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Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
Contents
By
Bryan Huynh
Key Takeaways
Finding the right coffee for your meal means understanding flavor and aromas. Coffee has been around for centuries and we are still learning new ways to enjoy it. Different types of coffee are better suited for different types of drinks. Every meal can be paired with a unique and delicious type of coffee drink. Experimenting with different coffee/food combinations can be fun and rewarding. Your unique flavor and aroma preferences can help you find the best coffee for you.
Today, many people drink coffee as part of their morning routine or as a milestone within their day-to-day activities. In ancient times, coffee was seen as a drink from the gods and some cultures reserved the beverage for leaders and dignitaries and used coffee as a form of currency. Many people also appreciate the flavor and aromas of coffee and enjoy drinking it for its soothing and relaxing properties as well.
With coffee shops on every corner it seems and online ordering easier than ever, more and more people are falling in love with coffee outside the normal cup-of-joe. Here is a handy guide for beginners who want to discover the art of pairing the right cup of coffee with the right meal.
Coffee has long been debated when it comes to its country of origin. Most experts believe it originated in Ethiopia, where it was grown and consumed for centuries by locals. As noted by the National Coffee Association, according to the legend from the region, the discovery of coffee is thanks to a goatherder. This young man noticed that his goats were more energetic and active when they had eaten berries from one species of tree. Word got around to the local monks who brewed drinks from the berries to help them stay awake. And then, the first coffee drink was born.
The coffee plant soon became the thing of legend and it became one of the most traded and sought-after commodities and spread throughout the world. Today, coffee is enjoyed worldwide and can be found growing on every continent except for Antarctica. With such a long and rich history it is no wonder coffee has always captured the mind and tastebuds of humankind!
Coffee variety and coffee flavors go hand in hand. At the store you can find many varieties of apples, each with shared characteristics that make them apples. Each one has different flavors, textures, colors, and nutrients that set them apart. The same is true of coffee with there being a few varieties to choose from. The genus of coffee is Coffea, and under that, there are at least 129 species. However, in the United States, you are likely to find either Arabica and Robusta. And just like with apples and any other gifts from Mother Nature, there are some key differences that set them apart.
Arabica has come to be regarded as the most popular type of coffee by far. Depending on who you ask, it is often the Arabica beans that get the highest vote among coffee lovers. This is due to the sweeter and smoother taste of these beans when they are roasted and brewed. Typically used for black coffee, Arabica bean coffee can be enjoyed with nothing else added to the cup. Many people are surprised to learn that while it is the most preferred as far as taste goes, Arabica coffee has the least amount of caffeine. This makes sense when you learn that it is the much sought-after caffeine that actually gives coffee its bitter and more potent flavor and aroma profile.
While Arabica is the most popular, Robusta is a cheaper and stronger type of coffee bean. With less base flavor to deal with it is a popular option for coffee shops and home brewing. It can be used as a base that other flavors, ingredients, sweeteners, and additives and be used to create a wide range of flavorful and energetic coffee drinks. Because of its bitter taste, you’ll typically see Robusta beans used in espresso, instant coffee, and drinks where the bolder taste is what is preferred rather than a sweeter treat. Robusta coffee beans are more potent and bitter but can be easily grown and harvested and a simple addition of flavor and sweeteners can make a very enable cup of coffee.
Coffee production starts the fruits, sometimes referred to as coffee cherries, are harvested from the plants. A coffee tree at mature height can be up to 15-20 feet tall. However, most are heavily pruned at around 5-7 feet or a maximum of 10 feet in height. This reduces crop yield per plant but makes it faster and easier to harvest the cherries when they are mature.
There are three different ways of harvesting. They are strip picking, machine picking, and hand-picking. Each one has pros and cons that impact yield and production and some are better suited for certain farms and crop layouts than others. Only using ripe coffee cherries is extremely important. Fruit that is too ripe or not ripe enough will have a negative impact on the roasting profile of the coffee beans. This usually presents as a bitter undertone and a loss of flavor and aroma profiles that are so enjoyable.
It is also during the harvesting process that the general health of the plants is observed and recorded. It is during this time that issues such as fungal and bacterial disease, insect infestations or underperforming crops are noted so something can be done to address the issue. This knowledge is vital for ensuring the best harvest each season and that the entire crop stays healthy. This is why regular crop inspections are a vital part of the coffee production process- it has a direct impact on the flavor and aroma profiles of the coffee.
Coffee aroma and falvour profiles is a relatively new concept. People often associate these sorts of terms with wine and other alcohol and spirits. However, the growing popularity of coffee beverages is pushing for a more industry-wide concept of these important aspects. Aromas for coffee can be described as flowery, fruity, nutty, sweet, smoky, earthy and more. Tastes for coffee can be described as acidity, bold, bitter, salty, smooth, and more.
The first attempt at an official mapping of the flavor profile for coffee was done by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) two decades ago. The results were what had been widely accepted as the first Coffee Tasterâs Flavor Wheel. Within the last few years, the World Coffee Research (WCR) coordinated the largest coffee research project yet. The results of the extensive research and study have given us the WCR Sensory Lexicon, listing more than 110 flavors, aromas, and textures that can be attributed to coffee. As our understanding of these elements continues to grow so too will the way we can enjoy this historical drink- even in the modern-day setting.
Understanding how to pair the right coffee drink, the right aromas and the right flavors with the food we eat can make the entire process all the more enjoyable!
Lattes, espresso, cappuccinos, black coffee, and similar hot drinks are classic options for breakfast foods. Here is what you need to know about the coffee drinks that pair best with breakfast and brunch types of food.
Espresso -The espresso shot, also known as a short black, is a potent options to pack the most energy into the smallest amount of drink. In most coffee shops, it is served as around 1 oz. of highly concentrated coffee brew that is consumed on its own.
Cappuccino- Creamy and sweet, this coffee drink was birthed in Italy and is loved in the United States and around the world. Cappuccino drinks are served with a thick foam layer and commonly have additional flavor shots and creamers added.
Cafe Latte- A common introductory coffee drink, the larger amount of milk and cream used with the coffee helps cut down the bitterness of the coffee. Flavoring syrups are often added to make sweeter drinks that appeal to a wide range of people.
Popular foods that pair well with these kinds of coffee drinks include:
Sweeter drinks and cooler coffee options like iced coffees and Vienna drinks are common for a boost of lunch time energy. Here is what you need to know about the coffee drinks that pair best with classic lunch fare food.
Iced coffees – these cool and refreshing drinks are popular in the hot summer months across the country. A range of cream and flavor shots can be added to create a custom experience with every meal. You can also top it off with cold foam if you want!
Vienna- you can get this tasty drink made with milk products or water. However, the most common variety of the Vienna you are likely to find is made with espresso and whipped cream. It is a creamy and sweet treat with a powerful punch of energy.
Popular foods that pair well with these kinds of coffee drinks include:
Dinner time is the chance to relax and unwind, which is why mocha and Americano type coffee drinks are a match made in heaven. Here is what you need to know about the coffee drinks that pair best with popular dinner time food.
Mocha- This drink is considered to be a classic by many as it brings sweet mocha and rich coffee flavor notes together. The chocolate adds a rich and creamy element to the drink that offsets the bitterness of the potent espresso nicely.
Americano- Believed to have originated during World War II when soldiers rationed their coffee by adding extra water, the Americano is still popular today. The resulting drink still has plenty of caffeine without being so strong and bitter.
Popular foods that pair well with these kinds of coffee drinks include:
After a rich meal, you can't go wrong with a coffee-infused drink that can include wines and liqueurs as well as the popular Affogato. Here is what you need to know about the coffee drinks that pair best as a dessert meal finishing drink for your food.
Affogato- These drinks are sweet and decadent and offer a fun twist to any coffee menu selection. They are made by taking a shot of fresh espresso and pouring it on top of a scoop of ice cream. The combination is fun and a great dessert option.
Popular foods that pair well with these kinds of coffee drinks include:
Coffee is the one beverage that most people think of when they think of comfort drinks. While a classic for breakfast, this tasty drink is popular any time of the day and with any meal. Many people drink coffee for the caffeine and energy boost but there are also many delicious flavors to discover and so many ways to make and drink coffee.
Of the two coffee bean types usually seen in the market today, Robusta has a higher caffeine content. It is potently strong and between the flavor and caffeine it will serve as s great morning jump start or a mid-day pick me up.
Decaffeination processes can remove as much as 97% of the caffeine from the coffee beans. Regular coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine and decaf coffee typically has 3-5 mg of caffeine by comparison.
There are four main classifications or types of coffee grown by growers in larger quantities They include Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa and Liberica. Coffee brands typically are required to note which type of coffee beans are used.
It is generally advised adults consume less than 400mg per day, or about 4-5 cups of coffee. Underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure and medications such as chemotherapy drugs can influence these recommendations.
Bryan Huynh
Product Tester & Writer
Bryan Huynh is a determined Product Tester & Writer. Being a coffee addict, it is only right that he mainly tests and reviews different coffee from around the world and coffee subscription services.
Bryan Huynh is a determined Product Tester & Writer. Being a coffee addict, it is only right that he mainly tests and reviews different coffee from around the world and coffee subscription services.
Edited by:
Bryan Huynh
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Product Tester & Writer
