Coffee: varieties and varieties. Favorite recipes

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Natural coffee is a drink without which most of the inhabitants of the globe cannot imagine life. This miracle product, unlike tea, is consumed in all countries and on all continents. This drink is drunk to cheer up in the morning, it is not overlooked in the reception rooms of high-ranking officials and in business negotiations. Until now, researchers have not come to an unambiguous conclusion about the dangers or benefits of the product. For several hundred years of the existence of this drink, mankind has accumulated a lot of recipes for its preparation and serving, and special kitchen appliances have been invented that prepare it on their own. Which is better: coffee beans or instant coffee? And what kind of drink with the explanation "sublimated"? Let's try to answer.

Coffee: an invigorating miracle

Pouring yourself a cup of fragrant, hot, invigorating drink in the morning, you don't think how much effort has been spent to get it on our table. There are many stages in the process of coffee production, and there is a whole legend about how it was found by mankind.

Grains that gofor making a drink, grow on a low tree with large green leaves. First, the coffee tree blooms, delighting with beautiful white flowers that look like jasmine. After that, fruits appear, inside the juicy pulp of which the treasured grain is hidden. The final taste of the drink on our table depends on the quality of the fruit: the larger it is, the tastier the coffee made from it will be. A tree must be painstakingly cared for for six years, and only then will it produce useful seeds.

According to legend, humanity received an invigorating drink thanks to a shepherd who noticed that sheep, after biting off the leaves and shoots of a certain tree, become too active. He tried to make a decoction for himself and noted how the strength of the body was restored. Soon the word about the miraculous properties of the tree spread everywhere.

Coffee: pros and cons

We are used to hearing about the various negative effects of caffeine on the human body. However, the drink also has a lot of positive qualities, and under some conditions it is highly recommended to drink it.

First, strong coffee is a great stimulant. Those who drink it every morning to wake up will say this with confidence. In addition, this property helps to activate the brain, puts memory in order. It is not for nothing that this drink is drunk at important meetings and in firms where intellectual activity comes first.

Secondly, coffee is an excellent source of antioxidants. One cup drunk a day is a quarter of the daily intake of these beneficial substances that will not allow the body togrow old.

Third, the systematic use of the drink (no more than 3 cups a day) reduces the risk of serious diseases such as:

• Alcohol-induced cirrhosis of the liver.
• Oncology of the colon and bladder.
• Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
• Cholelithiasis.

Coffee will help to cope with depressive conditions, activates creative thinking, improves kidney and heart function.

Who will the drink harm

This drink, for all its benefits, is not so harmless. Every now and then, the results of studies are published, from which its detrimental effect on the body is clear.

Based on this, natural coffee is contraindicated if you have one of the following conditions:

• Kidney disease.
• Hypertension.
• Diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
• Glaucoma.
• It is not recommended to give coffee to children.

It is worth saying that scientists have revised their opinion about the use of coffee by pregnant and lactating women. Previously, he was under an absolute ban, because it was believed that he would provoke a miscarriage and adversely affect the nervous system of the newborn. Now pregnant women are allowed to drink the drink, but in very moderate amounts.

It should also be remembered that coffee helps to flush out calcium from the body, so those who are afraid of osteoporosis should add milk to their favorite drink.

Varieties

The variety of grain determines its unique taste, but alsouseful qualities, the percentage of caffeine and other substances. It directly depends on the type of tree that brought the crop. Three types of coffee are most common: varieties of Arabica, Robusta, Liberica.

The Arabica variety is not strong, there is a small amount of caffeine in it, but the aroma is rich, alluring. All thanks to the high content of essential oils. Arabica trees are the most whimsical, but only the highest quality beans grow.

The Robusta variety is completely different: it has a pleasant bitterness and strength. It contains much more caffeine than Arabica. The tree that bears fruit for this variety is very unpretentious and easy to grow. This leads to the fact that Robusta is much cheaper than Arabica. But the fruits ripen irregularly, they are of different quality. This coffee is preferred to be used for the preparation of instant varieties, sometimes mixed with other varieties to combine, for example, the aroma of Arabica and the pleasant tartness of Robusta. Also, the special qualities of this variety provide a good foam in the preparation of espresso.

Another variety is Liberica. It lags far behind the previous ones due to low productivity and whimsicality. It is not in high demand due to the low quality of the beans. Typically, Liberica is used to isolate caffeine, as well as in various blends.

South American varieties

The taste of the drink will differ depending on the country in which the coffee is produced: we will analyze the varieties of the South American, Central American and African drink now.

The largest producing countries of the South American continent are Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and Peru.

The best varieties of Brazilian coffee (listed in order of quality) are Bourbon, Maragogype, Minas and Paran. The first is considered the highest quality and most delicious, it has a specific bitterness. Reviews about Maragogype are ambiguous: some recognize it as very tasty, others consider it very mediocre. Minas has a pronounced taste of medicine due to the fact that it is grown on iodine soils. The Paran variety is the cheapest, but the quality is incomparable to those described above.

Colombian coffee varieties Medellin, Armenia and Manisal are often combined with the word "Mom". Drinks have a pleasant sourness, moderately bitter and very aromatic. It is worth mentioning two more Colombian varieties: Huila Excelso and Colombia Excelso. They are recognized as the best not only in their country, but also in the world. The first has a pleasant aftertaste of fruit and a weak texture, and the second is strong, with slight hints of wine.

Recognized as the world's best Venezuelan and Peruvian coffees: varieties of Maracaibo, Merida, Caracas, Chanchamayo, Norte and Cuzo combine a pleasant taste and rich, slightly tart aroma. The last three varieties are grown in Peru, positioned as environmentally friendly.

Central American Coffee

In Central America, the largest producing countries are Jamaica, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Haiti.

Mexican coffee, the varieties of which are combined under the name Tres Oros, is grown in Oaxaca. They are united by a uniquethe ability to become stronger as they cool. Flavors range from vanilla to maple syrup to hazelnut depending on the roasting method.

Guatemalan bean coffee has a wonderful aroma, moderate acidity and a pleasant, intolerant taste. The quality of the grain depends on the elevation of the plantation above sea level. The most loved by consumers are Cobano and Antigua. Another variety that has its fans all over the world is Guatemala Lagos Shb. It has a smoky flavor, quite sour and tart.

An exclusive Jamaica Blue Mountain variety is grown in Jamaica. A truly refined taste with light notes of nuts determines the title of the variety: "king of coffee beans". Finding Jamaican coffee on the market is quite difficult, because 70% of it is purchased by Japan. Counterfeits are common.

If we talk about Salvadoran varieties, we should highlight the variety with a touch of cocoa and a slight floral aroma - El Salvador Chalatenango. The cooled drink acquires a rich taste of almonds.

African coffee

There are a lot of coffee exporting countries in Africa. Consider the largest suppliers.

1. Angola. He grows varieties of Arabica and Robusta, the latter of quite good quality. This is due to the excellent natural conditions and the country's experience in bean production: coffee trees have been cultivated here since the 15th century.
2. Zambia. The most popular variety is Zambia AA Lupili. It has a pleasant spicy taste, there are notes of mandarin peel. Surprising aftertaste of caramel.
3. Zimbabwe. Try Zimbabwe AASalimba is possible only by visiting the country. This coffee is moderately sour and very fragrant. Unfortunately, there are problems with the transportation of grain from the country, so you are unlikely to find a truly delicious drink in the markets.
4. Rwanda. Coffee from this country has a pronounced chocolate taste. The Seven Lakes variety is especially appreciated. Moderately strong, it leaves a vanilla aftertaste.
5. Tanzania. The drink will delight you with a combination of apricot, brandy and almond flavors. Chilled, it has a hint of jasmine. The most popular Arabica varieties from Tanzania are Tanzanian AA and Tanzanian Peaberry.
6. Ethiopia. Mocha Sidamo is a variety recognized by drink connoisseurs around the world. This is the perfect taste of Arabica from the country that has been growing it for centuries. Also noteworthy are Harar Longberry and Ethiopia Irgochif.
7. Kenya. A country that produces some of the best coffee in the world. Varieties such as Ruiruiru or Kenya AA Ruiruiru are unique and can only be purchased at auctions. A bouquet of flavors unfolds as you move towards the bottom of the cup, ranging from sweetish to cinnamon, clove and tobacco towards the end.

Coffee beans, ground and freeze-dried

If you want to make a really tasty, fragrant and he althy drink, it is better to use coffee beans. Of course, it will be much longer, because the grain needs to be ground, and then brew coffee in a Turk on sand, gas, or use a household appliance - a coffee maker. Recently, special machines have appeared that grind and prepare the necessary drink.

Instant drink is easier to prepare:enough to fill it with boiled water. This is, for example, Nescafe coffee. There are several types: granular, powder and freeze-dried.

The latter preserves useful properties as much as possible.

The principle of sublimation involves "freeze drying". Pre-roasted grains, milled, boiled, frozen, crushed and dried in a vacuum. This process is quite energy-consuming, so freeze-dried coffee is the most expensive of all types of instant coffee, but it also tastes more like freshly ground beans.

Overview of manufacturers

Let's analyze the most popular brands of an invigorating drink that are sold on the Russian market. One of the most popular is Nescafe coffee. Presented as a granular and sublimated version. The manufacturer offers a variety of flavors and strengths. There are even versions without caffeine. Consumers speak of Nescafe quite well, consider it one of the best in its segment.

Another kind of instant freeze-dried coffee - "Jacobs Monarch". According to consumer reviews, we can conclude that it is rated better than Nescafe. The taste is softer and more natural.

Another Russian-made brand is Chernaya Karta coffee. It is available in various forms: grain, freshly ground and soluble (sublimated). A variety of flavors are offered, cooking options are also taken into account: in a coffee machine, Turk orcup. According to customer reviews, Black Card coffee in beans is much better than freeze-dried coffee. As noted, it is ideal for kitchen appliances.

Recent innovation - capsule-type coffee machines. One such option is Lavazza coffee. Consumers note the unique taste, aroma. The only drawback is the high price, because one capsule produces one cup of drink. Consumers also appreciate Lavazza instant coffee.

Cooking options: cezve, machine and coffee maker

You can prepare your favorite drink in different ways: coffee on the sand or on gas in a Turk, in a coffee maker or coffee machine - everyone chooses the most optimal way for themselves. Of course, the latter will provide the most intense and flavorful drink.

Let's analyze the most unusual way of making coffee in the sand. This recipe came from the Bedouins of the desert, for whom firewood was in short supply.

Drink prepared in this way is especially fragrant, but most importantly - its foam, elastic and very appetizing. The recipe is simple: a Turk with ground grain is placed in hot sand, filled with clean (not tap) water. As soon as the "cap" begins to rise, the Turk must be removed, repeat this operation several times. To taste, you can add cinnamon, cloves or other favorite oriental spices. Regular sugar can be replaced with honey, caramel or cane.

Popular cooking recipes

Let's analyze the most popular types of serving and recipes:

1. Americano and Espresso. The last one is the foundationmany coffee drinks. This is a highly concentrated coffee, prepared in coffee machines: 95 degrees water is passed through the crushed grains under strong pressure. Americano - the same espresso, only weaker, diluted with 120 ml of hot water.

2. Cappuccino. Prepared on the basis of espresso: milk is added to it, whipped into a firm foam.

3. Latte (stress on the first syllable). Almost the same as the previous drink, only the milk concentration is higher here.

4. Latte Macchiato. A very effective recipe and method of serving: espresso is poured into hot milk. It turns out the breadth of tastes, a certain "striping": milk, foam and coffee. Served in a glass with a straw.

5. Viennese. Espresso topped with whipped cream and grated chocolate.

6. Affogato. Ice cream filled with espresso.

7. Coffee with spirits added: Coretto (liqueur), Irish coffee (Irish whiskey), Caffè brulo (brandy).