Education
Learn more about the wonderful world of coffee
Questions &
Answers
Q1. What's the difference between Arabica and Robusta?
A. They are from the same family (genus) but are two different species. Coffea Arabica originates from East Africa whilst Robusta or correctly termed Canephora originates from
West Africa.
Q2. How is coffee made?
A. There are many different methods of brewing coffee, some are made using machines and applying pressure, whilst some are immersed in liquid for a certain period of time, much like a teabag in water. Different strokes for different folks, I'd explore as many as you can and work out which best for you.
Q3. What is espresso?
A. Espresso is a brewing method in which hot water is pushed at pressure through finely ground coffee. It originates from Italy and does what it says in the name, it's quick.
Q4. How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee?
A. This varies a lot and has a lot of correlation to the species of. coffee you're using and the way in which you brew it. Canephora (Robusta) has twice the amount of caffeine to Arabica, so if you're looking to have less of a buzz go for 100% Arabica or delve into the depths of decaf coffee.
Q5. Can coffee help you lose weight?
A. If you only consumed coffee and nothing else, then yes it will help you lose weight. Some people often pair coffee with going to the gym, so if you combine both there is a chance it can help to lose weight but I wouldn't be relying on it.
Q6. What is cold brew coffee?
A. The answer is in the name. Imagine soaking a teabag in cold water for around 12-24 hours and then removing the tea bag and drinking it. That's how cold brew is mostly made. It's often concentrated and then diluted down with water, milk or ice.
Q7. What's the healthiest way to drink coffee?
A. There are many benefits to drinking coffee, such as the anti-oxidant levels and improving liver conditions. Like most things in life moderation is key and no such silver bullet is available, it's all about balance.
Q8. How long does coffee stay fresh after brewing?
A. Coffee won't disappear as it gets colder and it's much like having squash in your water. The amount doesn't change but your reaction to it will. As coffee cools it loses it's aroma and that is tied to 80% of our flavour perception. There's nothing wrong with drinking it cold and often the better the coffee the easier it is to drink cold.
Q9. Why is coffee bitter?
A. Caffeine is a naturally bitter chemical, so if you consume high amounts then your coffee is more likely to taste bitter. If we over-extract our coffee, basically drain it of everything it has, then there are more bitter compounds in the brew. If we select species of coffee like Canephora (Robusta) as this has twice the amount of caffeine it is likely to be more bitter. Then how you brew it will change the percentage of caffeine in your drink. You can't escape bitterness but you can make it taste good with the right skills.
Q10. How do you make a latte?
A. Latte translates to 'milk' in Italian and that's what this coffee needs. It's a mix of espresso with milk and how much you decide to pair it with is up to you just don't go asking for a 'latte' in Italy as they'll be serving you up a warm cup of milk.
