Choosing the best coffee is a matter of personal preference, and greatly depends on what an individual wants from this caffeinated beverage. Some people simply drink coffee for the energy boost and may be happy with generic brands and even poorly brewed cups. Coffee connoisseurs, by contrast, find as much variation in coffee taste as sommeliers do in wine, and have high expectations for anything placed in their cup. Like so many things in the modern world, the best coffee for a person can fit his or her lifestyle, personal taste, and desires at the same time.
One major step to determining the best coffee is discovering flavor preferences. Depending on the origin, species, and growing method, coffees have different levels of acidity and flavor, just like wine. Some people prefer bright, aromatic coffee that has hints of spice and berries. Those who prefer more depth of flavor may enjoy smoother coffees with nutty or chocolate overtones. Higher acidity coffees are often best taken black or with only sugar, to keep the crisp tangy tone. Low acidity coffees often pair well with milk for a rich, creamy cup.
The best coffee may also depend on the grind and brewing method. Traditional drip coffee makers may get the job done, but flavor may be lost due to an overlarge grind of the coffee beans. Many coffee suppliers will ask what type of brewing method will be used before grinding beans for a customer. Using the appropriate grind for the brewing process will intensify flavors and allow a more pronounced taste in each cup.
Since coffee plantations are often found in developing nations, some people are concerned about the origin of the beans and the working conditions on the coffee farms. Some importing companies will mark coffee as "Fair Trade," which usually means that they buy directly from coffee growers. Fair Trade coffee is meant to improve the profit margin for growers so that they can provide better working conditions and higher wages for employees, and Fair Trade labels are often given on a certified basis by an independent certifying body.
Other people may believe that the best coffee is produced in conditions that do not harm the environment. In many places, it is easy to find organically grown coffee, which is produced without any harmful chemical pesticides. Another common label found on coffee is "shade grown," which indicates that the growers plant shade trees around the coffee fields to increase local biodiversity and prevent loss of plant and animal life around plantations.
var adp_post_blocks = [];var adp_posts_container_node_id = "PageArticle_discussionPosts-postsContainer_id"; adp_post_blocks.push("post_251893");I was hoping this article would discuss the difference types of coffee beans, such as arabica. Roasting methods would have been helpful. What does French Roast or Columbian Roast really mean? It should have defined how to determine if a coffee is highly acidic or not from the label. Defining the grind types in some detail for some grinding their own beans in a store would have been nice, too.
Maybe that information could be added. Otherwise this article was not helpful in choosing a coffee.
adp_post_blocks.push("post_251885");I think improving working conditions and increasing wages for workers is very important and if buying fair trade items will help these matters, I will continue to buy these. Well done and good luck!
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