Coffee: names, types, cooking methods, reviews

Espresso, cappuccino, latte, mocha, americano - these fragrant drinks have become an integral part of everyday life. In our review you will find all the secrets of coffee, namely the names, composition and methods of preparation.

Originally from Ethiopia

The most famous legend attributes the discovery of coffee to Ethiopian shepherd Caldi. It was he who noticed the strange behavior of his goats, who, after eating dark red fruits and coffee tree leaves at night, were in an excited state. Kaldi told the monk about his observation, and he decided to conduct his own experiment.

Decoction of grains gave the monks vivacity during the prayer service and relieved fatigue. After a while they perfected the recipe and learned to fry and grind the grains.

The journey begins

The habit of consuming coffee gradually strengthened in the Arab countries, but the way of preparation was a bit strange. With the help of crushed coffee beans, milk and animal fat, the Arabs made balls, which, on the way, saved fatigue.

In the XIII century, grains began to dry, fry, grind and pour hot water. In addition, the drink was mixed with milk and flavored cinnamon and ginger were added.

Through the Ottoman Empire, where the first coffee house was opened , coffee came to Europe. It was in Vienna that the merchant Yuri-Franz Kulchitsky created coffee "in Viennese" with milk and sugar. A few years later, a real epidemic overwhelmed Europe.

The appearance of a drink in Russia is most often associated with Peter I, who forced to use the "bitter swill" of his associates. An incredible amount of strong coffee saw Catherine the Great. In addition, the empress discovered for herself and the cosmetic properties of grains.

Since the XVIII century coffee tree grows in many tropical countries. A little less than half of world production falls on the share of Brazil. On an industrial scale, only two varieties of coffee trees are grown - Arabica and Robusta.

Composition of coffee

Fans of a fragrant drink, of course, know that the combination of substances in coffee grains depends on the conditions of growth and soil. During the roasting of grains, hundreds of different compounds are formed.

Composition of coffee:

1. Protein substances.
2. Carbohydrates. Studies have established that in raw grains, depending on the variety, fructose and glucose are present. However, during the heat treatment, there is a fluctuation in the amount and composition of monosaccharides.
3. Tannin.
4. Chlorogenic acids.
5. Heterocyclic alkaloids and polyamines. Glucoside, theophylline, nicotinic acid, theobromine and, of course, caffeine. By the way, the content of the last component influences the quality of coffee.

Arabica

As we have already said, Arabica (Coffea Arabica) is the most cultivated species, which accounts for up to 90% of coffee plantations in the world. The native land of the plant is Ethiopia (South-Western part), but evergreen shrubs grow in Latin America, Indonesia and India.

Sorts of coffee names given, focusing on the regions. For example, there are Arabica Bali, Arabica Burundi, Arabica Brazil Santos, Arabica Ethiopia Sidamo, Arabica Panama, Arabica Dominican Republic and others.

Robusta

Congolese coffee, or robusta, is unpretentious to the conditions. Resistance to disease, yield, inexpensive production - in this regard robusta far surpasses arabica. However, from the point of view of refinement and quality, arabica occupies a leading position.

Robusta has a powerful aroma and contains twice as much caffeine, so most often it is added in a mixture of espresso or instant coffee. "Jacobs" - the famous coffee brand, whose products represent a mixture of robusta and arabica (Jacobs Monarch). The company was founded in 1895 by German businessman Johann Jacobs. Turati Classica is another brand where coffee contains robusta grains.

Today, the best varieties are used for production, which grow in Brazil at a height of at least 600 meters above sea level.

Vietnamese coffee

In second place after Brazil is located Vietnam. More than 600 thousand hectares are occupied by coffee plantations. The agricultural sector is several hundred thousand farmers, because the harvest from trees is collected almost all the year round.

It is Vietnamese producers who are considered to be among the best thanks to their ability to competently and harmoniously combine different types of coffee.

Traditional Vietnamese coffee is distinguished, first of all, by the way of preparation. Instead of cow milk, locals use condensed milk.

Condensed milk is poured in large quantities onto the bottom of the cup, then a special filter (fin) is placed on top of it. After that, grains of coarse grinding (several teaspoons) are added, and the mixture is pressed with a press and poured with boiled water. Within a few minutes a thick concentrate forms, into which ice is added or poured with hot water.

Kopi Luwak

Choosing coffee? The names of plantations and varieties can completely confuse you. Some fans of a fragrant drink simply choose the most expensive kind in the world, without burdening themselves with searches.

If you do not know how much coffee Kopi Luwak is worth, then get ready. From 400 $ to 1000 $ for one kilogram of grains - it is this price that is considered acceptable when selling the most exclusive and sophisticated brand.

An incredibly delicate taste with a light chocolate tinge is a tribute not to the talented farmers. The secret lies in the cooperation of people and palm civet. This little animal, also called a luvak and chon, eats the ripeest berries of coffee trees.

Under the influence of enzymes in the stomach of Chon, the berries lose bitterness and there is a unique taste with pleasant sourness and chocolate tinge. The processed and naturally-released product is collected and thoroughly cleaned, and then fried in a special way.

The most expensive Kopi Luwak is derived from the litter of animals that live in the wild. Thus, only a few kilograms are released per year.

On the islands of Java and Bali, Indonesia and Sumatra, even plantations have been established, where they are kept by whole flocks of palm civet. However, coffee, processed by animals in captivity, does not have that unique taste.

Monkey Coffee

For a long time Kopi Luwak remained the only variety obtained in such an unusual way. But most recently Taiwanese farmers introduced Monkey Coffee.

Monkeys, living on the slopes of Formozsky mountains, were first considered pests. They tore off the coffee fruits, ate the flesh, and simply spit out the grains. Once the locals decided to collect the grain, rinse and fry. A new drink with vanilla flavor came to taste to buyers and tourists.

Have guessed how much coffee costs from monkeys? Correctly, several times cheaper Kopi Luwak, or rather - only 45-50 $ per kilogram.

How to save money?

It is not necessary to buy a variety of Kopi Luwak to enjoy a fragrant drink. We will tell you how to choose a budget option.

You probably already guessed that the cheapest coffee is robusta. However, in pure form, his tasters are not advised to drink, and a double portion of caffeine is unlikely to benefit.

It is best to choose a mixture of two popular species, but consider several factors:

• Ratio of robusta and arabica in blend;
• The degree of roasting;
• The place of growth (the harvest grown in lowland plantations will cost less than in high-mountain areas).

Ways to prepare

The culture of coffee in each country has its own characteristics. A professional barista knows all the ways of cooking, well, what kind of coffee is better, it's up to you.

• In the east. Long before the appearance of modern coffee machines, the drink was prepared with the help of a Jezwa (or Turks). In a small vessel with a long handle, pour very fine grinding coffee, which is poured cold water and cooked over low heat. In ancient times, it was customary for Jece to heat on sand. A glass of water is always served to strong coffee.
• French press. Such coffee makers appeared in 1920 thanks to the French company "Melior". In a narrow glass vessel placed coarse coffee and hot water, insist for a while, and then using a piston to separate the thick of the liquid. For brewing in the French press, any sort of coffee (names do not matter) will do.
• Drip coffee makers. The prototype of this kitchen appliance was invented in 1800 by a French archbishop. In the modern form, drip coffee type coffee machines appeared in the 70's. Since then, the principle of operation has not changed: the filter with ground coffee passes hot water, and after five minutes the fragrant drink is ready.
• A coffee machine of the carob type. A fragrant drink is obtained by passing under the pressure of water the ground coffee. At the heart of modern models is a sample of Luigi Betszer, who was introduced in 1901. Well-prepared espresso is distinguished by a beautiful golden foam and slightly viscous consistency.

Coffee card

What coffee is better, everyone decides for themselves. One needs a shock dose of caffeine, while others prefer a flavored drink with the addition of milk or spices. Let's get acquainted with all the "coffee" menu:

1. Espresso is a strong black coffee. Served without milk in cups of 50-60 ml. Double espresso - the volume of 90-100 ml.
2. Ristretto is perhaps the strongest drink. It is usually drunk without sugar in one or two mouthfuls (a cup size of about 25 ml).
3. Americano - is obtained by dilution of espresso with water to the required concentration.
4. Latte - a French drink, is a mixture of coffee and hot milk in equal proportions. Serve in a tall glass.
5. Latte Makiato is from Italy. In a delicious glass first pour hot milk, add milk foam, and then the finished espresso.
6. Cappuccino - a portion of double espresso with a large cap of milk foam.
7. Mokachino is another "puff" drink made of coffee, milk and hot chocolate.
8. Glace is a French dessert that is served cold. It is a combination of coffee with sugar and ice cream.

Instant coffee

Coffee "Jacobs", "Movenpick", "Lavazza" - dozens of brands are represented on the Russian market.

The most accessible is instant coffee. However, its quality is at a very low level, because cheap coffee beans are used for cooking. In addition, to maintain the taste and flavor manufacturers add coffee oils and synthetic ingredients.

Fans of coffee drinks are advised not to save time, because even in the French press for the preparation of one cup of natural coffee, you will need only five minutes.

Coffee, the names of which you already know, let me choose for myself!