If there's one thing that can truly revitalize a person and bring him or her out of a dazed stupor, it's coffee. Coffee is one of the most popular beverages that is relished and celebrated by millions across the globe. Whether it is a first date, an important business meeting, a wake up drink in the middle of the night; trying to cram up as much as possible in the head before an exam, a hangover remedy or a relaxed evening curled up by the fireplace with your sweetheart, none of them are complete without a cup of coffee. What type of coffee doesn't even matter. It's just the lilting fragrance of those brown beans that permeates the air and makes you realize that it is indeed one of the best things in life. The are so many types of coffee and so many varieties of drinks that can be made using coffee. In this Buzzle article, we'll attempt to give you a brief overview of the most widely used coffee types.
Types of Coffee Beans
Coffee can be classified into on the basis of types of coffee beans, the different methods of roasting them, and also on the basis of the different drinks that are prepared using different methods from the beans. Given below are the three most widely grown types of coffee beans all around the world.
* Arabica: Arabica beans are the most widely grown coffee beans. They account for more than 50% of the total production of coffee in the world. They have large bushes and are also very delicate. The flavor that the Arabica beans have may vary from region to region. While they generally have a very mild flavor and aroma, there are certain varieties that also serve as gourmet coffee beans. It contains less caffeine than the other varieties. In addition to this, they also have other flavors and aromas blended together. African countries are the major producers of Arabica coffee beans.
* Robusta: The Robusta coffee beans come second in the list of widely produced coffee. Compared to the Arabica type of coffee beans, the Robusta bushes are much stronger and resistant to diseases and pests. This makes it easier and more economic to grow. The flavor of the Robusta beans is much stronger than that of Arabica beans. Also, the caffeine content in Robusta beans is much more than that of Arabica beans. It can be blended with other coffees and flavors.
* Kona: This is the rarest type of coffee bean that is produced in the world. It is definitely the least produced type of coffee. And hence, it the most expensive type of coffee beans. Produced in Hawaii, this coffee bean has the highest level of caffeine content in it. Hence, this coffee is rarely blended with other types of coffee. Its rich aroma and flavor are best enjoyed in its pure form.
Types of Coffee Drinks
After the different types of coffee beans that are produced around the world, let us see what kind of drinks are made from these types of coffee beans. Some of these may be types of hot coffee, while some may be varieties of chilled coffee. Rest assured that whatever way it is, nothing can take away the inherent flavor and richness from the coffee's original form.
* Espresso: Espresso is probably the strongest form of coffee. The coffee beans are ground and hot water is mixed with it through a pressure pipe. It is served black, and in a small cup that holds an amount of coffee similar to that of a shot glass.
* Irish Coffee: For an Irish flavor of coffee, a bit of whiskey is added to hot coffee. Whipped cream and sugar complete this type of coffee.
* Mocha: Mocha is a type of coffee that uses milk in it. For the perfect cup of mocha, you need a cup of milk, a little cocoa powder, and some powdered coffee. Mix them, heat them and enjoy your sizzling cup of delicious coffee. You may also like to try this white chocolate mocha recipe.
* Latte: A latte is a blend of two things. A shot of espresso together with a cup of steamed milk is the most perfect latte recipe.
* Macchiato: A macchiato is nothing but a stronger version of a latte. All you have to do in order to learn how to make a macchiato is just increase the quantity of the espresso in the milk. Try out this caramel macchiato recipe for some extra flavor.
* Filter Coffee: If you wan to learn how to make coffee Indian style, then prepare a strong decoction of coffee in water. You get specially ground beans for this purpose. Add a little of this decoction to a cup of milk and enjoy the strong and rich flavor and aroma.
* Vietnamese: This is a slight variation of the Indian filter coffee. After preparing the decocotion, it is dripped over ice and then sweetened with condensed milk.
* Cappuccino: A cappuccino is a good option for people who want a coffee that isn't too strong or too weak. Mix steamed milk, espresso and milk froth in equal amount in order to know how to make a cappuccino. You can also add a few cinnamon sprinkles on top for some additional flavor.
* Turkish: How to make Turkish coffee? Well, a traditional Turkish coffee recipe involves heating the coffee in water in a small glass attached to a handle, called an ibrik. The coffee is boiled well and if required, sugar is added while boiling.
* Black: Coffee served with steaming water is called black coffee. You can sweeten it with sugar substitute or honey. The calories in black coffee are lesser than those in white coffee (coffee with milk). Hence, it is more helpful for extremely health conscious people.
* Iced: There are a number of frozen coffee drinks that are also savored by people. How to make iced coffee? Well there are quite a few cold coffee recipes that one can use. However, the easiest one would be to mix coffee and sugar in chilled milk and a bit of cocoa powder in a blender.
* Flavored: Among flavored coffee types, you can try out adding honey to your black coffee, or try out some cardamom coffee or even almond flavored coffee if you think you'll like it.
Types of Coffee Roasts
Now that we know the different types of drinks that can be made from coffee beans, let us see the different methods of roasting them. You never know, you might just end up trying home coffee roasting at the end of it.
* American: This is the most common form of roasting. The beans are roasted to a moderate level, until the flavor is not too strong or not to weak.
* Decaffeinated: Decaffeinated coffee beans are nothing but beans from which the caffeine has been chemically extracted. Not to worry, the chemical does not remain behind in the beans after extraction.
* European: This is a blend of roasts. Heavily roasted beans and mildly roasted beans are mixed in the ratio of 2:1.
* French Roast: This involves a very heavy roasting of the coffee beans until they have a color that resembles dark chocolate.
* Frozen: Coffee is brewed and then frozen and dried. It has a slush like appearance.
* Instant: Exactly opposite to the frozen and dried coffee, instant coffee is roasted, ground and dried using heat. Learn how to make instant coffee.
* Italian: Italian coffee roast is used generally for making espresso due to its shiny, dark beans with the rich tone of caffeine in it. Check out these Italian coffee drinks and try them out.
Coffee Flavors
Apart from the different types of coffee mentioned above, you can also read the list below for some other coffee flavors. You can experiment with them on your family and friends, and enjoy them all together.
* Caramel
* Cinnamon
* Butter Rum
* Hazelnut
* Vanilla
* Raspberry
* Coconut
* Macademia Nut
* Caramel Pecan
* Bananas
* Apricot Cream
* English Toffee
* Mint Mocha
Well, those were the different types of coffee that we could tell you about. Buy them, make them, savor them. Enjoy coffee like it is meant to be enjoyed. Here's a quote that will make you want to enjoy it even more. No one can understand the truth until he drinks of coffee's frothy goodness. ~ Sheik Abd-al-Kadir
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