Friday, October 24, 2008

Thousands of Varieties: Get Started Today

By Ken Morris

Coffee used to be simple for most. It was drip or instance and then black or with milk or sugar. Folgers was well known in plenty of homes. However, the times are changing. The coffee world has introduced thousands of options. There are plenty of choices in type, blend, country or origin, and style which confuses basically all of the world's coffee drinkers.

Brazil is by far the world's largest producer of coffee and has been for over a hundred years. This is because its climate and geography are perfect for coffee trees. Two of its most popular coffees are the Bahia and Minas Gerais.

Then there is the Colombian. It is the world's second largest producer of coffee. It is known for its light and sweet taste. The Popayan and Narino coffees are said to be unmatched anywhere. These two countries produce the majority of the world's coffee, but that does not mean there is not more to be experienced.

For instance, Mexico has quite unique coffee. These small beans are world renowned for their delicate and light taste and body. These beans give off a very mellow taste. Then there is the Cuban Cubano, which is strong and drank in small shots like liquor, quite similar to Spanish coffee.

Indonesia has well aged coffee. This is due to the warm and damp climate. This produces a more deep body and less acidity in the coffee. Indonesia is known as the world's fourth largest producer.

Then there is Malaysia. This coffee is well known for its brewing style, which is done in a muslin bag. This produces a very strong cup of coffee. Although graded lower on the coffee scale, even the Liberica should definitely be sampled. Thailand is known for its iced coffee combined with condensed milk for a cold treat.

Mauna Loa is a sweet and very aromatic coffee which holds a medium body. The coffee from Sumatra is said to be right and full. Kenya produces a wide range of coffee but even the beans that grow at 17,000 feet are said to have an indescribable aftertaste.

The roasting and grinding of beans and then the process of filtering with hot water was developed sometime in the 15th century. Therefore, the Europeans will take a stand in the coffee world. France is known for its caf au lait, or half coffee with half hot milk. Then there is Austria with its two thirds dark and one third regular combo.

Italy offers espresso unlike anyone else. Espresso contains less caffeine as well, so it's a treat with a little less guilt. Espresso can also be added to hot milk with foam or hot foam with a little hot milk to dilute the strength a bit. This is known as latte or cappuccino. Still, there is the traditional American black coffee. Don't be mean, try everyone's varieties and find your favorite.

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