Specialty Coffees Are Taking the World by Storm
Specialty coffee is the term commonly used to refer to “gourmet” or “premium” coffee. According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), coffee which scores 80 points or above on a 100-point scale is graded “specialty”. Specialty or if you prefer, gourmet coffees are grown in special and ideal climates, and are distinctive because of their full cup taste and little to none defects. The unique flavors and tastes are a result of the special characteristics and composition of the soils in which they are produced. Some of the more popular varieties of gourmet coffee are covered in this article.
Espresso coffee is all about hot water and coffee beans. But it’s the way these two ingredients are put together that spells the success of this drink. Espresso coffee is prepared by a special extraction method which produces a very concentrated, strong coffee in a short amount of time. Softened water at a temperature of 90-95 Degrees C is forced through finely ground and specially roasted coffee at high pressure. Since the hot water is quickly forced through the fine grounds it usually only takes between 25 and 30 seconds to brew a cup of espresso.
CAPPUCCINO is an Italian word that does not translate directly into English. This traditional beverage of Italy is a popular morning beverage made from just two things: espresso coffee and milk steamed into puffy foam. The American version is quite similar, a coffee-based drink prepared with espresso, hot milk and milk foam.
A Cafe Latte is simply a fancy name for a cup of coffee with milk though. The milk is steamed and that is what gives it such a smooth and creamy taste that people tend to really enjoy. A Latte is the way that most Americans prefer their espresso, and is quite easy to prepare. Start with a single shot of espresso in a 6-8 ounce cup. A latte is as per usual smaller in rate than a cappuccino and has a smaller aerate layer than a cappuccino.
A Cafe mocha is a variant of a cafe latte Like a latte, it is typically one third espresso and two thirds steamed milk, but a portion of chocolate is added, typically in the form of sweet cocoa powder, although many varieties use chocolate syrup. Mochas can contain dark or milk chocolate.
A Cafe Americano is simply an Italian espresso that has been diluted with a little extra water to soften the espresso flavor. A similar beverage is referred to as caffe lungo. Or as some Europeans refer to it as the watered down drink for those sissy Americans.
Besides the hot drinks, there are also a wide variety of iced coffee gourmet drinks as well. Basically, you take any of your favorite varieties, add ice cubes and topping, and voila, youve got yourself a delicious gourmet milk shake-type drink.
People who frequent specialty coffee shops are intrigued with the taste, aroma and the creation itself. Most customers will remember your business if you serve them beautiful cappuccinos presented with flair. Knowing how to pour latte art also assures your baristas are steaming milk properly, a necessary component of the technique. Customers want the authenticity of a real cup of coffee and do not seem to mind paying a much higher price for their favorite fix.