Unlock the Art of Brewing: Coffee Beans and Roasts
For coffee lovers out there who have instant coffee in their morning routine who at some point have said “there has to be more”, to themselves or others.
You’re right, there is!
The decision to take things to a more complex stage might be a reluctant step to take.
In this article I’m going to walk you through the basics. Our version of a more succinct article for every newbie coffee connoisseur.
By the end, you’ll know the types, roasts, and brewing methods. Let’s begin!
Coffee Bean Type
Coffee trees originated in Africa.
There are three popular varieties; Arabica coffee, Robusta (Canephora) coffee, and Liberica/Excelsa.
These beans differences go beyond their names alone, their varieties and the region they originate from across the continent.
Each bean is distinct in its size, shape, colour, flavour, and conditions in which it grows.
The most common coffee bean grown in Nigeria is Robusta, and it is the second most popular coffee variety after Arabica.
Coffee Roasts
Before coffee is brewed for consumption, it is roasted to a desired range varying from light roast to medium roast, and finally dark roast.
Different regions and different coffee bean types have their own specific roasting range.
Light roast, allows the original flavour of the beans to be front and centre.
Medium roasted beans appear like the silky smooth brown of Twix chocolate bars (as the beans undergo longer periods of roasting, their acidity reduces).
Medium roasts has a wide appeal which makes it favourable in commercial coffee markets.
Dark-roasted coffee is shiny and almost black in appearance, which makes the smokey flavour to be strong and present.
The roasted, smokey, woody or nutty flavour and bitter taste from the dark roast overpowers the original flavour of the beans, making it almost impossible to perceive.
Takeaway
– Nigeria grows Robusta
– In any case coffee should be enjoyed when the beans are roasted and prepared.
– Roasting ranges vary by region and bean type.
– Light roast emphasises on the flavour of the beans itself, which makes it one of the best roast types.
– Medium roasts are easier to find.
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