Coffee: expiration date, types, taste, storage rules and cooking tips

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

Coffee is one of the most popular and beloved products that can drive away sleep and give energy for the whole day. Many no longer imagine their morning without a cup of hot and fragrant drink. However, few people think about the amazing and long history of its origin.

The history of coffee

The true origin of the coffee drink is not completely clear, but many sources refer to the fact that it was originally discovered in distant, hot Ethiopia around 850. True, then people did not use a coffee drink, but raw, not roasted grains. Later, the missionary monks learned to prepare a special decoction of coffee leaves and berries, which helped them stay alert and not fall asleep during long prayers. Subsequently, coffee spread to the Near and Middle East, as well as to Egypt, America and Indonesia.

Since the discovery of the coffee bean, the recipe for its preparation has changed many times. Initially, the coffee drink was prepared as a decoction from the peel of the beans. In XVcentury, the Turks came up with a way to roast beans over an open fire. They called their drink qahwa. Around the 17th century, the first coffee houses appeared in Venice, which were very popular with local residents. It is known that coffee beans were brought to Venice by a doctor who accompanied the local embassy during a trip to Egypt. In the future, rumors about a wonderful drink spread throughout the world. Trade relations were organized between Venice and the Eastern countries. Despite the fact that Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee, it was from Egypt and Yemen that they began to grow and supply it to other countries.

Main types of coffee

There are two basic types of coffee beans used commercially: Arabica and Robusta. Many people make the mistake of confusing the type of coffee and its variety. But real connoisseurs know that there are only two basic types of coffee crops. They, in turn, are divided into varieties. A detailed description of each type of coffee bean will help you navigate this variety.

Arabica coffee

The most common type. The official name is the Arabian coffee tree. According to various sources, it accounts for about 69% of the coffee produced. The Arabica tree grows mainly in the highlands. It can reach about 2.5 meters in length, but is very capricious. These coffee trees prefer warm, rainy climates and do not tolerate cold well. The product obtained from Arabica beans has a delicate and mild taste. This is due to the high content of oils in the composition of the grain.and a smaller percentage of caffeine compared to robusta. The shelf life of coffee is largely determined by the correct storage conditions. The taste of the drink may vary not only due to the type of coffee bean, but also depending on weather conditions. On average, the fruits of this species ripen for 9 months and have a bright red or purple color. The Arabica tree bears fruit once a year and produces about 5 kg of yield, from which only 1 kg of grains come out for sale. The most popular varieties of Arabica are Katura, Bourdon, Margogype, Typica and Aramosa.

Robusta

The second largest produced and sold type of coffee bean. Unlike Arabica, it has a more tart, rich taste combined with a pronounced bitterness. Robusta coffee trees reach about 10 meters in length and grow mainly in the Congo Basin (Africa). This plant is very unpretentious, bears fruit well, regardless of weather conditions. Robusta beans are characterized by a high caffeine content and a viscous flavor. The ripening period of coffee fruits is about 11 months. The main difference between Robusta and Arabica is that the former is not used in its pure form. It is added to coffee impurities to give the drink strength. Due to the characteristic bitterness, Robusta grains are pre-treated. This explains the low, compared with Arabica, popularity of this species. However, due to its good yield and unpretentiousness, Robusta is a cheaper type of coffee bean. The main varieties of Robusta are:Nanu, Kuilu, Java Ineak, Conillon du Brasil.

Coffee bean expiration date. Storage conditions

This type of drink is considered the most popular and favorite among coffee connoisseurs. Ground coffee beans have the best taste and aroma compared to its other variations. However, improper storage conditions can significantly reduce the shelf life of coffee beans. An important point that must be taken into account during storage is the high hygroscopicity of the grains. In other words, they have the ability to quickly absorb odors and moisture. At the same time, their taste and aroma change. To prevent this from happening, you need to worry about a special storage container. A light-tight container with a tight-fitting lid would be ideal. In such dishes, the shelf life of coffee will last from three months to six months.

Storage conditions for ground coffee

Ground coffee drinkers may experience some storage issues. The fact is that coffee beans are rich in essential oils. But in the process of grinding, they quickly lose their properties. You can, of course, store ground coffee in special jars, but the best solution to the problem is to buy whole beans. If necessary, you can grind the right amount of grains in a coffee grinder and enjoy a fragrant and tasty drink. Since ground coffee has a very limited shelf life, you should not buy it in large quantities. It is important to avoid direct sunlight, strong odors and moisture.

All instant coffee questions

The shelf life of instant coffee can fluctuate. Under the right conditions, it can be stored for 3 to 24 months. It is important to observe some points that will help extend the shelf life of coffee. The storage of an instant drink implies the presence of the same conditions as in the case of ground and grain coffee. First of all, direct contact with water should be avoided. Pour coffee with a dry spoon. Depending on the packaging, the expiration date of the coffee may vary. If the consumer has purchased instant coffee in a soft pack, he must pour it into an airtight container, protected from light and odours. Some people prefer to use the refrigerator as a place to store coffee, mistakenly believing that a low temperature will help extend the shelf life. This approach is wrong. Coffee will lose its flavor when exposed to moisture.

Cooking Tips

There are many interesting tips for making a coffee drink. Many people like to add cinnamon, bergamot, cloves and other seasonings to it. However, regardless of taste preferences, the best way is to prepare ground coffee in a Turk. To do this, you need to know a few basic points:

1. Turk or coffee pot must be clean. It is not recommended to use them for other purposes.
2. Before use, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the expiration date of coffee, as an expired product can not only spoil your mood, but alsoseriously affect he alth.
3. It is recommended to use only clean, filtered water. Using tap water may affect the taste of the drink.
4. Having a coffee grinder available, it will not be superfluous to grind a few grains just before preparing the drink. Thus, the taste of coffee will be more intense.

Having studied the basic recommendations, you can proceed to the cooking process. To do this, pour clean water into the cezve and add a few teaspoons of coffee, depending on the desired strength. The drink should be prepared on low heat. After the first boil, it is necessary to remove the Turk from the stove, let the foam settle a little. This process should be repeated three times. During cooking, you can add sugar, cinnamon or other spices to taste.