We Drink A Lot of Coffee

Do you drink coffee, my darlings?

There is something wonderful about drinking a dark brew in the morning that perks up one’s soul. The warmth fills your bones and brightens your morning.

According to Reuters, “a study commissioned by the National Coffee Association surveyed 3,000 Americans about their coffee drinking habits. The survey found that 64 percent of Americans drink a cup of coffee every day.”

That is a lot of coffee!

Is Coffee Good For My Health?

According to Healthline, coffee can be quite good for us because of its antioxidants.

The caffeine is absorbed into your bloodstream, which goes to your brain where it can improve memory, mood, energy levels, reaction time and more.

It has even been proven to burn fat, help with physical performance, lower your risk of Type 2 Diabetes, protect from Alzheimer’s and Dementia, protect your liver, lower your risk for Parkinson’s and even fight depression and lower the risk of certain types of cancer. That is a pretty impressive list, isn’t it, readers?

Different Types of Coffee

With so many different types of coffee to choose from, how do you know which types of coffee are for you?

For sake of simplicity, we’re going to talk about the four types of coffee beans instead of coffee drinks like a latte or a cappuccino.

Arabica

This is a common coffee bean that makes up 60% of the world’s coffee production. These beans are grown at high altitudes in areas that have ample amounts of rain and lots of shade.

This bean is known for its bright flavor and is not too acidic. Arabica beans are even are known to have a slight sweetness if sampled correctly.

This type of bean doesn’t taste as good if you like heavy cream or sweetener in your coffee.

Robusta

This is the second most popular bean after Arabica. This bean is slightly easier to grow than the Arabica bean because it comes from a stronger plant and it’s less affected by the environment. Robusta beans grow in hot climates with lots of rainfall and guess what? They have twice the amount of caffeine as the Arabica bean so make sure you are ready to perk up after drinking it!

This coffee bean can be bitter and much heavier on the tongue. Its acidity is low and pairs wonderfully with something chocolatey or rich—like a chocolate croissant!

Unlike the Arabica bean, this coffee is a great partner for cream and sugar.

Liberica

With a fun history (read all of it here) the Liberica bean is a little harder to find then Arabica and Robusta. The Liberica bean grows in hot areas like the Philippines and is larger than the other two beans. The bean has more of a floral, fruity taste and can even have a smoky essence. Some even say it’s got a woody flavor!

The Liberica coffee bean can be specially ordered online and are often said to be an acquired taste.

Excelsa

While his bean is from the same family as the Liberica bean, it has a completely different profile. It grows on 20 to 30-foot trees, often in Southeast Asia. This bean only accounts for 7% of the coffee production in the world and is often used in coffee blends. Excelsa beans are oftentimes included as a part of a blend, as this bean is very bold. It can help give the coffee we buy a depth of flavor and more complex notes on your palate.

This bean can be compared to the flavor of a lighter roast, but also can have that of a darker roast.

You can find these beans to try online as well.

A Few of My Favorite Blends

Giant Steps by Blue Bottle

 “Named after John Coltrane’s Giant Steps, this dense and substantial coffee is not unlike the jazz visionary’s signature ‘sheets of sound.’ Our darkest blend, comprising organic coffees from Uganda, Papua New Guinea, and Sumatra, is downright viscous in the cup. Just like Coltrane’s ability to cascade into high-pitched octaves with maximum control, this coffee’s inflections of stone fruit lighten without losing focus. Improvisations of milk or cream—in any proportion—shine.” – Blue Bottle

Guatemala El Injerto Pacamara by Stumptown Coffee Roasters

“It’s a pleasure to offer this unique coffee variety from El Injerto. Pacamara is a hybrid between the Pacas and Maragogype coffee varieties, which the Aguirres have been cultivating for decades. This year’s lot delivers bright floral aromas and a lush sweetness, accented with notes of bright citrus and black cherry.” -Stumptown Coffee

Organic French Roast by 49^th Parallel

“Our Organic French Roast is ideal for those who prefer the taste of dark roasted coffee. This dark roast coffee highlights a smoky, powerful, and spicy flavour. This heavy coffee will delight with a nutty and caramel aftertaste. The low acidity of this rich coffee is perfect for stovetop espresso or as filter coffee.” -49th Parallel Roasters

What is your favorite type of coffee? Do you enjoy your coffee black or do you opt for specialty drinks like cappuccinos or cortados instead? Let me know in the comments below or on Facebook.

 

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