We've Bean Thinking Blog

We love to write about coffee.
Caffeine Strength

Demystifying Caffeine Strength in Dark and Light Roasts

For coffee enthusiasts, the choice between a dark and light roast extends beyond mere flavour preferences, it also influences the caffeine strength in your coffee cup.

The common assumption that dark roasts are more potent in caffeine might surprise many, as the relationship between caffeine content and roast level is more nuanced than it seems. Let’s explore the intricate connection between caffeine strength and the roast profile, shedding light on the fascinating world of dark and light roast coffees.

Understanding the Roasting Process

Before delving into caffeine content, it’s crucial to grasp the basics of the roasting process. Coffee beans start as green, raw seeds. During roasting, they undergo chemical transformations that give them their characteristic flavour, aroma, and color. The longer the roasting process, the darker the beans become. Most of our blends are roasted using a medium roast which is deliberate to maintain the flavours and the caffeine content of the beans.

The Myth of Dark Roasts Having More Caffeine

The relationship between roast level and caffeine strength is not straightforward, though. While it’s true that coffee beans lose mass as they roast, leading to a decrease in volume, the actual caffeine concentration remains relatively stable so the darker appearance of a bean doesn’t necessarily always correlate with a higher caffeine content.

The key factor influencing caffeine strength is actually bean density. As beans roast, they expand, becoming less dense. Light roasts, which undergo less expansion, tend to be denser than their darker counterparts. In practical terms, this means that a scoop of dark roast coffee might appear larger than an equal scoop of light roast, but the latter can contain more caffeine due to its higher density.

Measuring Caffeine Strength: By Weight or Volume?

To add another layer of complexity, measuring caffeine by volume (scoops) rather than weight can also lead to misconceptions. If you’re using a scoop to measure your coffee, the darker, less dense beans might appear to provide more caffeine simply because there’s more volume per scoop. However, when considering the weight, the caffeine concentration in light roasts can be higher. A study conducted by Which in 2023 demonstrated that the level of caffeine in high street roast was considerably varied depending on where you drank your coffee.

Dark roasts, with their shiny surface, often suggest a higher oil content. These oils contribute to the bold flavours and smooth textures associated with dark roasts. However, the oils contain no caffeine, so the flavour and caffeine content are not directly linked. Additionally, dark roasts often have a lower water content due to longer roasting times, potentially impacting the extraction process and perceived strength.

Personal Caffeine Strength Preference and Brewing Methods

Caffeine strength also depends on individual preferences and brewing methods. If you enjoy a robust cup, you might opt for a dark roast and use methods like French press or espresso that extract more compounds, including caffeine. On the other hand, if you savour the nuanced flavours of a light roast, methods like pour-over or drip brewing might be your go-to.

In the end, the choice between dark and light roast comes down to personal preference. Whether you’re drawn to the deep, smoky notes of a dark roast or the bright, fruity nuances of a light roast, understanding the caffeine dynamics adds a layer of appreciation to your daily coffee ritual. So, savor each cup, explore the spectrum of strengths, and enjoy the rich tapestry of flavors that coffee has to offer.

How fine should you grind coffee?

How fine should you grind coffee?

When it comes to brewing the perfect cup of coffee, many factors play a crucial role – one often overlooked, but essential, aspect is the grind size of your coffee beans so, how fine should you grind your coffee?

Let’s dive into the world of coffee grinds and discover the ideal grind size for your favourite brew.

The Importance of Grind Size

Coffee grinds are not just about aesthetics, they profoundly affect the flavour and aroma of your coffee. The grind size determines how quickly water extracts flavors from the coffee grounds during brewing. It also influences the brewing time, extraction rate, and even the texture of your final cup. To achieve the best results, you need to choose the right grind size for your preferred brewing method.

How fine should you grind coffee? Different Brewing Methods = Different Grind Sizes

Coarse Grind (French Press)

When brewing with a French press, a coarse grind is the way to go. The grounds should be similar in size to breadcrumbs. A coarse grind allows for a slower extraction, resulting in a robust and full-bodied coffee. It also helps to prevent over-extraction, which can lead to a bitter taste in your brew.

Medium Coarse Grind (Drip Coffee Maker)

For drip coffee makers, a medium grind works best. Think of the consistency of sand. This grind size balances the extraction time, producing a smooth and well-rounded cup of coffee. It’s the go-to choice for many everyday coffee drinkers. If you are not buying whole beans and grinding at home, we recommend Mhor Coffee’s Coarse Grind option for drip coffee makers.

Fine Grind (Espresso)

If you’re an espresso lover, a fine grind is your best friend. Espresso machines require finely ground coffee to ensure proper extraction in just 25-30 seconds. The result is a concentrated shot of coffee with a rich crema and bold flavor.

Extra Fine Grind (Turkish Coffee)

For those who enjoy the traditional Turkish coffee, an extra fine grind is essential. It should resemble powdered sugar. This grind size allows for a quick extraction and creates a thick, sludgy coffee with a unique flavor profile. If you are not buying whole beans and grinding at home, we recommend Mhor Coffee’s Fine Grind option for Turkish coffee makers.

Variable Grind (Aeropress)

The Aeropress is a versatile brewing method that can accommodate a wide range of grind sizes, from medium-fine to fine. Experimenting with different grind sizes can help you find the flavour profile that suits your preferences best. If you are not buying whole beans and grinding at home, we recommend Mhor Coffee’s Fine Grind option for Aeropress coffee makers.

The Role of Freshness

Another factor to consider is the freshness of your coffee beans. Coffee begins to lose its flavor and aroma shortly after being ground, so it’s best to grind your beans just before brewing. Investing in a good quality grinder, whether manual or electric, is a wise choice for any coffee enthusiast.

How fine should you grind coffee? Experimentation is Key

Ultimately, the ideal grind size for your coffee comes down to your personal taste preferences. Coffee is a deeply subjective experience, and what tastes great to one person might not appeal to another. The best way to find your perfect grind size is through experimentation. Try different grind sizes with your favourite beans and brewing methods to discover the flavours and aromas that suit your palate.

Which Grind is right for me?

If you’re still not sure which grind will be right for you – here’s our really easy guide to selecting the right grind for your coffee maker.

If, like us, you have a variety of coffee makers, you might need more than one grind. If your maker is not got a specific grind for it, go to the next nearest down the scale (e.g for Aeropress in Mhor Coffee, we go for the Fine Grind).

Valentine's Day Coffee Gift Subscription

Brewing Love: The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift – A Coffee Subscription

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the quest for the ideal gift to express love and appreciation begins and, for a coffee lover, you can’t get better than a Valentine’s Day coffee gift – we promise!

This year, why not ditch the traditional floral tributes and consider a gift that will indulge both your senses and foster a daily ritual of warmth and connection over a longer period of time.

A coffee subscription may just be the ultimate gesture of love, offering a unique and thoughtful present that will last long after the flowers have wilted.

Here’s why a Valentine’s Day Coffee Gift Subscription from Mhor Coffee is the perfect way to say “I love you” this year:

It’s a Daily Reminder of Love

Every morning, as your valentine prepares their cup of coffee, they’ll be reminded of your thoughtful valentine’s gift. A coffee subscription is a daily affirmation of your love, a ritual that brings warmth and comfort to the start of each day.

Adventurous Exploration

If your loved one is a coffee enthusiast who enjoys exploring new flavours, a coffee subscription is the equivalent of an adventure in a cup. Mhor Coffee’s gift subscriptions feature unique and limited-edition beans, rotated to create variety, and provide an exciting journey through the diverse world of coffee. This element of discovery adds a touch of anticipation and surprise to each delivery, making the gift an ongoing and delightful experience.

Quality Time Together

Sharing a cup of coffee can be a cherished moment of togetherness. With a coffee subscription, you’re not just gifting coffee, you’re creating opportunities for quality time. Brew a pot together in the morning or unwind with a cozy cup in the evening – this shared experience is a simple yet meaningful way  connect in the midst of our otherwise busy lives.

Convenience and Thoughtfulness Combined

In our fast-paced lives, convenience is often a cherished commodity. A coffee subscription delivers freshly roasted beans directly to your loved one’s doorstep every month, saving them the time and effort of choosing and purchasing coffee regularly. It’s a thoughtful way to simplify their routine while indulging their love for quality coffee.

Sip, Savor, and Share the Love

This Valentine’s Day, go beyond the ordinary and surprise your loved one with a gift coffee subscription – it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Monthly Coffee Subscriptions

Is it worth getting a coffee subscription? Unlocking the Perks of Monthly Coffee Subscriptions

In a world where coffee is not just a beverage but a daily ritual, the idea of a monthly coffee subscription has gained popularity for more than just convenience but is it worth getting a coffee subscription?

Beyond the excitement of receiving a selection of freshly roasted beans at your doorstep, a coffee subscription can also be a smart financial move.

Let’s explore the cost-saving benefits that make monthly coffee subscriptions a savvy choice for both your palate and your wallet.

Monthly Coffee Subscriptions enjoy Economies of Scale & Reduced Markup

One of the primary advantages of a monthly coffee subscription is the principle of economies of scale. By committing to a regular delivery, Mhor Coffee can optimise our production processes, purchasing larger quantities of beans at a lower cost per unit. This cost efficiency is then passed on to you as subscribers in the form of more affordable prices for high-quality artisan coffee.

Also, when you buy coffee from a retailer or cafe, a significant portion of the price you pay covers retail markup. In contrast, coffee subscription services eliminate the middleman, allowing you to purchase directly from the roaster or supplier. Due to reduced delivery costs from regular deliveries, there’s often an additional saving on any delivery fees. This direct-to-consumer model cuts out retail markups, translating to more savings for coffee enthusiasts who opt for a subscription service.

Budget-Friendly Predictability

In addition to the direct cost savings, a monthly coffee subscription provides a level of budget-friendly predictability. Knowing the fixed cost of your coffee supply each month allows you to plan your expenses more effectively. This predictability can be especially appealing in times of economic uncertainty, providing a stable and enjoyable element in your routine without breaking the bank.

A monthly subscription is more than just a convenient way to ensure a steady supply of your favourite beans. It’s a strategic and economical choice that brings a host of financial benefits. From economies of scale to reduced retail markups, and the joy of exploring new flavours without the extra hassle, the cost-saving advantages of a coffee subscription make it a wise investment for both your palate and your pocket.

Exploration Without Extra Expense

For the adventurous coffee enthusiast who loves exploring new flavours and origins, a subscription service offers a cost-effective way to do so. Instead of splurging on individual bags of speciality coffee, a subscription lets you try a diverse range of beans. This exploration not only adds excitement to your coffee experience but also helps you discover new favourites without the financial risk. It also makes a great gift for a coffee lover when you are not sure what kind of coffee they will like – the variety spreads any risk of getting it wrong. While not a direct monetary benefit, the time and convenience gained from a coffee subscription can indirectly contribute to your overall cost savings. Eliminating the need to make frequent trips to the city centre for coffee means more time saved, which can be redirected to other productive or enjoyable activities.

You can check out Mhor Coffee’s range of gift and monthly coffee subscriptions here.

FAQS

How customisable are coffee subscriptions?

Coffee subscriptions typically offer a certain level of customisation to cater to individual preferences. Our customers may have the option to choose between various types of coffee grinds, such as fine grinds or coffee beans.

Are there any environmental considerations associated with coffee subscriptions?

We source coffee beans from farms that practice sustainable farming methods, including organic and fair trade certification. We also use eco-friendly packaging materials, such as compostable or recyclable packaging (our bags are generally accepted in most local authority Grey Bins for plastic wrapping waste) to minimize our environmental footprint. Our shipping options use established operators like Royal Mail to ensure that we minimise the impact of transportation in getting our beans to you as fresh as they can be.

What measures are in place to ensure the quality and freshness of the coffee beans?

To maintain the quality and freshness of coffee beans, our roasting processes are often carefully monitored to preserve the flavour profile of the beans, and our packaging methods are designed to protect against exposure to light, air, and moisture, which can degrade coffee over time. Our subscription customers receive the freshest roasts in each delivery.

Mastering the Art of Coffee Brewing: A Guide to the Hario V60

In a world where coffee is more than just a morning ritual, enthusiasts are constantly on the lookout for the perfect brewing method that unlocks the full potential of their favorite beans. Among the myriad of options, the Hario V60 stands out as a simple yet powerful tool that allows coffee aficionados to achieve a cup of coffee that transcends the ordinary. Let’s delve into the art of using the Hario V60 to make coffee that’s not just a beverage but an experience.

The Elegance of the Hario V60

Designed with precision and simplicity, the Hario V60 is a pour-over coffee maker that has gained a cult following among coffee lovers. Its cone shape, spiral ridges, and large opening at the bottom facilitate optimal water flow, ensuring an even extraction of flavors from the coffee grounds. The device comes in various materials, including glass, ceramic, and plastic, catering to the preferences of every coffee connoisseur.

The Essentials: Coffee, Water, and Grind

Before diving into the brewing process, it’s crucial to start with quality ingredients. Choose freshly roasted coffee beans and grind them just before brewing to preserve the aromatic oils that contribute to a rich flavor profile. The grind size for the Hario V60 should be medium-fine, resembling coarse sand.

Next, pay attention to the water. Use filtered water at a temperature between 195°F and 205°F (90°C-96°C). Water quality significantly influences the final taste, so avoid tap water with strong flavors or impurities.

The Hario v60 Brewing Technique: Perfecting the Pour

The magic of the Hario V60 lies in the pouring technique. Begin by placing a paper filter in the cone and rinsing it with hot water to eliminate any paper taste and preheat the device. Discard the rinse water.

Measure your coffee grounds and place them in the pre-wet filter. Make a small well in the center, ensuring the grounds are evenly distributed. The coffee-to-water ratio is crucial; a standard ratio is 1:15, but you can adjust according to your taste preferences.

Start the brewing process with a bloom – a small pour of hot water (about twice the weight of the coffee) over the grounds, allowing them to degas. After 30 seconds, begin the main pour in a controlled, spiral motion, covering all the grounds evenly. Maintain a steady flow, avoiding pouring directly onto the filter.

Patience is a Virtue

Brewing with the Hario V60 is a lesson in patience. Allow the water to drip through the coffee grounds gradually. The entire process should take about 2-3 minutes, depending on factors like grind size and pour rate. Experiment with these variables to find the sweet spot that suits your taste.

The Finale: Savouring the Moment

Once the dripping comes to an end, you’re left with a meticulously crafted cup of coffee. The Hario V60’s design ensures a clean and bright cup, highlighting the nuances of the coffee beans. Take a moment to appreciate the aroma, the clarity of flavors, and the overall experience of handcrafting your coffee.

Mastering the Hario V60 is an art that combines precision, technique, and passion for the perfect cup. As you embark on your journey with this iconic pour-over device, remember that experimentation is key. Tweak the variables, explore different coffee beans, and enjoy the process of discovering your ideal brew. The Hario V60 is not just a coffee maker; it’s a gateway to a world of flavours waiting to be explored.

Six Reasons why Coffee could Be Your Ally in Achieving your New Year Fitness Goals

As the New Year dawns, many of us embark on a journey of self-improvement, with health and fitness often taking center stage in resolutions.

While the image of a steaming cup of coffee might not be the first thing that comes to mind when envisioning a fitness routine, there’s a compelling case for making quality artisan coffee a staple in your fitness plans.

From boosting energy levels to enhancing performance and aiding in recovery, here’s why your fitness journey should include this beloved beverage.

Coffee is a Great Pre-Workout Energizer

Before lacing up those running shoes or hitting the gym, a cup of expertly brewed coffee can be a game-changer. Caffeine, the natural stimulant found in coffee, is known to increase alertness and improve focus. Consuming coffee before a workout can enhance your mental readiness, allowing you to approach your exercise routine with heightened awareness and intensity. This boost in energy can lead to improved performance and endurance during both cardio and strength training exercises.

Coffee provides a Metabolic Boost for Fat Burning

Coffee has been linked to an increase in metabolic rate, making it an ideal companion for those looking to shed a few extra pounds as part of their fitness goals. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, promoting the release of adrenaline. This, in turn, can enhance the breakdown of body fat for use as energy during exercise. While coffee is not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular physical activity, it can complement your weight loss efforts when consumed as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Coffee has been Linked to Improved Physical Performance

Beyond mental alertness, caffeine has the potential to directly impact physical performance. Studies have shown that caffeine consumption can increase endurance, strength, and power output during exercise. By affecting the release of neurotransmitters and promoting the use of stored fat for energy, coffee acts as a natural ergogenic aid, enhancing your ability to push through workouts and achieve better results.

Coffee can Enhance Focus and Concentration

Fitness routines often demand not just physical strength but mental resilience. Coffee’s ability to enhance cognitive functions can be a valuable asset during workouts that require focus, precision, or coordination. Whether you’re tackling a challenging yoga session or navigating a complex weightlifting routine, the mental clarity provided by coffee can help you stay on track and perform at your best.

Coffee aids Post-Workout Recovery

The benefits of coffee extend beyond the gym floor; it can also play a role in post-workout recovery. The anti-inflammatory properties of coffee, coupled with its antioxidant content, contribute to reducing muscle soreness and inflammation. Enjoying a cup of coffee after exercise can aid in replenishing glycogen stores and facilitating the recovery process, ensuring you’re ready for your next session.

Coffee is great for its Social Aspects and Motivation

Fitness journeys are often more successful when they are enjoyable and socially engaging. Coffee, with its inherent social appeal, can become a delightful ritual that adds a sense of pleasure and motivation to your fitness routine. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee with a workout buddy or treating yourself to a well-deserved cup after a challenging session, the social aspect of coffee can create positive associations with your fitness goals.

Of course, if coffee is already a staple part of your regular fitness regime, you could save money by taking out one of Mhor Coffee’s regular coffee subscriptions and get your artisan coffee delivered straight to your door every month.

Brewing Excellence: Unleashing the Power of the AeroPress for Your Daily Cup

In the ever-evolving landscape of coffee brewing methods, the AeroPress has emerged as a champion among coffee enthusiasts for its versatility, simplicity, and the ability to produce a consistently outstanding cup of coffee.

If you’re on the quest for the perfect brew, join Mhor Coffee on our journey into the world of AeroPress coffee making – a journey that might just redefine your coffee experience.

The AeroPress: An Overview

Compact, portable, and ingeniously designed, the AeroPress is a manual coffee maker that has gained a devoted following since its introduction. Our founder, Tricia, is a big fan on aeropress with coffee makers both at home and at the office!

Invented by Alan Adler, the AeroPress is known for its affordability and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned coffee aficionados.

The Ingredients: Coffee Beans and Water

The foundation of any great cup of coffee lies in the quality of the ingredients. Start with fresh, high-quality coffee beans from Mhor Coffee and grind them to a medium-fine consistency, resembling table salt.

The AeroPress is forgiving when it comes to grind size, allowing you to experiment and find the sweet spot that suits your taste preferences.

Use boiled water at a temperature between 175°F and 205°F (80°C-96°C.  Water temperature is critical for extracting the flavors from the coffee grounds, so find the right balance to avoid under-extraction or over-extraction.

How to use your AeroPress

Assemble your AeroPress by placing a filter in the cap and attaching it to the brewing chamber.

Set the AeroPress on a sturdy mug or carafe, and add the coffee grounds. The standard coffee-to-water ratio is 1:15, but feel free to adjust based on your desired strength.

Begin the brewing process by adding hot water to the coffee grounds, ensuring an even saturation. Stir the mixture gently with the provided paddle, making sure all the grounds are fully immersed. After stirring, attach the plunger to the AeroPress and let the coffee steep for about 1-2 minutes.

The Press: Precision and Control

Once the steeping is complete, it’s time for the press.

With steady pressure, push the plunger down, forcing the brewed coffee through the filter and into your mug. The AeroPress uses air pressure to extract flavors efficiently, resulting in a clean and flavourful cup of coffee.

Experiment with the press time to influence the extraction process. A longer press will yield a stronger cup, while a shorter press will produce a milder brew. The beauty of the AeroPress lies in its adaptability to various preferences and styles.

Cleanup and Maintenance

One of the AeroPress’s key advantages is its easy cleanup.

Simply detach the cap, push the plunger to eject the coffee grounds and filter, and rinse the parts under running water.

The AeroPress is also dishwasher-safe, making it a convenient option for those on the go.

The Grand Finale: Sip and Savor

As you lift the AeroPress from your cup, you’re greeted with a rich aroma which will delight your taste buds.

The resulting coffee is often described as bold, smooth, and exceptionally clean – a testament to the AeroPress’s ability to extract the best from your chosen beans.

The AeroPress is a game-changer in the world of coffee brewing, offering a perfect blend of simplicity and control. Whether you’re a coffee novice or a seasoned barista, the AeroPress invites you to experiment, explore, and enjoy the process of crafting a cup tailored to your preferences. Elevate your daily coffee routine with the AeroPress – a small device that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction.

Coffee entrepreneur flies the flag for Scottish produce at Number 10

Perth based entrepreneur and co-founder of Mhor Coffee, Tricia Fox, has been flying the flag for Scottish produce in London at a UK Government reception held on 8 March 2023 at No.10 Downing Street, to mark International Women’s Day.

The event, which was attended by 150 guests including representatives across Government, industry, and civil society, as well as female business students, invited nine female led businesses from across the UK, including Mhor Coffee, to showcase their products in the State Rooms inside No 10.

Mhor Coffee was one of only two Scottish businesses taking part in the showcase at the event, the purpose of which being to celebrate female entrepreneurship and showcase support for women’s enterprise and economic empowerment.

Tricia, who is also founder and CEO of Perth headquartered PR and marketing agency, The Cunningly Good Group, which recently celebrated its twentieth year in business, started Mhor Coffee with her husband during lockdown in 2020. An -ecommerce platform offering a wide range of artisan coffees for purchase, deliver direct to a customer’s door, Mhor Coffee was born out of the observation that the consumption of artisan coffee during the first UK lockdown rocketed. The husband-and-wife team saw an opportunity to turn their love of artisan coffee into a profitable business.

Mhor Coffee means great coffee in Scots Gaelic and guests at yesterday’s reception at No.10, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, were given the opportunity to taste the six-core artisan blends available from Mhor Coffee, all named after Scottish mountains. These include Aonach Mhor, Etive Mhor, Creag Mhor, Bheinn Mhor, newly launched Carn Mhor, and decaff No Mhor Caffeine.

Tricia Fox, co-founder of Mhor Coffee, said: “I was delighted to fly the flag for Scotland at this reception to mark International Women’s Day. It has been an incredible honour, and a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Mhor Coffee artisan blend of coffees to an entirely new audience, including the Prime Minister’s wife, Akshata Murty, who is a keen coffee fan. We’ve been told Mhor Coffee will be served at the next cabinet meeting.”

 

Mhor Coffee - coffee subscriptions, coffee subscription, woman enjoying coffee

2023 off to a healthy start? Don’t forget your coffee…..

January is my least favourite month of the year. Not because it’s cold, damp and dark, but because the world around me seems to erupt into a fervent attempt to get fit, lose weight and act all smug about it.

Ditching or cutting back on caffeine usually seems to be high on their agenda. But that’s where their smugness should end.

Thanks to my latte-swigging, laid back lifestyle I managed to catch Professor Tim Spector (of the Covid Zoe app fame) on ITV’s Lorraine last week, talking about healthy eating. According to the Professor, coffee is healthier for you than fruit juice. He had my attention.

Evidence, Tim explained to Lorraine, is now “incontrovertible” that coffee drinkers have less heart disease than non-coffee drinkers. Studies have shown that the micronutrients naturally occurring in coffee, called polyphenols, have a protective effect on the heart, with Tim likening them to “rocket fuel for your gut microbes.” Great!

In fact, Spector believes that improving your gut health (microbiome) and metabolism can lead to weight loss without counting the calories. That was music to my ears (and waistline) and, since everyone else I know was out exercising, I had time to do some proper research (for your benefit, of course) to check out if what he was saying was really true.

After scanning a range of different publications, including the British Medical Journal, for scientific studies on the effects of coffee I’ve since discovered that: 2 cups of black coffee provide more fibre than a banana; you can ‘healthily’ drink up to 5 cups of coffee a day; most cups of coffee contain more fibre than a glass of orange juice; and habitual coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. This is all good news.

Apparently, and here’s the science bit, the fibre from the coffee ferments in our guts to produce “short-chain fatty acids” that help both our metabolism and our immune systems perform better. Lovely.

Either way, all the scientists are unified on their conclusions that the long term health impacts of coffee are positive. It’s good for your heart, your liver, your gut and your health. 

So, if you’re checking off New Year’s Resolutions but struggling with the reduction in caffeine intake, for the sake of your gut microbiome (and your own sanity), pop the kettle on and have a brew. It’ll be worth it in the long term.

Article First Published in The Menu Magazine in The Courier and Press & Journal

 

Extra Hot, please! Temperature matters when it comes to coffee.

As seasons change, temperatures fall, and demand for hot drinks soars. In coffee circles, heated debates continue about the “correct” temperature to create the perfect brew, and how much to heat the milk.

We’ve all done it. I’ve heard myself saying “could I have that extra hot, please?” But, know this, deep down inside the Barista is mentally shaking their head at your not-too unreasonable request.

Why? Because too hot, usually means too bad for your coffee.

There’s two parts to this heating problem. The brew and the milk.

The brew is the easy part. It is generally accepted that water just off the boil, is about ideal – between 90-94 degrees Celsius to be precise. And some coffee afficionados are that precise when they are brewing, even at home. The hotter the liquid, the faster the coffee extraction. As most roasts are dark, the extraction is already quick, and speeding that process up further still with boiling hot water will only add a hint of bitterness to your coffee that nobody wants.

So, from now on, if you’re making coffee at home, count 10 seconds after the kettle has boiled before pouring into your cafetiere.

The milk, however, is where it can all go wrong. I say that as someone who loathes a lukewarm latte. When it comes to heating the milk the Barista has to tread a really fine line between creating lovely frothy (or silky) bubbles and actually heating up the milk. All the while they run the risk of over-heating it because, at 68 degrees celsius, milk begins to degrade in taste. Mouthfeel diminishes too as the milk proteins are irreversibly broken down.

So what to do? Well, it sounds simple, but if you are on the move a good insulated re-usable cup with a lid will strike a balance between taste and temperature, keeping your drink hotter for longer and tasting fine (the goal).

Another solution is to avoid larger cup sizes. Coffee was never meant to be drunk like that anyway. Blame the Americans for that one, bigger is not always better.

If you’re making coffee at home and like it milky, invest in a Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother which, for me, is my gadget of the year. Forget air-fryers to save money this winter, this little automatic milk frothing pot has saved me a small fortune at Costa and delivers a perfectly hot frothy coffee experience.

Article First Published in The Menu Magazine in The Courier and Press & Journal