Most of us like to start our day with a fresh cup of coffee brewed from roasted coffee beans. If general statistics are to be believed, Starbucks opens two coffee shops on average per day.
That’s how popular coffee is! Another fact that you should know about coffee is that the costliest of coffees can cost around $500 a pound.
The coffee in the discussion is called Kopi Luwak, and most surprisingly, it is made from the excreta of a cat-like creature known as Asian Palm Civet.
It may sound disgusting, but its taste is incomparable to any other coffee. So without further ado, here’s what you need to know about coffee beans and how you can make a delicious cup of Java easily, depending on your preference.
Quick Navigation
Types Of Coffees
All coffee-enthusiasts know that there are more than 15 types of coffee to choose from. We all have experienced the struggle of choosing a coffee from the long list of options in any cafe.
From mocha, cappuccino, latte, to Americano, the most common ingredients in these coffees are espresso, foam, and steamed milk. Different combinations of these ingredients result in a completely different tasting cup of coffee.
Espresso in Italian means “pressed-out”, and that’s exactly how espresso coffee is made. It is a brewing method that originated in Italy, where a small amount of boiling water at 10 atmospheric pressure is passed through finely-ground coffee beans.
This process gives a highly concentrated cup of coffee that has more caffeine than most types of coffee, and hence the serving size of the espresso is generally smaller.
Experts have different opinions on the amount and type of coffee, the pressure, temperature, and quantity of water to be used to brew espresso, but there is no universal standard defining these details. Normally, this coffee is made in machines designed specifically for extracting espresso shots and is often referred to as “pulling” a shot.
Unique ways to make great Espresso
Espresso is a brewing method that gives a highly concentrated cup of coffee. A misconception about espresso is that it tastes more bitter than other types of coffees.
The taste of an espresso shot depends on the type and freshness of the chosen coffee beans. Some coffee beans come with higher sugar content that makes them fruitier and sweeter to taste, making your espresso smooth without a hint of bitterness.
Espresso machines were made for people who want their coffee steaming and ready in under a minute. That’s the reason they are so very expensive.
Coffee shops earn a lot from these highly used coffee making machines, so it is feasible for them to invest in them. Not everyone can afford a full-fledged espresso machine since they cost a lot.
But there are other simpler and cheaper ways to make great espresso from the comfort of your home. Here are some unique ways to prepare espresso easily without using an expensive espresso machine.
1. Aeropress
A simple device to make espresso, Aeropress uses a flawless mechanism to brew coffee. The process starts by steeping coffee for 10-15 seconds, depending on the preferred strength.
Then, the steeped coffee is pushed through a paper or thin metal filter using a plunger. The device consists of two tubes wherein one tube is placed inside another.
Finely ground coffee is kept at the base of the cylinder, and hot water is poured into it. After mixing the coffee with hot water for 10-15 seconds in the Aeropress, the plunger is pushed downwards like in a syringe.
The coffee goes through the filter, leaving fine espresso in its wake. Aeropress is a viable substitute for an actual espresso machine.
2. French Press
Also known as cafetière or press pot, this device is similar to Aeropress, with subtle differences setting them apart. A French press consists of a lid, a carafe, and a plunger that has a filter attached to it.
Unlike Aeropress, the brewed coffee doesn’t need to be poured out in a cup, rather it is stored in the carafe. The coffee doesn’t necessarily have to be finely ground to be used in a French press, coarsely ground coffee can be used too.
The method to brew coffee in a press pot, as illustrated on Sip Coffee House’s website, consists of brewing coffee with hot water for a period of two to three minutes, then gently pressing the plunger to extract the brewed coffee into the carafe.
A variety of different brews can be extracted from a French press. The taste of coffee is balanced when drunk black, and a mixture of milk can make it more delicious.
3. Moka Pot
An easy way to brew coffee without having to do anything more than placing a pot on the stove. Moka pot is also known as a stove-top espresso machine. It consists of three chambers.
The lowermost chamber of the Moka pot is filled with water, the middle chamber consists of grounded coffee, and the topmost chamber is called the collecting chamber, where the brewed coffee is stored.
Understanding the mechanics of a Moka pot is really easy. When placed upon a stove, the pressure is built up inside the pot, making the water rise as steam.
This steam passes through the grounded coffee and is ultimately collected in the collecting chamber. A light brown foam on the brewed coffee and a whistle from the pot indicate that your coffee is ready to be served.
The coffee-brewing machines listed above can get you results close to a real espresso machine, but the difference is noticeable. If you desire to have your coffee as good as a real espresso machine, the Moka pot is the right device for you.
If you enjoy a richer taste in your coffee, the French press can do the work for you perfectly. And if you want to make your coffee quickly and easily, Aeropress is made just for you.
Depending on your taste, preferred coffee strength, and roast style, you can select the perfect espresso-making machine for yourself.