The Ultimate Coffee Breakdown: From Bean to Brew!
Hey coffee nerds! 👋 Been deep in the coffee rabbit hole lately and wanted to share some basics for anyone looking to level up their coffee game.
Arabica vs. Robusta: The Basics
| Feature | Arabica | Robusta |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Sweeter, complex, nuanced | Stronger, more bitter |
| Caffeine Content | Lower | Almost double arabica |
| Growing Conditions | High altitude, specific climate | Hardier, more adaptable |
| Market Share | ~60% of global production | ~40% of global production |
| Common Uses | Specialty coffee, premium blends | Instant coffee, espresso blends |
Coffee Origins & Processing Methods
Popular Origins and Their Flavor Profiles:
- Ethiopia: Fruity, floral, wine-like, berries
- Colombia: Balanced, medium body, chocolate notes
- Guatemala: Chocolate, nuts, subtle fruitiness
- Brazil: Nutty, low acidity, caramel notes
- Indonesia: Earthy, spicy, full-bodied, herbal
Processing Methods:
- Washed: Fruit removed before drying
- Clean, bright acidity, clear origin flavors
- Natural/Sun-dried: Dried with fruit intact
- Fuller body, fruit-forward, sweeter
- Honey/Pulped Natural: Partial fruit removal
- Balanced sweetness, complex body
Roast Levels Breakdown
| Roast Level | Flavor Characteristics | Body | Acidity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, floral, fruity, grainy | Light | High | Pour-over, highlighting origin flavors |
| Medium | Balanced, caramel, nuts, chocolate | Medium | Medium | Versatile, drip coffee, pour-over |
| Dark | Bold, smoky, bittersweet, roasty | Full | Low | Espresso, French press, milk drinks |
Top Specialty Beans for Pour-Over
Ethiopia Yirgacheffe
- Flavor notes: Jasmine, lemon, bergamot
- Processing: Usually washed
- Roast: Light to medium
Kenya AA
- Flavor notes: Blackcurrant, tomato, winey acidity
- Processing: Washed
- Roast: Light to medium
Guatemala Huehuetenango
- Flavor notes: Chocolate, caramel, apple
- Processing: Washed
- Roast: Medium
Panama Gesha/Geisha
- Flavor notes: Floral, tea-like, tropical fruits
- Processing: Various
- Roast: Light
- Note: Premium price point ($$$)
Home Brewing Tips
- Always buy freshly roasted beans (check the roast date!)
- Grind just before brewing
- Water temperature: 90-96°C (195-205°F)
- Coffee-to-water ratio: 1:16 to 1:17 for pour-over