In this category, we delve deeply into the various aspects that make up this exciting and delightful beverage. From understanding how much coffee to use per cup to debating the differences between pressurized and non-pressurized portafilter baskets, exploring the secrets of latte art, and delving into concepts like the ‘third wave of coffee.’ We also explore the role of the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) and immerse ourselves in the intriguing world of specialty coffee. Here, you’ll find a wide range of topics spanning from the basics to advanced aspects of coffee culture and knowledge, providing you with an educational and enriching experience.
The process of roasting coffee requires a precise combination of knowledge and experience, which, if not approached with mastery, errors can appear. Even if the coffee beans acquire a brownish tone during roasting, this will not guarantee a correct roasting since undesired defects could be hidden. The defects that coffee acquires during roasting can significantly …
Green coffee, also known as raw coffee, can present various qualities, from the highest quality to undesirable defects. These defects, which affect flavor and other sensory characteristics, are crucial factors in the evaluation of coffee. We often use “quality” subjectively, based on our preferences rather than objective criteria. However, learning to differentiate between personal enjoyment …
To conduct a professional evaluation of coffee, specialized techniques must be applied through coffee cupping. As you dedicate time and practice to this art, you can unveil the secrets and subtleties hidden in each bean. However, in this article, I will present three steps that, while not replacing the depth of specialized cupping, will provide …
Tamping is a crucial step in the coffee-making process, involving precisely pressing coffee in the filter holder basket. Correct tamping aims to ensure a uniform flow of water through the coffee grounds, which is indispensable for achieving the best flavor in your coffee. Why correct tamping is vital for espresso extraction When extracting espresso coffee …
Have you ever walked into a coffee shop wanting a “stronger coffee” and been met with a puzzled look from the barista? When talking about coffee, the term “strong” can mean different things to each individual. In this article, I’ll unravel the mystery behind coffee’s intensity and explore the key factors that truly define a …
Unlike conventional commercial varieties, specialty coffee represents a higher standard in terms of quality, cultivated under specific conditions and subjected to more precise production processes. What makes specialty coffee special? From my point of view, the distinction of a coffee as truly “specialty coffee” resides in its capacity to fulfill each of the following ten …
The variety of coffee types and beans is wide, influenced by factors such as geographic origin, plant species, and altitude of cultivation. Each coffee bean, Arabica or Robusta, develops unique characteristics depending on these conditions. These factors combine to create a wide range of flavors and aromas, offering a distinctive experience with each type of …
Learning to enjoy an espresso like a Pro and appreciating all its aromatic nuances is an art. It’s not enough to prepare the coffee correctly; you must also know how to taste it. All this involves paying attention to details such as the environment, the aroma, the flavor, and the texture. ➡️ In this article, …
At first glance, “latte art” seems simple: it’s the art of pouring steamed milk onto an espresso coffee to create designs on the drink’s surface. However, the process is deceptively complex, and baristas often face various challenges in trying to perfect these designs, ranging from hearts and leaves to intricate artistic representations. Latte art requires …
Enjoying a cup of exceptionally flavored coffee is not just about selecting good beans; grinding plays a vital role. Errors in grinding, such as improper or inconsistent size, can significantly alter coffee’s taste, aroma, and texture. Errors in grind size and coffee extraction time The relationship between coffee grind size and extraction time is crucial, …
Delving into coffee involves discovering essential aspects of its fascinating complexity. A fundamental pillar is the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), an entity that extends its influence and wisdom, encompassing from coffee bean producers to baristas and coffee enthusiasts worldwide. The main objective of the SCA lies in imparting knowledge about the nature of specialty coffee …
Coffee, a beverage that has accompanied humanity for centuries, has undergone significant transformations throughout its history in what is commonly known as “coffee waves.” The third-wave coffee is here to change how we perceive, consume, and value this beverage. But what happened with the first two waves, and how does this third one emerge? In …
What is the correct coffee dose per cup? How many tablespoons of coffee per cup? The amount of coffee we use per cup depends on the method used, and we almost always use a scale to determine it. However, to simplify things, I will handle “tablespoons of coffee per cup” and “grams of coffee per …
If you’ve recently dived into espresso coffee, you’ve probably realized that crafting the perfect cup involves more than just pressing a button. While the grinder and coffee beans play a crucial role, we mustn’t overlook the importance of the portafilter baskets. But what type of basket should you use, pressurized or non-pressurized? To some extent, …
Mastering the art of the “perfect espresso” is a challenge that goes far beyond pressing a button on the coffee maker. Dozens of factors come into play in the quest for the ideal espresso, from choosing a coffee machine capable of providing the right pressure and temperature (approximately 9 bars and 198ºF) to the need …
