Kaffebönor

What affects the taste of coffee?

We take a deep dive in trying to answer: "what is the secret behind coffee's diversity of flavors?".

Varje kopp kaffe tar oss med på en resa, från de bergiga odlingsområdena med Arabica-bönor till de låglänta Robusta-odlingarna. Kaffe är en älskad dryck som avnjuts över hela världen. Den bär med sig en historia och karaktär så djup och komplex som drycken själv.

The secret of coffee's multiple flavors

The taste of coffee has an almost indescribable complexity. The heavenly brew has aromas and flavors from sweetness to bitterness, from citrus to chocolate. It starts with the coffee variety - Arabica and Robusta, each with its own specific flavor profile. Coffee beans grow in different climates, at different altitudes and in different soils. These geographical factors alone add considerable variety to the taste of coffee beans.

1. Arabica coffee - Refined & Certified

Arabica coffee is the world's most widely grown coffee variety and is responsible for about 70 percent of global coffee production. Its popularity lies in its slightly sweet, mild, and acidic flavor profile. Grown primarily in mountainous regions, it has Arabica beans have a lower caffeine content compared to rival Robusta, making it a prime choice for those who prefer a more restrained caffeine kick.

2. Robusta Coffee - Strong & Robust

Robusta, on the other hand, is world renowned for its distinct, powerful and bitter flavor profile. Grown in lowland areas, Robusta accounts for around 30% of global coffee production. Robusta beans contain more caffeine than Arabica and have a higher oxygen content.which contributes to its unique flavor. For those who want a strong and full-bodied coffee, Robusta is often the first choice, especially when it comes to espresso and blends.

But what actually influences the distinctive taste of coffee more than the type of coffee? There are several key factors to discuss.

3. The soil - Where the beans grow

En annan faktor är jordmånen där kaffebönorna odlas. Jordmånen, kombinerat med klimat- och höjdöverhavsförhållanden, spelar en stor roll i tillväxten och utvecklingen av kaffebönan. Arabica-typen frodas bäst i höglänta områden med svala nätter och varma dagar, medan Robusta föredrar ett varmare och fuktigare klimat.

4. Machining process - Dry & Wet

The processing of the coffee beans also determines the taste of the final result. Two common processing methods are dry process and wet process.

  • The drying process involves drying the coffee beans in the sun before removing the fruit, giving the beans a fruity and relatively sweet flavor profile. This method is often used on Arabica farms in countries such as Brazil and Costa Rica.
  • On the other hand, the wet process involves washing and fermenting the beans before drying. The result is a coffee with a cleaner and more balanced flavor profile. This method is usually used on high quality coffee beans and is more common in Arabica farms in countries like Kenya and Ethiopia.

5. The roasting process - From light to dark roast

The roasting process also plays a crucial role in the taste of the coffee. The beans are roasted in different degrees, ranging from lightly roasted to dark roasted beans. The lightly roasted beans retain more of their original flavor profile and offer a bright and acidic taste. Dark roasted beans, on the other hand, have a more prominent and powerful flavor with hints of chocolate and caramel.

6. Construction method - Packaging the flavor

Byggmetoden kan också ha en stor inverkan på smaken av kaffe. Olika byggmetoder, som espresso, pour-over eller fransk press, kan framhäva olika smaker från bönorna. Några metoder kan ge en mer fyllig och oljig konsistens medan andra metoder kan ge en renare och klarare smakprofil.

From soil to a cup of coffee - a kaleidoscope of flavors!

The secret to coffee's diversity of flavor goes beyond the coffee bean, whether Arabica or Robusta. Many factors contribute to the unique flavor profile of coffee.

Everything from the soil, climate and altitude creates a unique terroir that affects the maturity and character of the beans. We have the processing and roasting method that refines the raw characteristics and sculpts the final flavor profile. Finally, the brewing method also reveals the last secret flavor notes and closes the circle from soil to coffee cup.

Så inför er nästa kopp med kaffe, ta ett ögonblick för att betrakta resan. Låt dess dofter och smaker fånga dig. Varje kopp innehåller en berättelse, en resa från bergssluttningar och sydliga lågland till era händer. Det är inte bara en dryck, det är en reflektion av jorden själv och omformad i en kopp, redo att njutas.