Coffee: varieties and varieties. Favorite recipes

Natural coffee is a drink, without which most of the inhabitants of the globe do not represent 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, do not ignore him in the reception rooms of high-ranking officials and in business negotiations. Until now, researchers have not come to an unambiguous conclusion about the harm or benefit of the product. For several hundred years of the existence of this drink, mankind has accumulated a lot of recipes for its preparation and filing, and also invented special kitchen appliances that prepare it independently. Which is better: cereal coffee or soluble? And what kind of drink with an explanation of "sublimated"? Let's try to answer.

Coffee: an invigorating miracle

Pouring yourself in the morning a cup of a fragrant, hot, invigorating drink, you do not think how much effort it takes to get it on our table. In the process of coffee production there are many stages, and how it was acquired by mankind, there is a whole legend.

The grains that go to make the drink grow on a low tree with large green leaves. At first the coffee tree blooms, pleasing with beautiful white flowers, similar to jasmine. After the fruits appear, inside the juicy pulp of which the hidden grain is hidden. The final taste of the drink depends on the quality of the fruit on our table: the more it is, the coffee made from it will be more delicious. For six years the tree must be carefully tended, and only then will it yield suitable grains.

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

Coffee: Pros and Cons

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

First, strong coffee is an excellent stimulant. This will be said with confidence by those who drink it every morning to wake up. In addition, this property helps to activate the work of the brain, fixes memory. It's not for nothing that this drink is drunk at important meetings and in companies where intellectual activity is the first place.

Secondly, coffee is an excellent source of antioxidants. One soaking a cup a day is the fourth part of the daily rate of these nutrients that will not allow the body to grow old.

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

• Cirrhosis caused by alcohol.
• Oncology of the large intestine and bladder.
• Diseases of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
• Cholelithiasis.

Coffee helps to cope with depressive states, activates creative thinking, improves the work of the kidneys, the heart.

To whom the drink will bring harm

This drink, for all its usefulness, is not so harmless. Every now and then, the results of research are published, from which the harmful effects of it on the body appear. Proceeding from this, natural coffee is contraindicated for use 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, it was absolutely forbidden, because it was believed that it would provoke miscarriage and would have a detrimental effect on the nervous system of the newborn. Now women in the position to drink a drink are allowed, but in very moderate quantities.

It should also be remembered that coffee promotes the washing away of calcium from the body, so for those who are afraid of osteoporosis, you should add milk to your favorite drink.

Varieties

Grade of grain determines its unique taste, but also useful qualities, the percentage of caffeine and other substances. Directly it depends on the kind of tree that brought the harvest. The most common are three types of coffee: 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 and inviting. All thanks to the large content of essential oils. The trees of Arabica are most capricious, but the grains grow only of the highest quality.

The variety of Robust is completely different: it differs with pleasant bitterness and strength. Caffeine in it is much more than in Arabica. The tree giving fruit for this variety is very unpretentious, it is easy to grow it. This leads to the fact that Robusta is much cheaper than Arabica. But the fruits ripen irregularly, are of different quality. This coffee is preferred for the preparation of soluble 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 sort is Liberica. He lags behind the previous ones because of low yield and capriciousness. It is not in high demand because of the poor quality of the grains. Typically, Liberica is used to isolate caffeine, as well as in various mixtures.

South American varieties

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

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

The best varieties of Brazilian coffee (varieties listed in order of quality) - Bourbon, Maragodzhip, Minas and Paransky. The first is considered the most qualitative and tasty, it has a specific bitterness. Reviews about Maragogic are mixed: some admit it is very tasty, others consider it very mediocre. Minas has a pronounced flavor of the drug because it is grown on iodine soils. The Parana variety is the cheapest, but the quality is incomparable with those described above.

Colombian coffee varieties Medellin, Armenia and Manisal are often combined with the word "Mom". Drinks are pleasant sour, moderately bitter and very fragrant. 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 taste of fruit and a weak consistency, and the second - strong, with light notes of a wine shade.

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

Coffee of Central America

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

Mexican coffee, a variety of which is combined with the name Tres Oros, is grown in Oaxaca. They are united by a unique ability to become stronger as they cool down. Depending on the method of roasting, the palette of flavors differs from the shades of vanilla to maple syrup and hazelnuts.

Guatemalan grain coffee is a wonderful fragrance, a mild acidity and a pleasant, tasty 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 around the world is Guatemala Lagos Shb. It has a smoky taste, quite sour and tart.

In Jamaica, the exclusive Jamaica Blue Mountain variety is grown. A truly exquisite taste with light notes of nuts determines the title of the variety: "king of coffee beans". Find Jamaican coffee in the market is quite difficult, because 70% of it is bought by Japan. Often there are fakes.

If we talk about Salvadorian varieties, we should highlight a variety with a taste of cocoa and a light floral fragrance - El Salvador Chalatenango. The cooled down drink gets a rich taste of almonds.

African coffee

In Africa, many countries exporting coffee. Consider the largest suppliers.

1. Angola. Cultivates varieties of Arabica and Robusta, and the latter is of quite good quality. This is due to the excellent natural conditions and the country's experience in the production of grains: since the XV century, coffee trees have been cultivated here.
2. Zambia. The most popular variety is Zambia AA Lupili. Has a pleasant spicy taste, there are notes of mandarin peel. Surprising aftertaste of caramel.
3. Zimbabwe. You can try the Zimbabwe AA Salimba brand 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 in the markets you are unlikely to find a truly delicious drink.
4. Rwanda. Coffee from this country has a pronounced chocolate flavor. Seven Lakes is especially appreciated. Moderately strong, it leaves a aftertaste of vanilla.
5. Tanzania. The drink will be pleased with a combination of tastes of apricot, brandy and almonds. Chilled, it has a taste of jasmine. The most popular varieties of Arabica from Tanzania are Tanzanian AA and Tanzanian Peaberry.
6. Ethiopia. Mokko Sidamo is a brand recognized by connoisseurs of the drink all over the world. It is ideal for the taste of Arabica from the country, from time immemorial growing it. Harar Longberry and Ethiopia Irgochif should also be singled out.
7. Kenya. A country that produces one of the best coffee in the world. Such varieties as Ruiruiru or Kenya AA Ruiruiru are unique, they can only be purchased at auctions. A bouquet of fragrances opens up as you progress to the bottom of the cup: from the sweet taste to the taste of cinnamon, cloves and tobacco to the end.

Coffee beans, ground and sublimed

If you want to make a really delicious, aromatic and healthy drink, it is better to use coffee beans. Of course, it will be much longer, because the grain needs to be ground, and then boil coffee in Turks on sand, gas or use a household appliance - a coffee maker. Recently, special machines have appeared that grind and prepare the necessary beverage.

Soluble drink is easier to prepare: just pour it with boiled water. This, for example, coffee "Nescafe." There are several types: granular, powdery and sublimated.

The latter maximally preserves useful properties. The principle of sublimation involves "freeze-drying". Pre-fried grains, grind, boil, freeze, crush and dry with vacuum. This process is quite energy-intensive, so freeze-dried coffee is the most expensive among all types of soluble, but it also tastes more like a freshly ground grain.

Manufacturers review

We will analyze the most popular brands of an invigorating drink, which are sold in the Russian market. One of the most popular is Nescafe. Presented as a granular, and a sublimated version. The manufacturer offers a variety of tastes and strengths. There are even copies without caffeine. Consumers speak about Nescafe well enough, consider it one of the best in its segment.

Another type of soluble freeze-dried coffee is "Jacobs Monarch". According to consumers, it can be concluded that it is rated better "Nescafe." The taste is softer and more close to natural.

Another brand of Russian production - coffee "Black Card". It is available in various types: cereal, freshly ground and soluble (freeze-dried). A variety of flavors is offered, as well as options for cooking: in a coffee machine, a Turkish or a cup. According to buyers, coffee "Black Card" in grains is much better than sublimated. As noted, it is ideal for kitchen appliances.

A recent innovation is a capsule type coffee machine. One of these options is Lavazza coffee. Consumers note a unique taste, aroma. The only drawback is the high price, because from one capsule one cup of a drink is obtained. Also consumers appreciate the soluble Lavazza coffee.

Cooking options: Turk, machine and coffee maker

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

We will analyze the most unusual way of preparation - coffee on sand. This recipe came from the Bedouin desert, for which firewood was scarce. The drink prepared in this way is especially fragrant, but most importantly - its foam, elastic and very appetizing. The recipe is simple: in the red-hot sand, a Turk is placed with ground grain covered with clean (not tap) water. As soon as the "cap" starts to rise, the Turk must be removed, this operation should be repeated several times. To taste, you can add cinnamon, cloves or other favorite oriental spices. Common sugar can be replaced with honey, caramel or reed.

Popular cooking recipes

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

1. Americano and Espresso. The latter is the basis of many coffee drinks. This is a very concentrated coffee, prepared in coffee machines: through the poured grains is passed under a strong pressure of water 95 degrees. Americano - the same espresso, only weaker, diluted with 120 ml of hot water.

2. Cappuccino. It is prepared on the basis of espresso: it is added milk, whipped in a hard foam.

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

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

5. In the Viennese. Espresso, covered with whipped cream and sprinkled with grated chocolate.

6. Affogato. Ice cream, which was filled with espresso.

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