There are so many ways to enjoy this wonderful elixir that is grown in the tropical mountains around the globe. And there are so many variables that there are nearly infinite combinations to bring the specific taste in your morning cup of coffee.
The specific climate and soil where coffee is grown will affect the flavor. When and how it is harvested can make for a sweeter, more bitter, or meh cup of coffee. How the cherries are processed changes the end result, as does how the beans are roasted. Even the grind and brewing method can enhance or ruin an otherwise good cup of coffee.
For the most part, we are limited to the grinding and brewing part.
We can select coffees that are produced for the masses, packaged in larger facilities, roasted and ground to please the general public, and marketed through big box stores.
Or we can choose the origin and roast and buy beans either already ground for general use in drip coffee makers or whole beans and you can grind them to suit your brewing method and taste.
Currently, I prefer lighter roasts (medium is good, too) and whole beans that I grind right before brewing. My grinder is set about halfway between medium and coarse, but a little closer to medium. The beans I have right now are a washed (process), medium roast from Rwanda. My daily brewing method is a pour over. I find that 50g of coffee to 1 liter of water produces a flavor that suits me.
I'm not the guy that typically adds anything to my coffee, but will occasionally add milk or cream to an iced cold brew in the summertime.
Tell me about you.
Are you the person that just wants a cup of coffee in the morning?
Maybe you like yours strong, dark, and bitter.
Maybe you want cream and sugar or will sweeten a cup with chocolate or caramel syrup.
Some like their coffee scalding hot, others prefer it just warm, and some like it iced.
K-cups, packaged ground coffee, whole bean?
Brand preference, local shop, online purchase?
Drip maker, percolator, press, or one of those fancy counter top coffee shop machines?
What do you like?
John
Posts to Out of My Hat are just my thoughts on varied subjects from politics, religion, parenting, magic and life in general. Please feel free to comment on or share any of the material found here. Just note the source and, when possible, provide a link to Out of My Hat.
It is often quite socially awkward to admit this, but...I don't drink coffee. However, I absolutely love a chai latte (about once a month at my favourite coffee shop).
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy a chai latte every so often. It has been quite some time since I've had one, though.
DeleteA little cardamom and cream is also a nice addition to a cup of coffee for an after dinner cup.
So many many methods and so many choices! I'm reminded of time in Jamaica drinking that beautiful Blue mountain coffee. And of course, my first home in Hawaii was in a Kona coffee shack! It's wonderful to see the red cherries with the coffee beans inside and the beautiful white blossoms. Thanks, John Aloha!
ReplyDeleteAm I allowed to admit that I often drink Nescafe instant?????? Sorry.
ReplyDeleteShammickite, you get to drink whatever pleases you.
DeleteI love a cup of Earl Grey tea. I do have coffee every now and then.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I am also a fan of Earl Grey tea.
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