Coffee in pads is very popular today. Indeed, thanks to already measured and packaged servings of ground beans, the drink is prepared faster than in carob coffee machines, it turns out to be rich and aromatic. No need to grind whole raw materials and measure out the required amount. Although this method of packaging beans has been used for a long time, not all gourmets know about the pods for a coffee machine, what it is and how to use them. This article will tell about this.
Coffee machine pads - what is it?
This is a type of packaging of ground, fried and pressed grains. Coffee pads are produced weighing from 7 to 9 grams and are designed to prepare one portion of the drink. This packaging method was first used in Italy. The goal is to simplify the preparation of everyone's favorite invigorating drink. The term “chalda” is derived from the Italian word cialda, which translates as “waffle”. In Russia, in 2004, they learned about the pods for a coffee machine, what it is and how to use it. The Kuppo company began to pack ground coffee in this way . Today, coffee machine pods are sold in packs of 18-100.
Mode of production
Pads are produced using sophisticated technology in specialized factories:
1. A mixture of selected green grains is prepared.
2. After roasting, they are allowed to stand under certain conditions for one to two days in order to influence the environment. It is the organic reactions that occur during this exposure that lead the coffee mixture to the state in which it must be processed.
3. After receiving the coffee powder, it is compressed into pads and within 20 seconds is packed in a sealed package of a metallized gas-tight film, into which an inert nitrogen gas is pumped. Due to this, the pods become rounded, so they are also called coffee tablets.
Types of packaging pads
The products are manufactured according to two standards - Senseo and ESE, the differences between them in size (in diameter). The diameter of the ESE pads is 44 mm. They are also called solid, because the coffee inside the package is in a compressed state. The soft Senseo pads, the coffee inside of which is in the form of powder, have the same weight with a significantly larger diameter - 55 mm. In contrast to the first type, in addition to espresso, you can also make other drinks from them - longo and americano.
Types of coffee packaged in this way
In the pads are laid raw materials of different varieties. It can be mixes from different coffee beans, as well as various variations with chocolate, cream, caramel and nut additives. For example, Italco Concerto coffee with the addition of African Robusta has a dark hazelnut flavor and thick foam, contains 1.8% caffeine. Can also be used to make cappuccino. Buscaglione Long with bitter, almond aftertaste and spicy aroma is suitable for making Americano or Lungo. Buscaglione Passione with a chocolate-nut flavor is recommended for those who prefer Americano or espresso.
There is coffee in pans of medium and strong roasting, with and without caffeine. So, Buscaglione Decaffeinato has a fruity taste and acidity, does not contain caffeine, and therefore it can be consumed in any quantities. An analogue with a caffeine content of 1.2% is Italco Assolo from Brazilian Arabica.
Now even tea is packed in pads. But at the same time, the choice of coffee packaged in this way is quite limited. For each coffee maker, there are 15-20 types of drink, or even less.
Types of coffee makers for making coffee in pads (photo)
An invigorating drink is prepared with the help of carob coffee machines, which are quiet, ergonomic and cheap compared to any other representatives of this class of household appliances that work according to a very simple principle.
Hot water enters the horn and coffee pill, after which the finished drink is poured into a cup. On these coffee machines, it will not be possible to change the strength of the drink during the preparation process - it depends on the degree of compaction of the prepared powder. Such devices are suitable for use without pods, but in this case you will have to measure the required amount of ground coffee and ram it.
To do this, you need to have special skills, because the quality of the drink directly depends on the rammed tablets. Water will pass too long through a too compressed tablet, and the drink will turn out to be strong with a bitter aftertaste. That is why it is much easier to purchase pads that will greatly facilitate the cooking process, which do not require special skills.
Cooking method
You need to get the portioned package from the individual packaging, place it in the filter of the coffee machine, then insert the filter into the device and fix it. After 25-30 seconds, the indicator will indicate the readiness of the drink! This is no longer than the time it takes to make low-quality instant coffee. Pod coffee can be made even by a child. You can forget about the need to measure the right amount of ground coffee every time and not be afraid that a part will wake up. Also, there are no coffee residues in the filter of the coffee machine and there are no traces of spilled coffee from the coffee grinder. There is no need to clean the brewing unit. Used pods with coffee grounds are simply removed and discarded. It is only important to check the packaging for integrity before brewing.
Tea can also be brewed in these coffee machines. Such devices are produced by leading manufacturers, for example: Severin, Bosch, Rowenta or Philips. Different models of coffee makers refuel only filters recommended by manufacturers. What are pads for a coffee maker? This is the same package, only in the form of a "pill." Some devices have removable filters that allow you to prepare several servings of coffee at once.
Benefits
With the concept of "pods for a coffee machine" (what it is) figured out, now it is necessary to note the main advantages. In addition to the simplicity of making coffee, this packaging has several other advantages. The main one is the constancy and stability of the taste, reminiscent of freshly ground coffee, and the quality of the drink. At the same time, the cost of the pod product is comparable to a good ground analog and lower than the cost of the prepared grains in capsules. So, the price of a package of 18 pods can vary between 500-700 rubles, and from 100 pieces - within 2000. The profitability of coffee consumption, as well as the ability to track it, is also important. Another point that is significant for many consumers is the lack of preservatives, chemical additives and emulsifiers used to create a stable and dense foam. A unique aroma is given by aromatic oils taken from coffee beans under pressure. The inert gas nitrogen provides the best preservation of the taste and aroma of coffee, which allows it to remain fresh for two years. While the product in grains saves them no longer than a week, and ground - only a few minutes. Such packaging is very environmentally friendly and in the process of application due to the lack of contact of coffee powder with the material from which the horn is made.
disadvantages
In addition to many advantages, the use of coffee in pads has its drawbacks. There is an opinion that, contrary to all statements by manufacturers about the highest quality of grains, not the best raw materials are packaged in this way. After all, elite varieties always go on sale in the form of grains. Many consumers claim that freshly ground coffee is still much tastier than chaldovoy.
Due to the fact that all the ingredients are inside the pads, it can be difficult to choose coffee to taste. Yes, and experiment in the cooking process with additives and dosage will not work. And only in the finished coffee can you add milk, cream, syrup, lemon, cinnamon or other spices.
Another drawback of the pads is that they are not easy to find on the shelves of ordinary supermarkets.
Conclusion
Despite the disadvantages, the advantages of the new, rapidly gaining popularity method of making coffee is still greater. Many buyers are attracted to the fact that with the advent of pod coffee makers, professional coffee preparation at home or office has become available. In addition, you do not need to have any special skills. That is why the pads and give preference.