1. Coffee beans aren’t really beans
There you go! All your life you were tricked into thinking coffee came from beans. Truth is, coffee is a fruit. Coffee berries, also known as coffee cherries, are edible fruit containing seeds that look very similar to beans and are therefore called coffee beans. After the harvest, these seeds are dried, shipped, roasted, ground and lastly, turned into the wonderful beverage that you so love to enjoy at Alowishus.
2. Coffee & wine have more in common than you might think
Just like wine, coffee comes in numerous different varieties. Every variety has its own characteristics. And just like with wine we can look at the aroma, acidity, body and flavour of a coffee. Next time you enjoy a black coffee, try to dive into the fascinating world of coffee and ask yourself these questions. Does the coffee smell earthy, spicy, floral or nutty? Does it taste bright, tangy and crisp or rather smooth? Does it feel light or full in your mouth? Do you taste citrus, cocoa or berries? Pay attention and you’ll learn to love your coffee even more.
3. Coffee prevents Alzheimer’s & dementia
According to a 2009 study, three to five cups of coffee per day won’t just help prevent, but even reverse Alzheimer’s and dementia. Other studies have shown that there are other health benefits of coffee in association with exercise. People, who consumed caffeine before their workouts, lasted longer and worked harder to achieve their goals. Coffee beans also share many properties with the now so popular açaí berry. Just like açaí, coffee is rich in antioxidants that counter the negative impact of free radicals in our bodies.
4. The quality and taste of a coffee are determined by 4 main factors
Besides from which part of the world a particular coffee is grown and a number of other aspects, the main factors that determine flavour and quality are summarised by the 4 M’s: Macinazione – the correct grind; Miscela – the mixture, or as we say, the blend, Macchina – the machine used to make the coffee and lastly, Mano – which translates to ‘hand’, the barista who prepares the Espresso.
5. It takes 2000 hours to make a cup of coffee
From the day the seeds are planted to the day you get to enjoy a delicious beverage about 2000 hours have gone into the cup. This fact alone is reason enough for us to take some extra time when having coffee to really appreciate and savour it. Breath in the Brazilian air, listen to the sounds of the Indonesian jungle, close your eyes and enjoy the views of the Vietnamese coffee plantations and rice fields.
6. BONUS FACT
Just for the record: There is no X in Espresso.
Stay caffeinated & hydrated!
David Lee-Schneider