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The Taste of Coffee
What makes coffee taste so great? Two factors: the coffee cherry
that nature provides, and the roasting
method that man applies. As these two factors vary by region and
method, every coffee has its own distinct flavours and tastes. Organic,
citric, and malic acids all come into play, not to mention mineral
salts, carbohydrates, and of course, aromatic oils. All this to
say that the region, climate, culture, and treatment of the coffee
bean will influence its taste. So, when speaking about taste, we
must first learn about the coffee's origins.
Appreciation by Producing Countries
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Brazil:
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Even though almost all of Brazil's coffee production is based
on arabica, the country offers very few high-quality coffees.
Brazilian coffee is most commonly used as a neutral ingredient
in blends. Bahia, Santos, and Sul Minas are among Brazil's
best coffees.
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Colombia:
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Consistency in quality marks Colombian coffee. Coffee lovers
appreciate them for their acidity,
aroma, and mildness.
Excelso and Supremo are the best Colombian grades.
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Costa Rica:
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Costa Rica cultivates an excellent washed coffee. It is well
balanced, mild, and has excellent acidity. Dotas is more spicy
and complex, and Bellavista is very elegant.
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Ethiopia:
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Ethiopia is first and foremost the producer of the famous
Mocha. Sitting back in an
Ethiopian café, one would notice the distinct wild
flavour, an exotic taste with strong acidity. Harrar is an
excellent Ethiopian coffee: it is very mild and aromatic.
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Guatemala:
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A subtle - yet distinct - smoky smell characterizes Guatemalan
coffee. Many coffee professionals list Guatemalan coffee as
their number one choice.
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Hawaii:
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Hawaiian coffee is nothing short of royalty in the kingdom
of coffee. Some people praise it as the best in the world.
Known for its mildness and acidity, Hawaiian coffee also offers
a distinct peppery taste.
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Indonesia:
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Both Java and Sumatra are islands in Indonesia; both have
had coffees named after them. Java coffee is usually spicy
and strong and feels creamy in one's mouth; its acidity is
well balanced. Sumatra coffee is not consistent. It might
taste earthy or reveal exotic flavours, but there is not much
body.
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Jamaica:
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Blue Mountain, the most famous and most complete
coffee in the world, comes from Jamaica. Rich in flavour and
aroma, it is also acidulous, chocolatey, and very mild.
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Kenya:
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Kenya offers one of the best coffees in the world. They are
known for their aftertaste, acidity, and aroma.
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Nicaragua:
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Nicaragua produces mainly neutral coffees used in blends.
However, the regions of Matgalpa, Jinotega and Nuovo Segovia
produce coffees that rank among the world's best. Nicaraguan
coffees are known for a subtle cognac taste.
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Venezuela:
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Venezuela produces a variety of coffees. Some are mild and
don't have much body, while others are more creamy and have
body. They are usually used in blends.
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Yemen:
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Just like Ethiopia, Yemen produces Mochas. Mattari and Sanani
never disappoint. Sanani is characterized by a slightly spicy
flavour with rich aromas.
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Home Tasting
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