Art of Coffee

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Coffee brewing is not merely boiling water and grinding beans. The process involves an incredible amount of layers and decisions. As with anything edible, the quality of the plant itself and the growing conditions are where it all starts. But once the coffee bean has been harvested, then its journey truly begins. Bean roasting is where the foundation of flavor starts. The process of roasting brings out different flavors within the bean at various stages. Extra flavorings can be added (caramel, hazelnut, pumpkin, etc.) to incorporate familiar tastes. Home roasting has even become a new hobby of do-it-yourself coffee enthusiasts. Together, coffee beans and water become the medium. A pure, unadulterated cup of coffee has always had its disciples. True coffee connoisseurs usually prefer their coffee black as this allows them to appreciate the dimensions of the bean's flavor. Even on its own, there are many ways to create the black gold: pour over, French press, drip, Keurig, percolator, Clover, espresso machine, etc. Each brewing method has its own rituals involved in it as well. The grind of the coffee bean comes into play at this stage, whether coarse or fine, as does the temperature of the water, and the pressure and pacing of brewing. Many independent coffee shops will specialize in one style and focus their energies on mastering its intricacies. A step beyond black coffee brings you into the world of espresso drinks. Espresso is simply a concentrated form of coffee. Mix a small amount of espresso with frothed milk, water, spices, or syrups and a vast world of flavor pairings is open to you, sweet or savory, hot or cold. Lastly, there is the presentation itself. The canvas of coffee is the cup it is served in. A clean, white porcelain cup and saucer is a common choice, since it is both orally and visually pleasing. Foam art has become a fad in recent years as well. Many baristas have mastered the art of the simple leaf, but some go on to draw animals, famous characters, and even words in the coffee's foam. Every step of the way, coffee inspires creativity and innovation for the sake of the world's favorite caffeinated beverage -