Welcome to our expert tutorial on how to make the ultimate flat white at home. If you’re anything like us, you absolutely love the feeling of sipping on a perfectly balanced, creamy flat white which pairs beautifully with a rich, flavoursome espresso. When you order a flat white from your local cafe, they make it look easy don’t they? A casual swan, heart or tulip placed on top for that finishing touch. Well what if I told you, with the right information and practice, you can make it with a few simple steps? I’m the perfect case study too. How? Well, I entered the coffee industry back in 2012 without any prior coffee knowledge. At that point, I had no confidence that I’d ever be able to produce latte art either, but after a few weeks of focused barista training, I’d mastered every coffee drink from the menu, and I was able to make the perfect flat white. Now it’s your turn – so let’s get started. The Definition of a Flat WhiteBefore we get into the fun stuff, it’s worth us clarifying the definition of a flat white. Why? We need to know exactly what we are aiming for if we are to produce the most amazing, delicious flattie at home. The closest beverage to the flat white drink is the latte, both pair espresso and milk to create a creamy coffee drink. But what’s the difference? Quite simply, the flat white is a stronger version of the latte, because it uses a smaller sized cup (5-6oz) to house the double espresso and steamed milk with a layer of micro foam. Therefore, creating a more concentrated version for those who enjoy a higher coffee to milk ratio. What coffee is closest to the flat white but is even stronger? Well, you have the Piccolo or the Cortado if that’s to your liking. Step 1: The ScienceLet’s get down to the science behind how to make a flat white at home shall we? The flat white is broken down into two parts. Firstly, the espresso base of the drink (that comes first in the process). Secondly, there’s the milk steaming and pouring. One of the fundamental aspects to making the perfect flat white is the espresso. If you have an under extracted espresso shot which tastes unbalanced, the milk won’t mask the flavour, it’ll showcase it. Therefore, making sure you focus on mastering the espresso first is essential before you invest time in creating the perfect foam. Once the espresso is dialled in correctly, you can move on to the steaming process. To nail this, you’ll wait to use cold milk (or oat milk), and inject air into your jug to create what is known as ‘the vortex’. The vortex is the swirling, circulating motion of the milk when you find the perfect angle and sweet spot for texturising milk. With some practise, this will become second nature so don’t worry too much at the start. An area to focus on with your milk is foam consistency, It’s easy at the beginning to get carried away with the pouring stage of the drink. However, master your steaming and the hard work will be done for you when it comes to the finished result. Step 2: The Ultimate Flat White RecipeHow to make a flat white
How to Make Latte ArtEveryone loves this part of the experience don’t they? It’s the icing on the cake once you’ve worked hard to learn how to make a latte art properly. Let’s give in to the the most common patterns you can create in order of easy to hard in difficulty level. Heart Pattern:Interestingly so, the heart is the easiest and most common design in coffee art. t looks the most difficult as the shape is very precise, but thankfully, the majority of the shape is formed as the milk naturally forms into the cup in an apple-like shape. From there, you simply lift up the jug and strikethrough the apple shape which pierces through to create the heart. Fern Pattern:The fern coffee art is one step up from the heart in the difficulty level, so once you’ve mastered the heart it’s the perfect next challenge. This time, you start by pouring in the rear of the cup to maximise your space for the remainder of the pattern. Once the outer ring begins to form, you need to wiggle left and right whilst progressively moving your hand backwards. At the end, you’ll lift up the jug and strikethrough the pattern to create the leaf effect. Tulip Pattern:The tulip is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful coffee designs. Check out the image below, as you can see I created this design inside our sustainable Huskee cup. Everyone loves the tulip design don’ they? Step 3: Practise, Practise, Practise Mastering the art of the famous flat white can’t be done overnight. You’ll need a combination of patience, technique, and tons of practise to produce an excellent barista flat white. Luckily for you, in this article we’ve covered the core foundations required to make a flat white at home so you can follow our expert guide and make sure you get practising. If you’d like learn more about coffee, explore more of our coffee blogs. If you have some feedback we’d love to hear from you too – simply, leave your comments below and we’ll respond The post How to Make A Flat White at Home : Expert Tutorial appeared first on Balance Coffee. Via https://balancecoffee.co.uk/how-to-make-a-flat-white/
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If you’re like me, then the sound of your alarm going off in the morning is already enough to send you into a panic. But the fact that you have to spend the most of your working day at means, you need work from home coffee that’s first class. Uhm, I might as well just crawl back under the sheets and call in sick. Except… I really can’t do that because I’d get fired. So instead, I’m going to need all the coffee I can get to make it through my office WFH sessions. If this sounds like you, you’re in luck. I’m going to share some of my favourite coffee hacks for surviving your office work-from-home sessions. After all, we all know the health benefits of coffee. Therefore, whether you’re struggling to stay focused and awake or just looking for an excuse to procrastinate your work and go back to bed, these tips will help keep you caffeinated and productive. So pour yourself a cup of coffee, and let’s get started! 9 Tips for Surviving Your WFH Sessions With a Cup of JoeWe all know that working from home can be pretty challenging. And that’s because you have to do everything humanly possible to motivate yourself. Plus, working with the kids around the house interrupting you every chance they get can be challenging. This was the norm for most of us during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we needed to become creative. So here are 9 ways to make your office WFH sessions more bearable with top notch coffee: 1) Make Sure You Have Enough High-Quality Coffee Beans.If you are going to work from home for the next few weeks, then why not do it right! This means creating the right work environment and making sure you have everything for your coffee breaks. Therefore, you should go for high-quality medium roasted coffee beans that guarantee you a delicious cup of Joe during your coffee breaks. The right coffee beans can be used to prepare different types of coffee, cappuccino, flat white, or latte. Plus, there are more than enough high-quality medium roast coffee beans in the market for you to try. Just make sure to read up on reliable coffee beans reviews to help you find the beans that will suit your taste. But most importantly, make sure you purchase more than enough coffee beans for your WFH office. Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean that you can run to the stores any time to get some coffee beans when your stock runs out of coffee beans. So, always make sure you have more than enough roasted coffee beans. You can even grind enough coffee beans to last you for the entire day when you wake up in the morning. If you plan on purchasing a large amount of coffee, it’s always a good idea to go for roasted coffee beans instead of the pre-ground option. Just make sure you know how to store your coffee beans correctly. Keep them away from air, light, and moisture, which can ruin the freshness of your beans. 2) Get Yourself a Quality Coffee MachineIf you’re going to be working from home, you might as well have a nice coffee setup. Invest in a quality coffee machine that will make great-tasting coffee. This way, you’ll at least have one thing to look forward to during your workday. There are numerous high-quality coffee makers that can guarantee you high-quality coffee every morning. Here’s another tip: you can get yourself a programmable coffee maker. With a programmable brewer, you can activate your senses even before you get out of bed. All you have to do is set the timer, and your machine will start brewing even before the alarm wakes you up. The aroma of coffee that fills your home even before your kids wake up will always do the trick. Plus, you can use the programmable machine to set your coffee breaks all day long. 3) Get a High-Quality Coffee GrinderFor you to enjoy a high-quality cup of Joe, you need freshly ground coffee beans, which means you need a reliable coffee grinder. I recommend that you look for an automatic burr coffee grinder. A burr grinder will guarantee you uniformly ground coffee and will give you numerous grinding options. Uniformly ground coffee beans also make better coffee, in general. 4) Find a Good Spot to Set Up Your Coffee Station.Working from home can be distracting, and walking from your home office to the kitchen every time you want a cup of Joe can make the situation worse. Therefore, you can try and create a particular spot for your brewer. You can set up a beautiful coffee station with your brewers, grinder, beans, and pre-ground coffee. You can even add some bottled water or a jar of water. This way, you can focus on your work and not be distracted by other things in your home. 5) Get a Travel Mug for On-the-Go Days.Even if you are not allowed to leave the WFH office during working hours, there will be days when you just have to leave and take care of some errands. During these occasions, it’s always a good idea to carry your travel coffee mug. The travel mug can keep your drink hot and ensure that you get your caffeine fix even when you’re not at home. A travel mug can also come in handy if you don’t have enough space in your home office for a coffee station. Instead of rushing to the kitchen every time you need a cup of coffee you can just fill your on-the-go mug and bring it to your desk. This will ensure that you continue working without dealing with cold coffee or no coffee. 6) Keep the Work From Home Coffee Breaks ShortOffice coffee breaks allow employees to take a break from work, meet with their colleagues, and talk. Since you’re recreating your work office at home, you should also include the coffee breaks and try to make them as short as possible. Don’t ignore this minor detail because a coffee break can help improve your productivity while giving your brain time to relax. It can help you focus and even improve your memory. On the other hand, a longer coffee break may not be good as it could give you more time to explore other things to do in the house. You may even find yourself watching a movie or checking on your kids who are with the babysitter. 7) Level Up Your Work from Home Coffee By Trying Brew MethodsCoffee is an exciting beverage; it’s one of the few beverages that can be brewed differently but still deliver the needed caffeine dose. So you can try a wide range of brewing methods and improve your drinking experience. If you already have a brewer for different types of coffee beverages, you can have fun and find out which one produces the best coffee. You can start with a cup of coffee in the morning and then follow it up with a cappuccino in your next coffee break. There are also many different types of coffee flavours out there that you can try. So you can experiment and find which ones you like best. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy a certain type of coffee that you never thought you’d ever drink. You can even try cold brew coffee and store it in your fridge. Remember, cold-brewed coffee guarantees you high-quality coffee every time since the ground coffee is left in water for a very long time. The longer it takes to extract the coffee, the more concentrated it will be. Mixing things up will give your taste buds something new to look forward to. 8) Make Sure You Have All the Necessary Supplies.In addition to coffee beans and a coffee machine, make sure you have all the other supplies you need to make coffee. This includes things like sugar, creamer, and stir sticks. With everything within your reach, you will waste less time during your coffee breaks and enjoy your coffee with little to no disruption. 9) Get Creative With Your Work From Home Coffee Drinks.If you’re feeling ambitious, get creative with your coffee drinks. There are endless possibilities when it comes to flavour combinations and native coffee brewing methods. Therefore, you can Google and find out some of the best flavour combinations available and try them. You can even find recipes online for unique and delicious coffee drinks. Work From Home Coffee SetupSo, there you have it, 9 tips to help get you through your office work from home session with coffee. Just remember to take coffee breaks, drink lots of water, try different types of coffee, and most importantly, stay focused on the task at hand. After all, your main goal is getting some work done and anything that can help you achieve your goal is a bonus. And if all else fails, just remember that at least you’re not stuck in traffic! Like this blog article? Leave us a comment below or follow us on socials @balancecoffee.
The post 9 Ways to Improve Your Work From Home Coffee appeared first on Balance Coffee. Via https://balancecoffee.co.uk/work-from-home-coffee/ Let’s be honest. We all love an espresso martini don’t we? But sometimes, you don’t feel like drinking coffee too late, even at the weekend. That’s where a beautifully crafted decaf espresso martini comes in… Even as the founder of a popular online coffee business, I stopped drinking coffee after 3pm since I started to take my health more seriously. Sipping on regular espresso martinis is no exception. Unfortunately, because I changed coffee cocktail drinking habit, I sadly stopped enjoying one of my favourite drinks. Sad times. Until it struck me. Why not just create the same incredible cocktail I loved, but using decaf coffee to get the same gorgeous flavours? Well Duh. I then went back to the drawing board and re-created the famous coffee cocktail using my favourite espresso martini recipe. (but without the caffeine). Read on to find out more… By the way, before I share our fantastic recipe, I wanted to share some insight with you on some important research around the impact of caffeine on your sleep quality. This is even more important when you consider you’ll typically be drinking a coffee cocktail late into the evening. Espresso Martini: Its Impact on Your Sleep QualityAfter reading a book called (‘Why We Sleep’) by sleep expert Matthew Walker, I realised there wasn’t much information available on the negative impact of drinking the espresso martini. So in this blog, we’re also sharing some new insights so you can make an informed decision on whether you’d prefer to drink with caffeine or without. There are loads of surprising facts about caffeine and the affects on your sleep quality? Caffeine has a half-life of about five to six hours for the average adult. What that means is that about 50% of that caffeine is still circulating in your system five to six hours after you had that cup of coffee. What that also means, however, is that caffeine has a quarter-life of somewhere between 10 to 12 hours. This means, the caffeine is still present in your body at midnight, even if you have your last coffee at 2pm. The second hidden feature of caffeine is its disruption in terms of our sleep quality. You often hear, “I’m one of those individuals who can drink coffee after a meal and still fall asleep just fine. The problem? It turns out that caffeine can decrease the amount of deep sleep that you have, stages three and four of non-REM sleep. As a consequence, you’ll wake up the next morning and won’t be as restored by your sleep, whether you feel like it or not. Based on this research, it also highlights that alcohol has a negative impact as well as coffee, so even if you can reduce one of the negative impact of the ingredients when it comes to late-night drinking, you are in a better position. Being more conscious about your health is really important to your longevity, so I wanted to take this moment to highlight this today in case it can help you make a more mindful choice around your coffee cocktail choice late into the evening. The main point is to illustrate that you can still get the same tasty beverage you desire using decaf. Finding a tasty Decaf coffee is all about the freshness and quality of the beans. Our popular decaf coffee is aptly named ‘Halcyon’ – meaning calm and peaceful, and it pairs beautifully with vodka and Kahlua. Decaf Espresso Martini RecipeThere are many reasons why an espresso martini is an incredible drink. One of the main reasons is that it uses really simple ingredients, mixed together in a cocktail shaker to produce a textured, creamy beverage that’ll leave you wanting more. Can you make an espresso martini without Kahlua? The answer is yes. Below our recipe shares the perfect alternative in case you’ve run out or are looking for something a little different. Ready for the best decaf espresso martini recipe? Ingredients List
I hope you’ll enjoy our decaf espresso martini recipe that has all the flavour, without the coffee jitters. Pair Your Favourite Coffee Cocktail with a Coffee SubscriptionYou might be thinking, now I’ve got all the equipment I need to make an utterly delicious espresso martini at home. However, I’m just missing a regular supply of decaf coffee to my door. Well, look no further. With our relax coffee subscription, you’ll get all the perks of the Balance Coffee Subscription but without the hassle of having to re-order. Subscribers also save 15% always which means, you’re saving time and money. If you’re looking for more coffee recipes online then you can head to our list of best coffee recipes. If you enjoyed reading this article let us know in the comments below. We’d also love to see your very own decaf espresso martini creations. Simply tag us on Instagram @balancecoffee and we’ll re-post your photos. The post Decaf Espresso Martini – Expert Recipe James Bellis appeared first on Balance Coffee. Via https://balancecoffee.co.uk/decaf-espresso-martini/ Did you know? The most popular coffee brewing method in the UK is the Cafetiere. Also known as the french press, it’s the most used household coffee device and for good reason. But choosing the right coffee for cafetiere is a whole different story. First of all, introductions are in order. I’m James, founder of Balance Coffee. I’m here to share my coffee knowledge with you (10+ years). I’m here to share everything you need to know about finding the perfect coffee for cafetiere so you know you’re enjoying the best from home. There are so many different coffees available online that and it can be hard work figuring out what the best option is for your cafetiere coffee. Luckily for you, it’s all about your personal taste preferences. So I’m going to help guide you through all the options. Sit back, relax, grab a coffee and get ready to finally upgrade your coffee game at home. Let’s dive right in… 1. How to choose the right coffee for Cafetiere brewingYou might be asking yourself, what coffee do I need for my Cafetière? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t necessarily a simple one. Why? Choosing the right coffee has more to do with learning about your own personal coffee preferences rather than the method of brewing itself. Before we get started, here’s a quick overview of where coffee actually comes from and how it’s produced. This will help you later on choose the best coffee for your cafetiere. From Coffee Farm, To Cafetiere, To CupCoffee is grown in micro climates which provide the perfect environments to produce rich, delicious, flavoursome notes. The journey of coffee begins somewhere near the equator, across what’s known as the ‘coffee belt’. Only a certain number of countries provide the perfect growing conditions for the coffee trees to prosper. These micro-climates can provide incredible opportunities for very exciting, rare and unique coffees to thrive. Aspects like altitude and soil play a huge part in the flavour of the finished product. At Balance, we have a selection of rare coffees which we source from the top 5% of coffee farms worldwide.
Once the coffee is sorted, it’s shipped to coffee roasters from across the globe. It’s time to roast the coffee… As each coffee and the location its grown is completely unique, we experiment to find the ‘coffee sweet spot’. In other words, this is the golden circle of where the coffee tastes its absolute best. To roast coffee, you cook raw green beans in a coffee roaster at temperatures between 188 to 282 °C, for somewhere between 8-20 minutes per batch. The time and temperature both affect the roast style and therefore, the flavour you are drinking. Roast Type: Coffee for CafetiereThe result of ‘cooking’ the coffee heavy influences the flavour notes that are produced in your morning cup. Coffee roasters use the roast type as reference for flavour too. When the raw green beans arrive from origin, they are roasted to create a roasted bean. Coffee roast types are broken down into three categories, which no doubt you’ll be familiar with already. There are many differences between light and dark coffee, but the main point is to understand that roast type directly affects the amount of flavours in each coffee bean. We’ll walk you through the individual characteristics of light, medium and dark roasts, so that you’ll be very ready to experiment with different styles to find your favourite. So how do you know what roast to choose when looking for coffee for your cafetiere? Read on to learn more. Light Roast CoffeeDid you know? Light profiles often have a lot more flavour components to the coffees. The roasting style brings out far more natural characteristics within the individual bean. In essence, it unlocks far more exciting flavours, that can be compared to wine. Light roasts are typically best suited to filter coffee brewing methods like Cafetière, Aeropress, V60, Chemex compared to Espresso. Generally, the flavour notes you’ll experience will tend to be fruity and sweet focused. One of the challenges with lighter roast coffees is they are less versatile than medium and dark roast coffees – meaning you won’t have as much consistency. Medium Roast CoffeeRoasting to a medium profile moves the needle further away from of the more fruiter, light coffees. Instead, with a medium roast you’ll experience a deep, richer, chocolatey nutty. Generally, the flavour notes you’ll experience will tend to be chocolatey, nutty and sweet. Commonly described as perfectly balanced coffees (excuse the pun). Dark Roast CoffeeRoasts which are dark are notable for their earthy and robust tones. Common notes of tabacco and bitterness which is the side-effect to the longer roasting time, since the coffee has been cooked for a longer period.’ There’s no ‘best’ option as it’s really down to you. At Balance Coffee we only roast like and medium coffees as we believe it best preserves the expensive coffees we source. I hope this helps you understand where you might begin? If you want to learn more on this topic, we’ve also put together an article on how to choose the right coffee beans. Coffee Origins & Flavour NotesDid you know? The world has over 50 coffee growing countries? I’d need to write a complete article on this topic, but for today we’ll keep it simple. Below is our overview by continent, so you can gain a broad understanding to get your upgraded coffee journey started. As each country has a unique climate condition for growing coffee, this completely shapes the end result of the beans. It’s also a great way to learn what flavours you enjoy with your cafeitere coffee. Why? because you can use an origin as a reference when you are looking for particular coffee beans online. African CoffeesWhy is the African region such a popular choice? If you enjoy acidity in coffee with some bright fruity notes then you may have found your match. A coffee from Ethiopia often has tea-like body and blueberry tones. Whereas, a coffee from Kenya typically has gorgeous grapefruit notes and a clean, crisp finish. Because they are most commonly used in coffee blends, coffee shops and restaurants across the world. Primarily because they offer the most ‘balanced coffee’ experience (pun intended). Generally speaking, you’ll enjoy American coffees because they tend to be perfect all rounders. Understandably this cater to a wider audience. Common flavours from this continent and region include, chocolate, nuts and buttery caramel notes. They also provide an incredible espresso base for milk based drinks which are undoubtedly the most popular choice in the UK. Asian CoffeesYou might be familiar with Asia for its enormous continent? With a good handful of its countries growing coffee, there is no short supply. Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar to name a few. In recent years, China has also been producing speciality grade coffee in its southern region closest to Thailand. Now let’s get down to the flavours of Asian coffee. Sweet, clean, fruity coffees is the inherent characteristics which are popular in both single origin formats and coffee blends. Looking to experiment and discover new origins and flavours? You might like our discovery coffee subscription which provides you with an exciting flavour experience on your schedule. We’ve also packed the subscription with additional benefits to you can get even more value. Healthy Coffee vs UnhealthyReady for our next top tip in upgrading your coffee for cafetiere? I hope so… Coffee that’s been tested for Mould, Mycotoxins, Pesticides and other nasties are referred to as Healthy Coffee. At Balance we pride ourselves on being 100% nasty free. Our sourcing practices ensure we bring you an organic coffee that gives you a clean energy boost to start your day. If you want to ensure these benefits on a weekly, monthly basis then explore our six coffee subscription benefits that will help you to power your morning. Read our popular article on the benefits of healthy coffee. Ethics and Sustainability in CoffeeIf you care about choosing the ethical and sustainable option then that’s great. It’ll help people and our planet for the long term. I wrote an article on sustainable coffee here which you might like. , Next, you’ll need to determine what companies align with your own personal sustainability values. There are some amazing coffee companies out there doing a fantastic job. You can review our initiatives here. Here are some popular articles I wrote which you can read to go down the sustainable rabbit hole.
What’s the Best Coffee for Cafetière?This is the big question isn’t it? Hopefully by this point you now have enough knowledge to get sampling different coffees from across the globe. You’ll just need to decide whether you purchase coffee beans, or whether ground coffee for Cafetiere is the best option for you. No sweat though, at Balance we have both options on every product. There may still be a few questions you need answering relating to the coffee brewing process. For example, how do you make cafetiere coffee? And how coarse to grind for a Cafetière? We have that covered too. I put together the ultimate cafetiere recipe explaining everything you need to know (including a video) so you can buy a bag of coffee and start making incredible coffee in just a few days. Go and buy some coffee for la cafetiere and you’re ready to go. I’m really excited for your improved coffee journey. Ok, just one more secret tip, since you made it this far. Here’s our cheat sheet on how you can froth milk in your cafetiere. Let us know in the comments what you think, or reach out to us on Instagram.
The post The Best Coffee for Cafetiere – Your Perfect Taste Guide appeared first on Balance Coffee. Via https://balancecoffee.co.uk/coffee-for-cafetiere/ Gone are the days when you had to use the old-fashioned and inconvenient coffee brewing methods while camping. Nowadays, you have a wide choice of coffee brewing methods for a good cup of coffee. Enjoying a fine cup of coffee while taking in the sights and sounds of the outdoors is one of life’s greatest pleasures. – Fortunately, today you have a wide range of opportunities for it. The main thing is to choose the best coffee maker and enjoy your fresh brew. Choosing the Best Coffee Maker for CampingThe idea of enjoying a fresh brew is tempting. Imagine how many times you have dreamt to come home for brewing a fresh cup of coffee made with your coffee machine. The market is full of different coffee brewers. These products have unique characteristics which make them unique for home, office, or outdoor use. If you seek a reliable coffee brewing method for ideal camping, you should consider a wide range of points. Everything matters material, type, durability, weight, capacity, portability, etc. To help you choose easier, we have researched the market and found 10 of the best offers with their pros and cons. 1. AeroPress Coffee MakerPros: Cons: 2. Melitta 1-Cup Pour-OverPros: Cons: 3. GSI Outdoors Java PressPros: Cons: 4. Aerobie AeroPressPros: Cons: 5. Hario Plastic Coffee Dripper V60Pros: Cons: 6. MiiR PourigamiPros: Cons: 7. Coleman Camping Coffee MakerPros: Cons: 8. COLETTI Bozeman Camping Coffee PotPros: Cons: 9. Snow Peak Coffee DripPros: Cons: 10. Wacaco MinipressoPros: ● Easy to use and transport ConclusionIt is not a secret that coffee is the world’s second most-traded commodity. Each country has its coffee-drinking habits and traditions. However, all of the coffee enthusiasts in the world love the idea of drinking high-quality coffee. The brewing method has its unique role in the taste and benefits of coffee. The post Top 10 Best Coffee Makers for Camping appeared first on Balance Coffee. Via https://balancecoffee.co.uk/top-10-best-coffee-makers-for-camping/ Decaf coffee is rapidly rising in popularity. As a result, the selection of decaf coffee beans is wider than it has ever been before. However, the wide range of options can make it difficult for you to determine which one is the best decaf coffee bean available. Moreover, in order to know what is the best decaf coffee bean, it’s important to know what it is exactly and how it differs from regular coffee beans. If you are interested in learning more about this information, then you have come to the right page. In this article, we will share the best decaf coffee in 2022 and everything you need to know about this type of coffee. The Best Decaf Coffee Bean of 2022Halcyon Decaf CoffeeHalcyon decaf coffee will satisfy your coffee craving without the negative side effects of caffeine. It is made with high-quality pure Arabica beans. These beans undergo a CO2 decaffeination process that removes 99.9% of its caffeine content. Where is it From?The beans used for this decaf coffee are from Las Terrazas. This is situated in a valley region of Huehuetenango. The valley in the region protects the farms against extreme weather conditions and creates an environment with a stable microclimate, making it an ideal place to grow top-quality coffee beans. TasteIt is perfectly medium roasted to give it just the right amount of coffee taste and depth of flavor without necessarily being too strong. As a result, it has a well-balanced, clean-tasting flavor with a smooth body. You’ll also taste hints of pear, golden syrup, and chocolate, making it extra tasty. Furthermore, you will be relieved to know that this particular decaf coffee undergoes regular testing. This way, pesticides, mycotoxins, and molds are significantly avoided, so you are ensured to get a high-quality and safe product. Size SelectionWhat makes these coffee beans even better is that they are packaged using recyclable packing, making them extremely eco-friendly when compared to others. We also have a large bag size option for you. You can choose between 250 grams and a 1-kilo bag. Grind SelectionYou can select how you want to grind it for your coffee preparation of choice. Whether you want the beans to be perfect for Espresso, French Press, or an Aeropress, you will get exactly what you need. How to Buy Halcyon Decaf CoffeeSuppose you are interested in buying Halcyon Decaf Coffee. In that case, you will be glad to know that you can buy it for a very affordable price. You can also benefit from a Decaf Coffee Subscription with a 60-day money-back guarantee. Decaffeination ProcessThere are various methods used in decaffeinating coffee beans. These take place before roasting and may use solvents such as supercritical CO2, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, or water to remove caffeine from the beans while still leaving the desirable coffee flavors as close as possible to their original taste. With this in mind, here are the different methods of decaffeination for coffee beans:
The Organic Solvent Process is the oldest known decaffeination process. There are two types of methods used for this process; direct method and indirect method. Direct MethodThe first decaffeination process released for commercial use was invented by Ludwig Roselius, who is a German merchant and his coworkers. In 1913, Ludwig got the idea of decaffeinating coffee after he noticed that a coffee bean freight coffee bean was soaked accidentally with seawater. These beans lost most of their caffeine content without diminishing the coffee flavor. In 1906, the direct organic solvent process of decaffeinating coffee was patented. The process involved steaming the coffee beans using various bases and acid then adding benzene as a solvent to strip away its caffeine content. The direct organic solvent method continued to dominate the decaf coffee industry. However, health concerns relating to benzene were raised later on. Today, benzene is considered to be a carcinogen which is why commercial processes nowadays use alternative solvents such as ethyl acetate or dichloromethane. The process used in this method is still very similar to how it was back in the day. Here are the general steps involved in the process:
According to the US standard, 97% of the caffeine must be removed for it to qualify as decaf coffee. Meanwhile, in Europe, 99.9% of the caffeine content must be removed to be considered decaf. The coffee that was decaffeinated this way was sold as Kaffee HAG. The name of that coffee was derived from the coffee trading company Kaffee Handels-Aktien-Gesellschaft, also known in France as Cafe Sanka. This company was later on known as Sanka in the US. Today, Sanka is a worldwide brand under Kraft Food. Indirect MethodThe second version of the method invented by Roselius was the indirect organic solvent method. This is also known as the water process since it mostly uses water. It first emerged in 1941, and since then, more people have focused on making the process more natural by finding other ways of removing caffeine from the water without using an organic solvent. Here, instead of directly treating the beans, it is first soaked using hot water for a few hours. This makes a potent pot of coffee. It is then removed, and the remaining water is treated using either ethyl acetate or dichloromethane to remove the caffeine in the matter. This two-step process uses recycled water to reach an equilibrium where the water and beans have similar compositions except for their caffeine levels. With this, the only thing removed from the beans is their caffeine content but not their flavor characteristics.
The Supercritical Carbon Dioxide process is a decaffeination method developed by food scientist Kurt Zosel from the Max Planck Institute. This proves to involve using CO2, which is heated and pressurized above its critical point to remove the caffeine content from the bean. The general steps involved in this step are as follow:
The triglyceride process of decaffeinating coffee involves soaking pre-roasted beans in hot water or coffee solution to add caffeine to the beans’ surface. After that, the beans are placed in another container wherein it is immersed in coffee oils extracted from coffee grounds that are left to soak. The triglycerides found in coffee oils remove traces of caffeine after the beans are soaked in it for several hours at high temperatures. However, in the duration of this process, the flavor elements of the coffee bean remain intact. The beans and oils are then separated from each other. Once it’s separated, the beans undergo a drying process. The caffeine from the oils is also removed so that it can be used to decaffeinate other batches of coffee beans. This is why this method is also considered a direct-contact decaffeination method.
Many consider the Swiss Water process as the purest method of decaffeination. This is mostly because it does not use organic solvent, but instead, only water is used. This technique first emerged in Switzerland in 1933 hence its name. In 1980, it was commercialized by Coffex S.A. The Swiss Water process uses Green Coffee Extract, also known as GCE, as its main caffeine extraction mechanism. GCE is a solution that contains water-soluble components of green coffee minus caffeine. This is achieved after soaking green coffee in hot water. This is then filtered through with the use of an activated charcoal filter to separate the caffeine molecules. After that, fresh beans with caffeine and other components are added to the GCE solution. In this step, a gradient pressure is formed because of the green coffee and GCE, which cause the molecules from the fresh coffee to transfer into the GCE. Only caffeine molecules transfer to the GCE solution because the GCE is saturated with water-soluble components of the green coffee. Next, the GCE solution that is now rich in caffeine is passed through the activated carbon filters once again. This is to remove the caffeine. These processes are repeated 8 to 10 times to achieve the final decaffeination target. Decaf Coffee Caffeine ContentCommercial decaf coffee manufacturers are required to test their newly decaffeinated coffee beans. This is done to ensure that its caffeine content is relatively low. Under the US standard, decaf coffee must be 97% decaffeinated. To test this, many companies use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). However, this process of measuring the amount of caffeine remaining in the coffee bean is quite expensive. This is why as an alternative, some companies use near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR). HPLC is more accurate than NIR, but the latter is the more cost-effective and faster method which is why it is preferred. But, another way of measuring the remaining caffeine content of a coffee bean is by using ultraviolet, visible spectroscopy. This method is highly compatible with decaffeinated coffee that uses the supercritical CO2 method because the UV-VIS range cannot absorb CO2. You have to take note that decaf is not 100% caffeine-free. This is why you have to be critical when it comes to decaf coffee that is marketing itself as caffeine-free. As long as it is still a coffee bean, it is bound to have traces of caffeine left. Even if the coffee bean is 100% caffeine-free, the chances of it using potent chemicals are high, so it might be risky to your health if you consume it for a long period.
Decaf Coffee RoastingDecaf coffee roasting is quite challenging. Even expert roasters with years of experience under their belt have a difficult time achieving a perfectly roasted decaf coffee bean. Why is this so? The main reason roasting decaf coffee is more difficult than regular coffee is that decaf coffee beans get dark quickly. However, what makes this tricky is that its darker color does not indicate its roast level. In fact, most decaf beans are already significantly darker than regular ones even before they are roasted. Moreover, the snaps of the first crack in decaf beans are slightly softer. These are quite easy to miss, especially if you are not paying attention. So how can you achieve perfectly roasted decaf coffee? Here are some tips:
One way of knowing whether a decaf coffee bean is ready is by comparing its color change with its regular coffee bean counterparts. This will help you have a better color estimate when roasting.
It’s already mentioned above that the first crack in decaf beans is slightly softer than regular ones. This means that it is very easy to miss, which may break or make the quality of your roasting. Aside from paying attention to the sound, you must also pay close attention to the smell of the beans. A sweet but vinegar-like aroma is a sign that the beans are ready. But, if you prefer a darker roast, you can let it continue roasting until you get your preferred level.
It’s difficult to perfect roasting decaf coffee on the first try. This is why you should have enough patience to succeed in the process. Health Benefits of DecafOne of the reasons why decaf coffee, in particular, is more popular than other coffee types is that it is believed to have plenty of health benefits. But, what are these health benefits exactly? This includes the following:
Regular coffee is known for its ability to mitigate multiple medical conditions such as diabetes type 2. This serious condition can significantly damage your immune systems and circulatory system. However, many physicians recommend that their patients limit their coffee intake because of its caffeine content. In contrast, some even recommend avoiding it at all. Luckily, you can get the same benefit of decaf coffee.
In 2019, around 18.6 million people died because of cardiovascular disease. This is a 17% increase in statistics compared to the previous decade. In the same year, over 523 million cardiovascular diseases were reported, which is a 26% increase compared to the figures from 2010. These statistics show that there is a rapid increase in people suffering from cardiovascular disease. Excessive drinking of coffee can be attributed to increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease. This is because regular coffee contains caffeine which has stimulating effects. Given that most people nowadays drink coffee as soon as they wake up to energize themselves, the rising number of cardiovascular diseases is not surprising. This is where decaf coffee comes in. Although decaf coffee is not 100% free from caffeine, it has significantly lesser caffeine content. This is why a recent study has associated decaf in lowering the risk for acquiring cardiovascular diseases.
Antioxidants are essential substances that protect your cells against free radicals. Suppose you are not familiar with free radicals. In that case, these are contributing factors as to why a person develops serious conditions such as cancer, heart diseases, and other medical issues. Regular coffee is also rich in antioxidants. But then again, it has high caffeine content, which makes it less desirable. The good thing is that this is not an issue for decaf coffee since it contains almost the same levels of antioxidants but with lesser caffeine content. With the right decaffeination process, coffee beans can retain their antioxidants. You can be comforted knowing that not only are you drinking a delicious beverage, but you are also getting rid of your body’s free radicals.
People nowadays are suffering from a lot of anxiety because of their busy lives. As a result, it can significantly affect their quality of sleep. At the same time, many people also depend on coffee to help them get through the day despite not having enough or proper sleep. Unfortunately, although regular coffee does indeed help you stay awake, it can impact your ability to get proper sleep. The amount of caffeine it has makes your body alert. This is why you have a “hyper” feeling after a cup of coffee that keeps you going. Not having enough sleep is quite dangerous. It prevents your body from regenerating damaged cells. Long-term bad sleeping habits can also result in serious conditions and reduced immune system health. However, these are not issues for decaf coffee because it has little to no caffeine content. This means that it does not contain a powerful stimulant that can wreck your sleeping habits. Moreover, the lack of caffeine content in decaf coffee can also help it reduce signs of anxiety. This is why it is recommended for those suffering from anxiety disorder who cannot let go of their coffee habits.
Do you know why most coffee is combined with milk? Improving the taste and making it more creamy are only some of the reasons behind this practice. But did you know that people are also doing this because they want to lessen the acidity in coffee? Coffee is acidic, mostly based on how they are roasted. Lighter coffee beans have higher chlorogenic acid levels. On the other hand, coffee beans that were roasted for a longer period over a hotter temperature tend to be less acidic. The acid content of coffee is one of the factors why it has uncomfortable side effects. Some of these side effects include heartburn and acid reflux. Decaf has significantly lower acid content than regular coffee because of its decaffeination process. This is why if you are prone to experiencing heartburn or acid reflux, you should totally switch your morning coffee to decaf to feel more comfortable.
Another excellent benefit of decaf coffee is that it helps slow down the signs of aging. According to a study, decaf coffee shows signs of protecting brain neurons. This could help lessen the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The Disadvantage of Decaf CoffeeLike other things in the world, decaf coffee also comes with its fair share of downsides. These are the top disadvantage of decaf coffee that you should know about:
During the decaffeination process, chemicals such as solvents are used to strip away the caffeine content in the bean. Some of the chemicals used in the process are similar ingredients in nail polish remover and paint thinner. These chemicals, Methylene Chloride, are approved by the FDA to be used for the decaffeination process. However, they still have some health risks since it is not a mild chemical. It can mostly affect your nervous system. Moreover, Methylene Chloride is a mutagen. This means that it has the potential to become a human carcinogen.
The beans selected for decaffeination have higher fat content than regular ones. The coffee bean mostly used for decaf coffee is Robusta which contains diptenes. These are facts that stimulate the production of fatty acids in the body. This can affect your cholesterol content later on as well as your heart health.
Even if decaf coffee undergoes the process of decaffeination, it still contains traces of caffeine. This is why if you are quitting coffee because of health reasons, then switching to decaf won’t completely do the trick. On top of that, even if it has less acid content, it can still increase your serum gastrin concentrations, eventually triggering acidity. At the end of the day, regardless of whether you are consuming regular coffee or decaf, it is important to drink it in moderation. Excessive amounts of coffee, no matter what kind it is, excessive amounts of coffee are bound to cause negative medical side effects. Up to 3 cups of 5 to 8 oz. of regular coffee per day is safe. The same is suggested for decaf coffee, even if it contains less caffeine.
Regular Coffee is not necessarily evil. It has a wide range of health benefits, and it can help improve your mood with the right amount of consumption. However, since decaf coffee undergoes an intensive decaffeination process, the natural health benefits of a coffee bean are stripped and mellowed down. It also makes it a highly processed food item. Decaf Coffee MythsOver the years, decaf coffee has gained a bad reputation because of the assumptions surrounding them. However, most of these assumptions are far from the truth, while others are not true. Here are some of the untrue myths about decaf coffee.
In the past, a lot of people thought that decaf coffee was a watered-down version of regular coffee. This might be true at some point because even if the decaffeination methods in the past tried to preserve the flavor characteristics of the coffee bean, it was difficult to do so because of the lack of technology and tools. Besides, roasting decaf is more challenging than roasting regular coffee. This is why the taste of it can be significantly affected. However, decaf coffee nowadays can taste amazing thanks to more precise decaffeination methods. Plus, more high-quality coffee beans are produced worldwide thanks to the careful development and growing of these crops. As a result, consumers have better quality beans that are more delicious to choose from, so your decaf coffee won’t necessarily taste bad.
If you think that genetically modified franken-beans are specifically hand-picked for decaf, then you are wrong. This is because any type of green bean can be decaffeinated. This is why if you want high-quality decaf coffee, it’s only natural for you to use high-quality beans as well.
Decaffeinated and caffeine-free coffee is not the same at all. As suggested, decaffeinated coffee has lower caffeine content, but there are still traces of this. This type of coffee becomes decaf after undergoing decaffeination.
There are some pieces of evidence hinting that regular coffee can slightly help boost weight-loss effort or help maintain weight. However, this is mostly associated with its caffeine content. Since decaf has only a tiny amount of caffeine, it does not offer this type of benefit. Besides, these claims still require further studies, so the verdict is still out for it.
The original method of decaffeinating coffee involves the use of benzene as a solvent. Unfortunately, over time, benzene has been proven to be a carcinogen which increases the user’s risk for cancer. Although other chemicals are FDA-approved for decaffeination, many people are still hesitant about their potency and potential side effects. This is mostly why decaf coffee is associated with harmful chemicals. However, decaffeination experts made a lot of efforts to find methods that do not rely on chemical solvents. They have successfully done that through the water decaffeination method. Even if it is more labor-intensive, it does not use synthetic chemicals, making it much safer. Decaf Coffee Beans SummaryThere are various decaffeination processes to choose from. But, one thing is for sure, each of these processes takes hard work and precision to achieve the desired level of decaffeination. It is something that takes years of practice to master, which is why it is only reasonable that the price of decaf coffee beans is more expensive than regular ones, especially if it is decaffeinated using the Swiss water method since it is more labor-intensive. However, it is also undeniable that there are benefits of decaf coffee that are worth considering. You will get some of the health benefits of coffee and its delicious flavor without feeling jittery and hyper due to its caffeine content. But then again, you should only drink decaf coffee in moderation. Even if it’s decaf, drinking excessive amounts of coffee is bound to have harmful side effects on your body. So, there you have it; check out Halcyon Decaf Coffee, the best coffee in 2022. Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of decaf coffee and what it is all about. The post Best Decaf Coffee Bean of 2022: A Complete Guide appeared first on Balance Coffee. Via https://balancecoffee.co.uk/best-decaf-coffee-bean/ While walking through the coffee aisle of your local supermarket or a coffee shop, you would have noticed bags of coffee that say ‘Arabica beans’ on them. These nuggets of information give us a glimpse of the growing conditions, climate, prices, and more that went into making your favourite cup of coffee. Arabica is one of the most common coffee beans, accounting for over 55-60% of the coffee produced globally. However, there are some other beans that you may not have heard of. Let’s start your journey into types of coffee beans, and how to pick the best coffee, with this informative article. Types of coffeeThere are two main types of coffee – Coffea arabica and Coffea robusta. More commonly, these coffees are referred to as Arabica and Robusta. The other two, lesser-known varieties are Liberica and Excelsa – found only in South East Asia. Liberica and Excelsa account for only about 1% of the total coffee produced. Arabica (Coffea arabica)Originated many centuries ago in the highlands of Ethiopia, the Arabica coffee beans are said to be one of the first coffee beans ever consumed by humans! These beans are harder to grow because they thrive only in a specific temperature, high-altitudes and need extra shade. They are also very susceptible to diseases, which is why extra care and labour are needed to produce them. All these factors can add up, making them one of the most expensive coffee beans. What does Arabica taste like?Most of the gourmet coffee makers advertise that they use 100% Arabica coffee beans, because higher-quality beans have a bright body, with a satisfying amount of acidity, and have a multi-faceted intricacy of flavours and aromas. The rich flavours of Arabica are prominent when sampled on the front of the palate. These beans are known for their smooth, complex flavour with a distinct lack of bitterness. They are best served hot, especially with a pour-over/drip coffee method. Note- the quality of arabica diminishes when served cold or when a creamer is added. So, it is always served ‘black’ with a thick foam on top. Robusta (Coffea canephora)Originated in sub-Saharan Africa, Robusta is the second most popular coffee type in the world. Now, it is grown primarily in Africa and Indonesia. The Robusta beans can be easily identified, as they have a larger and rounder shape when compared to other types of coffee beans. Robusta is extremely tolerant to its environment (except for high temperatures) and immune to most diseases. They can also thrive in a myriad of altitudes with irregular rainfall. All these factors make the Robusta extremely easy to grow, and a budget-friendly option. The Robusta plants have double the amount of caffeine than Arabica (2.9 mg/bean). These plants are so ‘robust,’ as they use caffeine as the plant’s natural defence mechanism against diseases. What does Robusta taste like?Good quality Robusta has a smooth texture, really low acidity, with hints of chocolate that adds to its flavour. Robusta also has a bitter, charcoal aftertaste. So, this makes a perfect coffee for cream and sugar lovers, which can mask these notes. Liberica (Coffea liberica)Liberica beans are native to central and western Africa, specifically to Liberia, hence its name. These beans gained popularity among Southeast Asian coffee producers after a fungal disease called ‘coffee rust’ had wiped out most of the region’s Arabica plants. Today, this plant is mainly grown in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. However, this bean is uncommon in European markets. The Liberica beans grow from much larger plants than Arabica and Robusta and thrive well in hot, humid climates and low altitudes. The beans are larger than the other types and are the only ones in the world to have asymmetrical shapes. What does Liberica taste like?People who have tried Liberica coffee have polarizing opinions – they either love it or hate it. These beans have fruity and floral notes, with undertones of smokiness. Some coffee drinkers love the nutty and woody flavours, while others compare it to burnt carbon! Excelsa (Coffea excelsa)Did you know? Excelsa beans were known as a separate coffee species. Only recently, did scientists re-classify them as a Liberica variant. The Excelsa beans are almost entirely grown in Southeast Asia and shaped like elongated ovals. These beans are grown on large coffee plants at medium altitudes. What do Excelsa beans taste like?The Excelsa coffee beans possess a tart and fruity body – along with the flavours of a light roast, at the same time they also embody dark and roasty notes. This characteristic of Excelsa beans lures coffee drinks to try this varietal. The Excelsa beans are used in blends, as they offer a complex flavour that affects the middle and back palate. These beans are also lighter in aroma and caffeine.
What are the varieties of coffee?According to African legend, a 9th-century Ethiopian goat herder called Kaldi saw his goats prancing in an excited state after nibbling on the cherries of a coffee bush. He tried some of the cherries himself and felt a newfound ‘euphoria.’ Whether you believe this story or not, what’s important to note is Arabica has many varietals that are either natural mutations or man-made hybrids. What are varietals, you may wonder? Think of the main types of coffee beans as Apples. Apples have many varieties like Fuji, Pink lady, Granny Smith, etc. The apple varieties can be compared directly to coffee varieties. The most commonly found coffee varieties are Typica, Bourbon and Caturra. The Geisha varietal is one of the most sought-after in the world. It has sweetness, clarity, and is full of vibrant flavours that can range from dark berries to mangoes or peaches. It would take us a whole other article to touch on all the varieties of coffee, but here are a few to start with. TypicaIt is often believed that the Typica variety is the mother variety that was responsible for the development of all other coffee varieties either through natural mutation or crossbreeding. This variety originated in Ethiopia and was commercialised to other regions by the Dutch. The beans often have a beautiful sweetness and complexity, however, they are a low-yielding variety. BourbonThis variety derives its name from the Island of Bourbon, now known as Reunion Island. It is an early mutation of the Arabica species from Ethiopia. This variety is known for its outstanding complex acidity and great balance. SL28The SL28 variety was created by Scott Laboratories in the 1930s. Botanists were trying various mutations of Bourbon and Tyica, which led to the growth of SL28. This variety is native to Kenya with low-yielding properties. The flavour profile of this variety is intense lemony acidity with a good amount of sweetness and balance. MaragogypeThe Maragogype (marra-go-jee-pay) variety is a popular mutation of the Typica varietal. It’s known for its huge bean size, which looks twice the size of a Bourbon after it is roasted. However, it is a low yielding variety. Maragogype adds a rich complexity and body to any coffee blend that it is added to. CaturraCaturra is one of the natural and man-made mutations that originates from Bourbon and Typica varietals. The natural varietal was first discovered in Brazil. In recent times, it’s found in Central America, with a much higher yield than Bourbon. This dwarf tree makes harvesting coffee beans easy and has crisp, high-quality acidity. Mundo Novo The Mundo Novo is a natural hybrid of Red Bourbon and Sumatra Typica. This variety is very popular in Brazil and makes up to 40% of the Arabica grown in the region. It also has a good resistance to diseases, hence, producing about 30-40% more yield than Bourbon. However, the cherries lack the desirable sweetness due to their high yield. Which coffee bean is best for you? / How to choose the best coffee beans?After reading the types of coffee, you may wonder which is your ideal coffee type. There are many brands, producing varieties of coffees and blends, so we formulated a quick guide to help you choose your favourite one. Bean preferenceDo you fancy a slightly acidic, smooth-tasting coffee like an Arabica? Or a chocolaty, smoky-tasting one like Robusta? Knowing how each coffee bean tastes is especially useful in the longer run, and you can even upgrade to blended coffee for a more nuanced flavour profile. Roast profileFun fact: Coffee beans have a whopping 800 flavour notes that our senses can detect (wine ‘only’ has 400). Extracting the most notes of flavour from the raw coffee beans is all down to different roasting techniques. And you can think of finding your favourite coffee a bit like sampling wine. The degree to which your coffee beans have been roasted significantly affects the taste of your coffee. Hence, it’s one of the most important factors to consider before your purchase. Coffee that’s roasted for a shorter duration, called light roast will have fruity notes. Whereas, coffee that’s roasted over a longer duration, called dark roast, will have a darker, smokier flavour. How much caffeine do you want in your coffee?The longer you roast your coffee, the lower is the caffeine content in it. Hence, lighter roast coffee contains more caffeine than darker roasts. If you are looking to capitalise on your caffeine intake, we recommend you go for a light or medium roast. Check for the roast dateDid you know that coffee doesn’t expire? However, it is a perishable product that loses flavour and freshness as it ages. Hence, you need to check for the roast date on your coffee pack. Freshly roasted coffee is the way to go. If the coffee has been roasted over 3 weeks ago, it’s unlikely for you to enjoy many flavours at all. If you are purchasing it from a local grocer and if they aren’t aware of the ‘Roasted-on date,’ don’t buy the beans. These are just some of the details to consider while choosing your ideal coffee, but we don’t want to overwhelm you. Our most important tip is to keep experimenting and trying out new flavours and coffee types till you find your favourite (s). Where can you buy the best coffee beans?As a community of passionate coffee hobbyists who research, taste and experiment with coffee regularly, we know where you can buy some of the best tasting coffee in the world. The first place you should look for is your local coffee roaster. The best coffee comes from people who care for it, and no one cares about coffee more than your local coffee roaster. When you buy from them, you are guaranteed to receive freshly roasted, quality ingredients. Due to the pandemic, many local roasters are even shipping products online – so sourcing fresh coffee has never been easier. We strongly suggest you deter from supermarket grade coffee as they are often not freshly roasted products. Most of the brands that we found on the shelves had an ‘expiry date.’ And if you remember from earlier, coffee doesn’t expire – it loses its beautiful characteristics of aroma and flavour over time. So, stick to your local coffee roasters who will give you the best and most freshly roasted coffee. You can also try their ‘flavour of the month’ to keep experimenting with new coffee blends. What are commercial, speciality and organic coffee?It might sound like a no-brainer that speciality coffee is a much higher quality option than the commercial world. Without proper insight into speciality vs commercial coffee, you may be missing out on some amazing brews. Let’s get the differences straight:
Commercial coffee is often roasted in large plants and distributed under nationally advertised brands. Whereas, speciality coffee is roasted in small stores using traditional means. Speciality coffees also offer more choices than commercial ones. You can also participate in the origin story of the coffee, by purchasing coffee beans from the area where it was grown. You can also pick your roasting method – French roast, Italian roast, etc. Not only this, but you can also filter your coffee beans according to the price, flavour and roasted-on dates. Commercial grade coffee brands barely offer such customizations. Although speciality coffee beans are more expensive than commercial ones, they offer a wide array of flavours to your coffee after every brew. According to us, the investment is worth the effort and you should give it a try at least once. What is organic coffee? Is it the healthier option?Speaking about different types of coffee, it is also important to talk about organic coffee. When given a choice between organic and commercial coffee, there’s no doubt that organic coffee is the ‘healthier’ option. Organic coffee is grown without harmful pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. But even organic coffee can fall short. In our opinion, a truly healthy cup of coffee is rigorously tested for mycotoxins and mould. It is also roasted in a smokeless machine to reduce toxic byproducts such as acrylamide. So, what does a healthy coffee look like?We are still on the hunt for ‘healthy’ coffee, but here’s what we feel the current standard should be – a healthy coffee should go beyond organic certification. Look for beans that are speciality grade, mould and mycotoxin-free, roasted in smokeless machines, third-party lab tested to ensure that it’s free from toxins. We hope this brief guide gave you a good idea of types of coffee, varietals, blends and more. If you found this information useful, then please share it with your loved ones as well. You can also drop off your questions in the comment section below, and our coffee experts will answer them for you. Until then, happy brewing. FAQs:
Robusta beans have the highest caffeine level. A single Robusta bean has about 2.9 mg of caffeine per bean. This amounts to 2.2%-2.7% caffeine by weight.
The two most common types of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica amounts to roughly 58% of the total coffee beans produced, whereas Robusta takes up 38%.
Yes, there are many types of coffee beans. Arabica and Robusta are two of the most commonly found beans. Liberica and Excelsa are the lesser-known varieties of coffee.
There are four different types of coffee beans – Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. The post Types of coffee: choose the right coffee beans for you appeared first on Balance Coffee. Via https://balancecoffee.co.uk/types-of-coffee/ Do you want to dig into a cup of hot steaming coffee that tastes and smells just like a barista right in the comforts of your home? Look no further as I have got the perfect solution for you, as today we explain everything about how to grind coffee beans at home for maximum flavour. You can have that ultimate caffeine experience by using freshly ground beans of the highest quality, made at home, that can satisfy both your taste buds and your soul. Why Grind Coffee Beans when Pre-Ground Coffee is Available?If you wonder why the pre-ground coffee beans from the supermarket do not give you the same taste and flavour as the freshly ground coffee you get from a barista, the answer lies in the degree of freshness. Coffee beans do a better job of retaining freshness when compared to pre-ground coffee. That’s because the wholebean locks in the gasses and flavours. Coffee beans typically last between 5-10 weeks after roasting because of this fact. However, when you compare this to pre-ground coffee, it begins to get stale immediately after they are roasted and ground. Why? When exposed to oxygen, oxidation occurs. This means that the air begins to effect the oils in the beans start to evaporate, leading to a decline in taste and smells by the time it reaches you. Some key factors that affect the freshness of pre-ground coffee beans are:→Oxidation: When pre-ground coffee comes in to contact with air, it enables the process of oxidation. This changes the taste and flavour of the coffee beans. The ground coffee you get from the supermarket has already been oxidised whilst resting on the shelves and hence can have a milder more subdued taste than when you freshly grind coffee beans. →Moisture: The oil present in the coffee beans is highly soluble in water. It is the primary ingredient that gives you the rich, authentic taste and smell of coffee. When the pre-ground coffee comes in contact with moisture in the air, the oil starts dissolving, taking away the richness of the coffee ground with it. →Grind size: The size of the granules or particles of your coffee determines how intense your coffee will taste in the end. For example, if your coffee tastes watery and acidic, the beans are grounded too coarsely. Conversely, you can find your coffee too bitter if you use finely ground coffee beans. How can the size of ground coffee beans affect your coffee taste?We grind coffee beans to increase the surface area of coffee that comes in contact with water. A coarser grind will allow water to pass through it easier than a finer grind, thereby affecting brew time and extraction efficiency. A more robust coffee will require finer grounds, while a weaker one can do with a coarser consistency. This is due to bean density which comes from the origin of the coffee itself, the altitude and the roast level of the bean among other factors. Different sizes of coffee grounds are used in a variety of coffee brewing methods. The appropriate grind size for each type of coffee is as follows:
Grinding fresh coffee beans at home will give you control over the coarseness you want, and the right texture and flavour that you crave in your brew. Ways You Can Grind Coffee Beans at HomeTo perfectly grind coffee beans at home will give you the delicious cup of coffee you desire every morning. Everyone wants to start their day on the right note, so the next thing you need to consider is actually how to grind the coffee beans? First of all, you’ll need to decide whether to invest in a coffee grinder or to try grinding coffee beans without one manually. You might want to dive right into the grinding process straight away and forget exploring alternative ways to grind coffee. Alternatively, If the thought of grinding coffee beans without a grinder makes you feel overwhelmed, fear not. Here are some ways to create perfectly ground coffee beans without owning a grinder. Ways to Grind Coffee Without a Grinder.If, like most of us, you already have a blender or a food processor at home, grinding coffee without a grinder would be achievable ! However, we are purveyors of quality coffee here at Balance, and we will say this. Grinding your coffee beans with a high quality grinder will provide best results with regards to flavour in the cup. Here are some ways you can get your perfect ground coffee beans right at home without using a grinder. 1. Use a Blender to Grind Coffee Beans:With a blender, you can grind your coffee beans in no time. The blender’s blade will grind the coffee beans much like an electric coffee grinder though you cannot control the coarseness of the beans the same way. Some blenders come with a grind setting, and if not, you can use the pulse setting or manually blend the coffee beans yourself. Make sure not to overheat the blender by putting in a large number of coffee beans at a time as it might damage your blender, and you would have uneven chunks of coffee beans instead. Grind your coffee beans in short, quick bursts with an on and off grinding technique that would give you the perfect ground texture. How to Grind Coffee Beans with a Blender
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to shake and stir the grounded coffee beans between blending to ensure they blend evenly. Also, keep the lid firmly shut while blending to avoid the coffee beans from flying off, causing a kitchen mishap. Use a Food-Processor to Grind Coffee Beans:Do you know you can also grind your coffee beans espresso-style by using a food processor? You can use your food processor much the same way as your blender. Make sure to put a bit more coffee beans in it as it has a wider circumference than a blender and would require more to blend correctly. How to Grind Coffee Beans in a Food Processor
Pro-Tip: To ensure you get the right consistency, keep adding a few beans at a time while using the food processor. That will allow you to control the grind size and texture of the ground coffee beans whilst grinding. You Can Grind Coffee Beans ManuallyIf you prefer to grind coffee without the use of an electric grinder, then you might want to try grinding coffee beans the manual way! The process might be a tad longer and slower, and you will need more patience and a dollop of elbow grease, but the result may be more therapeutic for you. One other benefit is the saving of electricity. Here are some of the ways you can grind coffee beans manually:→Use the rolling pin: This is the easiest way to grind coffee beans if you are in a rush to get your morning caffeine fix. Take a small number of coffee beans (preferably weight these out, if you have time) in a Ziplock bag. Put the bag with the beans flat on the counter. Roll over it the coffee with your rolling pin. Make sure to start at the base and slowly roll over the beans to get the grind texture you need for your given brew method. Pro-tip: Make sure the bag does not have any residue air as that would pop open the bag when you roll over the contents! →Use a large knife: You can grind your coffee beans using a large, flat butchers’ knife and a chopping board. Use a large chopping board to ensure there’s no over-spill of coffee beans. Place some beans on the chopping board and slowly press the knife down on them to get the desired texture. →Use Mortar and Pestle: If you have a little more time and patience, using a mortar and pestle can give you more evenly ground coffee powder. The benefit here is that, the more even the grind size, the better the extraction. A good extraction equals a good tasting coffee drink. How to use mortar and pestle to grind coffee beans
→Use a Hammer: You can use a hammer to crush the coffee beans to a consistency you like. Like the rolling pin method, put some coffee beans in a bag and hammer them to your desired consistency. →Try a Heavy Frying Pan: You can use a large-based heavy frying pan to crush the coffee beans to your liking. Put some coffee beans in a bag and press down the heavy frying pan over it repeatedly to get the right consistency. →Use a Garlic Crusher: if a coarser texture is what you are looking for, you can try using a garlic crusher to squeeze the beans to a rougher texture. First, put some beans in the garlic crusher and firmly press until all the coffee beans have passed through. Repeat the process till you get a coarse texture. How to Grind Coffee with a GrinderIt is all well if you have lots of time and patience to grind your coffee beans the manual way, but the easiest and fastest way to get a batch of perfect ground coffee is to invest in a good quality coffee grinder. If you have decided to invest in a coffee grinder that will provide you with the best quality of ground coffee in the comforts of your home, look no further. Here are the types of coffee grinders you might consider before heading off to purchase one for home. How to Choose the Perfect Grinder?If you are in the market for a coffee grinder that can give you perfectly ground coffee beans, you are spoiled for choice. But before you get out your wallet, consider which type of grinder will suit your needs:
Electric blade coffee grinders, or coffee mills as they are popularly known, are the most common grinder available. They essentially chop up fresh coffee beans using propeller-shaped stainless steel blades that rotate at very high speeds (about 20000-30000 rpm). The longer you run it, the finer the texture of the coffee beans. It has no separate settings for different types of grinds. You have to determine the coarseness by the length of time you run the machine. Whilst this solution works well, you don’t have complete control because it’s based on speed rather than grind size. Benefits:→ Inexpensive: The main advantage of this grinder is that it is inexpensive, ranging from £30 to £100 in price. That is quite appealing as a good burr grinders typically cost between £100 to £300 for home use, excluding the premium range, of course. → Small Size: If you have a smaller kitchen and generally lack space in your home, this type of grinder would be your ideal solution. It is also portable and can be taken with you when travelling. Drawbacks:→ Lack of uniform particles The grinder chops the fresh coffee beans rather than grind them evenly. It is normal to get ground coffee with a mixture of different-sized coffee beans in them that can result in a bitter, unbalanced taste in your coffee. ⇢ Inconsistent Grinding The grinder will give you results that vary widely from time to time, making it a hit-or-miss situation every time you grind some fresh coffee beans.This will them impact on the consistency of the coffee you drink on a daily basis. If you’re picky and you like consistently tasty coffee, then a higher quality solution will be in order. ⇢ Grinder Heats up Fast As the grinder uses fast-rotating blades to grind coffee beans, using it for a long time will overheat the machine. It may burn the coffee beans causing them to have a bitter and burnt taste. Pro-Tip: Let’s face it; not everybody wants to invest in an expensive, state-of-the-art coffee grinder to grind coffee beans at home. If you have budget and space constraints but still want to do some occasional grinding of coffee beans at home, here are some tips to follow. ⇢ Use a short burst to grind your coffee to prevent the beans from getting burnt. It would also prevent the overheating of your grinder, prolonging its life in the process. ⇢ Grind a small number of fresh coffee beans right before brewing your coffee. That way, you can get a flavourful brew every time you crave a caffeine fix. ⇢ Adjust your grind time to get the texture you want. For instance, grind the coffee beans for 8-10 seconds for a coarser grind. Increase the time to 12-15 seconds if you want a more refined texture and so on. Practice often to find out the exact time the grinder takes to provide you with the right texture for your brew. 2. Burr Coffee Grinder:Unlike a blade coffee grinder, a burr coffee grinder uses two fast-spinning discs to smash coffee beans precisely. As burr grinders are manufactured to create a more uniform grind setting due to the shape of the burrs themselves, the power, and the chamber. Rather than chopping the coffee beans to uneven pieces, a burr grinder will provide more uniform particles than the blade counterparts. Because of this, a burr grinder would significantly improve the quality of your brew in the cup. There are two different kinds of burrs you can choose from – flat and conical. How are they different and which one should you buy? Read on to decide that for yourself. ⇢Flat Disc Burr Coffee Grinder A burr coffee grinder uses pressure between two discs to grind coffee beans. Flat burrs have two rings that lie flat over each other. They are horizontally aligned and have angular teeth. The distance between the teeth determines the size of the grind, which is what adjust when you adjust the grind setting. ⇢Conical Disc Burr Coffee Grinder You can often find these grinders in coffee shops. Here, the conical burrs sit vertically on top of one inside the other. This means the grinding itself also takes place vertically. The outer burr is a hollow ring with angular teeth. The inner burr is conical with a large base. It looks flower-shaped from the above. Flat vs. Conical Burr Coffee Grinders Your brew quality can be affected by the grind consistency, temperature, and retention, which again can be influenced by the shape of the burr in the grinding machine. While there has been an ongoing debate on the pros and cons of both types of burrs, without going into the technicalities, it has been proved that both types of coffee grinders are likely to produce uniformly ground coffee despite having structural differences. Irrespective of what shaped burr grinders you purchase, if you have a good quality burr grinder, the shape of the burrs will not make that much of a difference in your brew quality. You can focus on other things like water quality. Despite the disclaimer, the connoisseurs of coffee have their own preferences regarding which shape produces better coffee grounds. The following theories are considered while deciding between both types of burr grinders. ⇢ Retention – Flat burrs retain more grounds than conical burrs. While grounding your fresh coffee beans, you need to consider how many excess grounds are left in the burr which would then dose into the next coffee shot. The problem with this is you can dose old coffee that’s been packed inside the coffee grinder from the last shot. ⇢ Ease of Use – Baristas agrees that conical burrs are easy to dial in and require minimum adjustments. ⇢ Different Burrs for Different Tastes – Some coffee experts have claimed that conical burrs bring out the brighter and more individual flavours. In contrast, flat burrs specialise in enhancing dark notes and chocolatey flavours. ⇢ Noise Issues – Generally flat burrs are noisy and can heat up quickly, while conical burrs are quieter and cooler to use. ⇢ Cost – Flat burrs are more expensive and consistent, while conical burrs can be cheaper but less consistent in quality. If you want to invest in a grinder that gives your perfectly ground coffee with a consistent grind every time, here is a machine you should consider. Wilfa Svart Coffee Grinder-Aroma Precision This electric coffee grinder is an affordable way to make the perfect ground coffee at home or office. It suits a variety of brew methods, including AeroPress, Filter, and French Press, and always provides a consistent grind for a tasty brew. Additional Info:
If you want to grind fresh coffee beans even when the power is out, hand coffee grinders can be just what you are looking for. If you have got some time to spare and do not mind the elbow grease, a hand coffee grinder can provide you with a ground of decent consistency. If manual grinders are your preference, look no further. Hario Coffee Grinder – The Prism The Hario Prism is a beautiful manual coffee grinder with a ceramic burr and aluminium body. Equally important is the compact and elegant design perfect at home or traveling on the go. If you’re looking to grind your coffee beans daily, the Hario Prism coffee grinder is durable and will do just that. Some of the features of the grinder are:
Hario Prism Coffee Grinder Dimensions:
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Grinding Coffee Beans at Home If grinding coffee beans at home is not giving you the quality of brew you desire, you must be doing something wrong. Read on to discover the most common mistakes and what you can do differently to get the perfect ground coffee your taste buds desire.
There are several grind variations that are suitable for making different methods of coffee. The secret of making that perfect brew is matching the type of grind with the style of coffee you are preparing. If you do not know what grind goes in what coffee style, your brew will not be satisfactory. Here is a breakdown of each grind and what gadgets it is used in. A Coarse Grind (salt like texture) is used in ⇢French Press ⇢Cold Brew ⇢Vacuum Coffee maker ⇢Percolator A Medium Grind (texture of brown or white sand) is used in ⇢Auto Drip Makers ⇢Drip-Makers with cone-shaped filters ⇢Manual Filter Coffee Maker such as (Aeropress, V60 Brewer) A Fine Grind (texture of regular table salt or sugar)is used in ⇢Stovetop or Espresso Moka Pots A Turkish Grind (Texture of baby powder)is used in ⇢Turkish Style Coffee
You need to invest in high-quality coffee beans to have an excellent quality grind. Over-roasted coffee beans would have an intense bitter flavour that will ruin the taste of your coffee even when you grind the coffee freshly at home. To make that perfect brew, your beans must be fresh with the proper roast style and quality raw ingredients. If you are unsure about the coffee beans’ quality, consider investing in the Balance Coffee Bean Subscription. Our coffee subscription fits perfectly in to your busy lifestyle. You can taste exciting new coffee flavours from around the world delivered right at your doorstep.
Coffee beans get their flavour from the oils within them. To get the best flavours from the coffee beans, prepare to grind the fresh coffee beans as close to the time of brewing. Grinding the coffee beans well ahead of time will cause loss of the oil in the beans which will produce a stale taste in your brew. For best results, make sure the brewing water is ready as you grind the coffee beans and use them immediately after grinding to preserve the freshness across the beans and the water.
Always measure the fresh coffee beans you use while grinding, as using too much will waste the coffee beans. Keep a note of your daily consumption and grind the appropriate amount of coffee beans to prevent wastage.
Fresh coffee beans tend to absorb the odours of other food. Using the grinder for preparing other food and failure to clean it before grinding your coffee beans may result in the coffee ground with contaminated flavour. To make the best ground coffee make sure to clean the grinder before using. Before grinding the coffee beans, you can grind some hard, uncooked white rice to clean out the stale smell and residue left in the machine. Another option, is purchasing some cleaning tablets. Interesting facts about coffee to ponder on:1) Caffeine Content Changes Based on Roast of Coffee When coffee is roasted the beans lose about 90% of their water content. If you measure your coffee by scoops, the lightly roasted coffee will have more caffeine. Since the beans are denser than the darker roast. However, if you weigh out your scoops, the darker roasts will have more caffeine, because there is less mass. 2) Storage of Coffee Beans The best way to store coffee beans is in sealed containers made from glass or ceramic. Glass containers, if used, must be kept in dark places away from direct sunlight. In any case, you must always store fresh coffee beans in an air and moisture-proof seal. Make sure that you avoid putting coffee in the fridge as it takes on more moisture. 3) How long can you store coffee beans? Coffee beans can be stored in an air-tight container up to 3 months. However, they’ll loose some of their freshness so we recommend drinking within 2-6 weeks from roast date. Anything after this and you’ll taste stale nots due to the loss of aromatic and volatile compounds. 5) What are espresso beans? In theory, an espresso roast is a coffee specifically deigned to be used when making espresso. Generally it would work with milk based drinks and wouldn’t be suitable for filter coffee because it would have been roasted longer. The name ‘espresso roast’ denotes different blends of coffee used to achieve an optimal espresso. 6) What is dirty coffee? Dirty coffee is made with cold milk and a double shot of espresso. It gets its name from the rich dark brown colour of the brew. 7) What is a mocha – latte? Latte is an espresso-based milky drink. A mocha-latte is a latte with a dash of chocolate syrup added to it. 8) Can you grind coffee beans in the Ninja Blender? Although coffee grinders are more suitable, you can still grind coffee beans in the Ninja blender. Look for a Ninja with at least 500 watts of power to grind the coffee beans effectively. Also, use a small amount at a time to have a consistent grind and blend on a low or pulse setting. 9) Can you grind coffee beans in Nutribullet? Yes, the Nutribullet can ground your coffee beans with much more precision than a blender or food processor. Use the pulse setting and grind in quick bursts to get the desired texture. 10) What is the difference between instant coffee and ground coffee? Ground coffee comes from roasted coffee beans which are subsequently ground using a coffee grinder. On the other hand, instant coffee is a soluble form of freeze-dried coffee which we suggest avoiding at all costs. 11) Can you use ground coffee to make Dalgona? Dalgona coffee is made with instant coffee, water, milk, and sugar. Yes, you can use ground coffee to make Dalgona or whipped coffee. Just add an extra amount of sugar to turn it into a nice and fluffy texture. Check out our Dalgona recipe guide here. 12) Can you freeze ground coffee? Unknown to most people, you can actually successfully freeze ground coffee. However, it requires precision and speed to make it work before the moisture deteriorates and impacts the quality of the coffee. Using frozen beans is said to increase grind uniformity due to the harder more robust coffee beans due to the fact they are frozen. Conclusion: In the end, it all boils down to preference and taste. Following the tips and tricks from the team at Balance Coffee, you can grind coffee beans at home to upgrade your coffee game and enjoy top quality coffee, just like your barista made it. Get started right away and get your barista-style brew right in the comforts of your home.
The post How to Grind Coffee Beans Without A Grinder appeared first on Balance Coffee. Via https://balancecoffee.co.uk/grind-coffee-beans/ With more and more people realising that the quality of coffee can really make a difference in your morning cup of joe, more “speciality” coffees are hitting the shelves than ever before. But what exactly does “speciality grade coffee” mean, and how is it any different from every other cup of coffee? Specialty coffees are generally held to a higher standard than other types of coffees such as ‘commercial grade coffee’, and this leads to a far better taste. How that is actually achieved is what we’re here to talk about today. At Craft Coffee Spot and Balance Coffee, we recognise the importance of making informed decisions, and understanding specialty coffee is no exception. We’ve researched information and shared the criteria to help you understand exactly how specialty-grade coffee stands out as a the most effective way to make sure the coffee you are drinking is top quality. In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about specialty-grade coffee. Specialty Grade Coffee: The Expert DefinitionSpecialty coffee is a category that encompasses the highest quality coffee on the market. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) tests and grades different coffees depending on how they meet certain criteria’s. SCA employees called ‘cuppers’ are responsible for testing coffees to determine their quality. The coffees are given numerical scores based on their overall quality, number of defects, taste, moisture content, and other factors. Specialty coffee makes up around 37% of all coffee in the United States and just around 6-7% in the UK. Any coffee that scores an 80/100 or above is defined as a specialty-grade coffee. The subcategories of “specialty” are as follows:
Basics of Speciality Grade CoffeeAt first glance, understanding specialty coffee seems incredibly complicated. There are different scores and criteria, and following along can get confusing after a while. To put it simply, professionals who are highly skilled and experts in their fields taste test coffee at every level, bean, ground, and liquid, to see how great it is. Then, these experts produce a coffee score which grades that coffee. To qualify as specialty grade coffee, this score has to be at least 80. However, the higher the score, the better the coffee. This score which classifies and grades the coffee, is a long and tedious process. But for good reason – SCA believes that taking it’s time to ensure each coffee is receiving a fair score, provides value to the whole industry, farmers and end consumers. Ultimately, these scores end up defining the cost for each individual coffee which travels down the chain all the way to the cafe and online coffee shop. Equally, if a coffee really shines, then it’s only fair that it’s rewarded with a high score. How Coffee is ScoredThere are strict guidelines that cuppers must follow when taste testing coffees. For example, each cupper must taste coffee samples in an environment that is well-lit, quiet, and clean space. All of the coffee is to be made from coffee beans which are freshly ground on-site just before tasting and not pre-ground. Cupping glasses must have a minimum capacity of at least seven fluid ounces but also no more than nine. As I mentioned before, there are certain criteria that coffees must meet to be considered specialty-grade. SCA cuppers brew several cups of the same type of coffee to ensure that the test results are consistent across the board. The SCA outlines these criteria into the following categories:
The fragrance/aroma category evaluates the coffee’s smell both dry and when brewed. Cuppers smell the coffee before adding water, immediately after adding water, and then as the coffee brews. They can then note any aromatic notes and qualities which form the fragrance rating. One of the most important factors in determining specialty-grade coffee is the flavour. Cuppers sip and slurp the coffee to understand the aromatic notes and the overall taste profile when determining flavour. The aftertaste that the coffee leaves behind is also taken into consideration. Sour and long-lasting aftertastes are more likely to receive lower scores whilst a coffee with complexity and balance is likely to be scored very highly. While many of us would consider acidic coffee a bad thing, acidity is what gives coffee a bright, full flavour. But you know what they say about too much of a good thing. There are coffees that exist which have an overpoweringly acidic taste, which can be downright sour and unpleasant, therefore receiving lower quality scores. Cuppers also look for other factors in the coffee tasting stage, such as body and mouthfeel. Based on the environments they are grown in, such as soil, altitude and other factors, this can create wide ranging nuances – these are all factored in to the end result. Many coffee drinkers enjoy a pleasant sweetness to their coffee. Many specialty-grade coffees feature a full-bodied sweetness because of their lack of green defects in the coffee grounds. While many may believe that “clean cup” refers to the presence of grounds after consuming the coffee, it actually refers to the coffee’s clean consistency from start to finish. If the coffee develops a bad flavour which lingers on your palette the longer you drink it, then it will not pass the clean cup test. Having a good balance of all of these factors is the key to any specialty coffee. Inconsistencies amongst categories will result in lower scores. Uniform, high-quality coffees with lots of complexity will generally receive the highest scores. It is essential that coffee grading uses consistently ground coffee (whatever the method) prepared properly. Once all of the categories receive an individual score, the scores are tallied to determine the overall rating of the coffee. Scores of 80 and above means that it will be graded as specialty grade coffee. DefectsOne of the biggest demerits that coffee samples can receive in the scoring process is from something called a defect. Defects in the preliminary stages are either primary or secondary defects. Defects in the tasting and scoring process are categorised as either a taint or a fault. A coffee must contain no primary defects and no more than five secondary defects to be a specialty coffee. There can be no more than five defective beans per 350g of coffee. Coffee beans have to be mature and intact to receive a score. Unripe beans, soured beans, or the presence of impurities such as sticks or rocks all classify as primary defects. Broken beans, water damage, and insect damage are examples of secondary defects. Taints are flavours in the coffee that simply don’t taste right. The off-flavor isn’t overpowering, but it’s strong enough that it leaves a bad or unpleasant taste in your mouth. These defects are a 2 on the intensity scale. Faults are more powerful than taints. Faults are flavours that make the coffee taste bad in an overwhelming way. Faults receive a score of 4. Defect scores during tasting are multiplied by the number of cups they are present in, and cuppers subtract that number from the overall score. Speciality Coffee vs. Third-Wave CoffeeIn my research, I found that many people use the terms “third wave” and “speciality” interchangeably when referring to speciality grade coffee, but it’s important to note the differences between the two terms. Third-wave coffee refers to the overall movement towards a more genuine understanding and appreciation of where high-quality comes from and how it’s prepared. Specialty grade coffee is a type coffee that has passed a minimum criteria and grading system for quality. This grade of coffee undergoes rigorous testing from a panel of experts who have determined that coffee is of exceptional quality. The Importance of Speciality Grade CoffeeNow that you know all about what speciality coffee is, you may be wondering why it even matters. The answer is that knowing that the coffee you’re drinking is high-quality and has passed rigorous testing gives you a sense of confidence and security that you know you’re enjoying a safe and high-quality product. We talked all about the health benefits of coffee recently. Speciality grade coffee makes up approximately 37% of all coffee in the United States, according to the SCA. This speaks volumes about its quality and rising popularity. Speciality coffee also meets organic coffee criteria, because it’s been treated carefully and has benefits associated with it compared to commercial grade coffee which uses poor and un-safe methods of production. Not only is it high-quality, but specialty coffee is also affordable and easy to find online. You don’t have to go far out of your way to obtain it as it’s become hugely popular and essential for home coffee fanatics. Ready for a Cup of Coffee? Grab a bag of Balance Coffee and get 15% OFF using coffee: ‘BLOG15′ Now you know all there is to know about specialty grade coffee and how it gets its kudos. We hope that this article has helped inform your decision the next time you’re shopping for specialty coffee online. Leave us a comment below or reach out if you have any questions. The post What is Specialty Grade Coffee? Why Does it Taste So Good? appeared first on Balance Coffee. Via https://balancecoffee.co.uk/speciality-grade-coffee-definition/ |