very popular is coffee with a light aroma of hazelnuts, vanilla, chocolate, citrus, liqueur.
What are the varieties of coffee
All types and varieties of coffee can be divided into 4 main groups, which determine the type of drink. In particular, there are such varieties as:
- arabica;
- robusta;
- excelsa;
- Liberica
Each group has its own specific properties, different in grain and taste. Much depends on the country and the area where it grows. The main varieties are robusta and arabica. Liberica and excels have a very rich bitter taste, so they are added to other varieties to give a more original bouquet.
Arabica has a mild delicate taste and contains a minimum of caffeine. It turns out a pleasant drink with a light aroma. The coffee tree itself is very moody. People appreciate arabica, which is grown only on the slopes of the mountains.
Robusta is an unpretentious tree that withstands temperature extremes and depleted soil, while producing a large number of fruits. However, its grains contain a lot of caffeine, which gives bitterness. But he also has admirers.
Features of Flavored Coffee
This is an interesting novelty. Many constantly add various spices and fillers in the form of milk and cream to this drink. Some even put orange zest. Coffee can be prepared in various ways, choosing for yourself the most delicious option.
It is possible to make a fragrant drink on your own by adding cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, other spices and spices. However, complex tastes such as amaretto, caramel and Turin chocolate are much more difficult to reproduce. In this case, you can buy flavored coffee.
Manufacturers produce it with different tastes. For the manufacture of flavored coffee beans can be used natural components, as well as substances obtained by chemical means. The difference is that the former have a milder and more natural taste, while the latter have bright and rich properties.
For the manufacture of flavored coffee beans, products of the highest Arabica varieties of various degrees of roasting are used, which are then saturated by spraying special additives on them. Sometimes only grain packaging is processed. In this case, the coffee acquires only a light aroma. The most important thing is to adhere to the technology.
It is worth storing grains in an airtight and dry container so that the aroma does not evaporate. Grinding them on a coffee grinder is better just before consumption in the required amount.
Harm and Benefit
Flavored coffee has a unique taste and smell. This is just a great way to please yourself. For example, you can drink a cup of a liquor-flavored drink and not be afraid to drive, as there is no alcohol in it. In addition, you can enjoy coffee with the aroma of chocolate, without fear of spoiling the figure.
However, if you drink too much of this drink, you can harm your health. Many consume ground aromatic coffee in large quantities, and this can harm the cardiovascular system. In addition, with a special treatment of grains, useful components disappear from them, as well as antioxidants that slow down the aging process. However, if you observe the measure of consumption of this drink, you can enjoy the unique taste and aroma.
What are the types
Specialists divide flavored coffee into four main groups, namely:
- floral and fruity;
- nutty milk;
- chocolate;
- alcoholic.
Amaretto and Irish whiskey are among the alcoholic varieties. The first is characterized by the special taste of the coffee drink, complemented by the soft aroma of liquor. The second is a pleasant and rich drink with a bright finish of Irish whiskey.
The nut-milk group should include:
- Hawaiian nut - tart drink with a nut flavor;
- vanilla cream - the taste of cream and sweet vanilla is felt in coffee;
- cream almonds - coffee bitterness goes well with the aroma of almonds.
Flower and fruit group is quite diverse. It includes:
- cinnamon - a strong drink is complemented by a rich aroma of spice;
- red orange - has an invigorating note and freshness of citrus in its taste;
- cardamom - an original combination for those who like a tart or island flavor;
- coffee with cream should be attributed to the dessert category; after consuming the drink, a note of sweet strawberries remains.
Chocolate species include almonds, tiramisu and Bavarian chocolate. Tiramisu is well suited to all lovers of this famous dessert. It gives the drink a sweetness. Bavarian chocolate is a dessert coffee with a sweet, pleasant aftertaste. Chocolate almonds combine the sweetness of chocolate and the light taste of almonds.
What beans are used
The type of beans significantly affects the taste of the finished drink. It is believed that coffee beans contain more than 800 different compounds that affect taste. In particular, they include:
- organic acids;
- carbohydrates;
- mineral salts;
- sugar;
- aroma oils;
- caffeine.
The taste of coffee beans largely depends on the place of growth and how they were roasted. The name is mainly indicated by country of origin along with additional information. Arabica grains are used mainly for flavoring, as they have a low level of bitterness and acidity.
What supplements are used
To make flavored coffee beans, natural or synthetic additives are used. Natural oils are extracted from various sources, in particular, such as: vanilla, cocoa beans, berries and nuts. Also, in coffee aromas, cloves, cinnamon, chicory are often used quite often.
The synthetic taste is represented by chemicals. It can be a woody or nutty flavor, which is made using 2,4 dimethyl-5-acetylthiazole. To achieve certain flavoring aromas, several different oils are mixed. Coffee flavors may include up to 80 different compounds. Almost any taste and smell can be reproduced.
Pure flavoring compounds are highly concentrated and must be diluted in a solvent. For this, alcohol, water, vegetable oils, propylene glycol are used. These solvents are removed from coffee beans by drying.
How is it made
Modern technology makes it easy to make cereal and instant flavored coffee. Many prefer to try new, even the most unusual options and flavor combinations.
However, not everyone knows how to make flavored coffee. You can smell the grains with the packaging. To do this, aromatic substances are sprayed onto its inner side using a spray gun. This technology allows you to process paper bags and cans.
Aromatization occurs at a time when the still empty can moves along the conveyor. Then grains are poured into the container, which eventually acquire a stable aroma, but will not change their rich coffee taste.
Aromatization of grains is almost the same technology. For this, aromatic substances are sprayed onto the beans. This allows you to change the taste and aroma of the finished drink. Additional notes appear in it, depending on which additives were used.
You can also make flavored coffee in a coffee machine. For this, grains should be taken. They are grinded in a coffee grinder and only after that pass through flavored steam and hot water in a coffee machine or coffee machine. In this way, the desired type of beverage can be brewed. You can create unique, simply amazing treats.
How aromatic oils are added
Aromatic additives are mainly added to freshly roasted coffee beans. They are placed in a large mixer, which is specially designed for this. In it, the grains fall gently and are not damaged.
Fragrances are introduced mainly through a mechanism under pressure by spraying. As a result, the oils turn into microscopic droplets, which contributes to better mixing. Oils must be added gradually to prevent the formation of areas with a high concentration of taste.
Grains need to be mixed for a certain time to ensure uniform distribution of flavor. This process takes approximately 15-30 minutes, depending on the characteristics of the oil and the size of the batch. When the grains are completely coated with oil, they become glossy.
Flavors are also used dry. In this case, they are mixed with ground coffee. The aromas are enclosed in starch or other powdered composition.
Packaging
Natural flavored coffee is packaged in bags or jars as quickly as possible and sealed to prevent contact with oxygen. Before packing, the container is purged with nitrogen to remove air from the container.
Oxygen can react with components of essential oils and grains, which leads to a deterioration in the quality of the finished product. Roasted coffee after contact with air begins to give off its essential oils. Processing the container with nitrogen before filling it expels all the oxygen and provides long-lasting freshness.
Flavored coffee should be stored in a darkened cool place if it is used within 3-4 weeks. If longer storage is required, then the grains can be frozen.
How to choose a quality product
Flavored coffee receives mostly positive reviews, as many people like unusual flavor combinations. However, to enjoy a delicious drink, you need to choose the right grains. Their surface should be slightly oily. This indicates that they are saturated with aromatic oils in sufficient quantities.
Try to take one coffee bean and rub it in your hands. If you hear aroma, then this is a quality product. In addition, you need to pay attention to its expiration date, the composition of flavorings and storage conditions in the store.
How to make a fragrant drink yourself
To do this, you need to take coffee beans, spices and spices, essential oils from spicy plants. Take a dry and clean glass jar, pour 100-200 g of coffee beans into it. Put in a jar of spices in a ratio of 1: 3. They should be whole, not crushed, as otherwise strong bitterness may appear.
Close the jar and shake well. Put in a dry, dark place for 5-6 days. When the grains absorb the aroma of spices, carefully sort them out and separate from the additives. Then make coffee in the usual way. Edible oils can also be used for flavoring.
How to brew
Many people wonder if flavored coffee can be poured into a coffee machine, and how best to cook it. It is recommended to brew it in a Turk or a French press, as aromatic oils can clog the coffee grinder of the coffee machine, which will lead to its breakdown.
You can make delicious coffee. To do this, beat the ice with cream until foamy, add a little coconut syrup. Put a little condensed milk in a glass, pour in the prepared mixture and in small portions - coffee. If everything is done correctly, then all components will be placed in layers. Serve a drink with a straw.