Espresso, cappuccino, latte, mocha, americano - these flavored drinks have become an integral part of everyday life. In our review you will find all the secrets of coffee, namely the names, composition and methods of preparation.
Originally from Ethiopia
The most famous legend attributes the discovery of coffee to the Ethiopian shepherd Kaldi. It was he who noticed the strange behavior of his goats, who, after eating the dark red fruits and leaves of the coffee tree, were in an excited state at night. Kaldi told his monk about his observation, and he decided to conduct his own experiment.
A decoction of grains gave the monks vivacity during prayers and relieved fatigue. After some time, they improved the recipe and learned to fry and grind the grains.
The journey begins
The habit of drinking coffee gradually strengthened in the Arab countries, but the method of preparation was a bit strange. With the help of ground coffee beans, milk and animal fat, the Arabs made balls that relieved fatigue on the road.
In the XIII century, the grains began to dry, fry, grind and pour hot water. In addition, the drink was mixed with milk and aromatic cinnamon and ginger were added.
Through the Ottoman Empire, where the first coffee shop was opened , coffee came to Europe. It was in Vienna that the merchant Yuri-Franz Kulchitsky created Viennese coffee with milk and sugar. A few years later, a real epidemic swept Europe.
The appearance of a drink in Russia is most often associated with Peter the Great, who forced his "closest" drinkers to drink it. An incredible amount of strong coffee was drunk by Catherine the Great. In addition, the empress discovered the cosmetic properties of grains.
Since the 18th century, the coffee tree has been growing in many tropical countries. Slightly less than half of world production falls on Brazil. On an industrial scale, only two varieties of coffee trees are grown - arabica and robusta.
Coffee composition
Fans of a fragrant drink, of course, know that the combination of substances in coffee beans depends on the growing conditions and soil. During the roasting of grains, hundreds of different compounds are formed.
Coffee Composition:
- Protein substances.
- Carbohydrates. Studies have found that in raw grains, depending on the variety, fructose and glucose are present. However, during heat treatment, there is a fluctuation in the quantity and composition of monosugars.
- Tannin.
- Chlorogenic acids.
- Heterocyclic alkaloids and polyamines. Glucoside, theophylline, nicotinic acid, theobromine and, of course, caffeine. The content of the latter component, by the way, affects the quality of coffee.
Arabica
As we have said, Arabica (Coffea Arabica) is the most cultivated species, which accounts for up to 90% of coffee plantings in the world. The homeland of the plant is Ethiopia (Southwest), but today evergreen shrubs grow in Latin America, Indonesia and India.
Names of coffee are given based on regions. For example, there are “Arabica Bali”, “Arabica Burundi”, “Arabica Brazil Santos”, “Arabica Ethiopia Sidamo”, “Arabica Panama”, “Arabica Dominican Republic” and others.
Robusta
Congolese coffee, or robusta, is unpretentious to conditions. Resistance to diseases, productivity, low-cost production - in this regard, robusta significantly exceeds Arabica. However, in terms of sophistication and quality, arabica has a leading position.
Robusta has a powerful aroma and contains twice as much caffeine, so most often it is added to a mixture of espresso or instant coffee. Jacobs is a famous coffee brand whose products are a mixture of robusta and arabica (Jacobs Monarch). The company was founded in 1895 by the German entrepreneur Johann Jacobs. Turati Classica is another brand where coffee contains robusta grains.
Today, the best varieties are used for production, which grow in Brazil at a height of at least 600 meters above sea level.
Vietnamese coffee
In second place after Brazil is Vietnam. More than 600 thousand hectares are occupied by coffee plantations. The agricultural sector is several hundred thousand farmers, because the trees are harvested almost all year round.
It is the Vietnamese producers that are considered one of the best due to the ability to competently and harmoniously combine different types of coffee.
Traditional Vietnamese coffee differs, first of all, in the way of preparation. Instead of cow's milk, locals use condensed milk.
Condensed milk is poured in large quantities to the bottom of the cup, then a special filter (fin) is placed on top. After this, coarsely ground grains (a few teaspoons) are added, and the mixture is pressed and poured with boiled water. Within a few minutes, a thick concentrate forms, in which ice is added or filled with hot water.
Kopi luwak
Do you choose coffee? The names of plantations and varieties can completely confuse you. Some fans of a fragrant drink simply choose the most expensive form in the world, without burdening themselves with searches.
If you still don’t know how much Kopi Luwak coffee costs, get ready. From $ 400 to $ 1,000 per kilogram of grains - this is the price that is considered acceptable when selling the most exclusive and sophisticated brand.
Incredibly delicate taste with a light chocolate tint - the merit of far from talented farmers. The secret lies in the collaboration of people and palm civet. This small animal, which is also called Luwak and Chon, eats the most ripe berries of coffee trees.
Under the influence of enzymes in the stomach of the chon, bitterness disappears in the berries and a unique taste appears with a pleasant acidity and a chocolate tint. Processed and naturally released product is collected and thoroughly cleaned, and then fried in a special way.
The most expensive Kopi Luwak is obtained from the litter of animals living in the wild. Thus, only a few kilograms are released per year.
On the islands of Java and Bali, in Indonesia and Sumatra, even plantations were created where whole flocks of palm civet are kept. However, coffee processed by animals in captivity does not have that unique taste.
Monkey coffee
For a long time, Kopi Luwak was the only variety obtained in such an unusual way. But more recently, Taiwanese farmers introduced Monkey Coffee.
Monkeys living on the slopes of the Formosa Mountains were first considered pests. They plucked coffee fruits, ate the pulp, and the grains simply spit out. Once, local residents decided to collect grain, rinse and fry. A new drink with the scent of vanilla was to the taste of buyers and tourists.
Have you already guessed how much coffee costs from monkeys? That's right, several times cheaper than Kopi Luwak, or rather, only $ 45-50 per kilogram.
How to save?
You do not have to buy Kopi Luwak to enjoy a flavored drink. We will tell you how to choose a budget option.
You probably already guessed that the cheapest coffee is robusta. However, in its pure form, tasters do not recommend drinking it, and a double portion of caffeine is unlikely to be beneficial.
It is best to opt for a mixture of two popular species, but take into account several factors:
- the ratio of robusta and arabica in the blend;
- degree of roasting;
- place of growth (crops grown in lowland plantations will cost less than in high mountain regions).
Cooking methods
The coffee culture in each country has its own characteristics. A professional barista knows all the ways of cooking, but what coffee is better, it's up to you.
- In the east. Long before the advent of modern coffee machines, the drink was prepared using a cezve (or turkish). Very finely ground coffee is poured into a small vessel with a long handle, which is poured with cold water and simmered over low heat. In ancient times it was customary to heat a cezve in the sand. Strong coffee is sure to serve a glass of water.
- French press. Such coffee makers appeared in 1920 thanks to the French company Melior. Large coffee and hot water are placed in a narrow glass vessel, insisted for a while, and then using the piston to separate the grounds from the liquid. For brewing in a French press, any kind of coffee is suitable (names do not matter).
- Drip coffee makers. The prototype of this kitchen appliance was invented in 1800 by a French archbishop. In the modern form, drip coffee makers appeared already in the 70s. Since then, the principle of operation has not changed much: hot water passes through the filter with ground coffee, and after five minutes the aromatic drink is ready.
- Carob type coffee machine . A flavored drink is obtained by passing ground coffee under water pressure. At the heart of modern models is a sample of Luigi Bezzer, which was introduced in 1901. A well-made espresso is distinguished by a beautiful golden foam and a slightly viscous consistency.
Coffee card
Which coffee is better, everyone decides for himself. Some people need a shock dose of caffeine, while others prefer a flavored drink with the addition of milk or spices. Let's get acquainted with the entire “coffee” menu:
- Espresso - black strong coffee. Served without milk in 50-60 ml cups. Double espresso - volume 90-100 ml.
- Ristretto is perhaps the strongest drink. It is usually drunk without sugar in one or two sips (about 25 ml per cup).
- Americano - obtained by diluting espresso with water to the desired concentration.
- Latte - a French drink, is a mixture of coffee and hot milk in equal proportions. Served in a tall glass.
- Latte Macchiato is originally from Italy. Hot milk is first poured into an elegant glass, milk foam is added, and then ready-made espresso.
- Cappuccino - a serving of double espresso with a large cap of milk foam.
- Mokachino is another “layered” drink made from coffee, milk and hot chocolate.
- Glace is a French dessert served cold. It is a combination of coffee with sugar and ice cream.
Instant coffee
Coffee "Jacobs", "Movenpick", "Lavazza" - dozens of brands are represented on the Russian market.
The most affordable is instant coffee. However, its quality is at a very low level, because cheap coffee beans are used for preparation. In addition, manufacturers add coffee oils and synthetic components to maintain taste and aroma.
Fans of coffee drinks are advised not to save time, because even in the French press to make one cup of natural coffee, you need only five minutes.
Coffee, the names of which you already know, allow yourself to choose!