If you love coffee, you must have come across the term ‘coffee blend.’ That’s what most people and most baristas sell not only in Australia but across the world. But there are a lot of myths surrounding this coffee. However, one thing that stands out about this coffee is the unique flavour it provides.
So, what’s a coffee blend and what makes uniquely popular around the world? In this guide, we are going to explore everything about coffee. We are also going to debunk most of the myths surrounding coffee blend and show you how you can make a cup of it.
What Is A Coffee Blend?
As the name suggests, the coffee blend is coffee that is made from blending two or more varieties of coffee beans. There are many coffee varieties across the world, grown in different conditions. Because of the varying climate conditions, and the soil, each of them comes with a unique flavour. For example, no other coffee offers bright citrus acidity flavour apart from Kenyan coffee
To make coffee blends, you take coffee from different countries and grind them together. The flavour and taste that is produced by this combination what makes blend coffee popular. It is tastier than the original.
Why Blend Coffee
One of the biggest reasons why most people blend coffee is to get a certain flavour. Every coffee bean comes with a unique flavour that makes them stand out. But it might lack something that is in another coffee. For example, you would like to have enjoyed the sweetness of Costa Rican coffee and still enjoy the bright citrus acidity of a Kenyan coffee. In such cases, you might need to blend the two coffee to get a customised flavour. So, that’s basically the reason why people blend coffee.
Popular Coffee Blends
There are several types of popular coffee blends that you can make. For instance, Mocha-Java, Black and Tan, Espresso and Filter Drip Melange are some favourite blends for some people. Mocha-Java contains a mixture of Yemen-Mocha and Sumatra Mandheling that makes a flavour that tastes like cocoa. Again, Black and Tan is a mixture of a light Columbian coffee and dark Columbian coffee types. Filter Drip Melange is a mixture of Columbian and Kenyan coffee variations. These are some of the popular coffee blends that you can choose from.
A Simple Guide On Coffee Blends
If you want to make a perfect coffee blend, there are several things that you need to take into consideration. Here is a simple guide on coffee blend:
1. Coffee Selection
Selecting the right type of coffee bean is a significant guideline and will directly affect the quality and flavour of the coffee. For the right coffee blend, there should be a consideration to choose coffee beans that closely complement each other. For instance, for a great and tasty coffee blend, mix a portion of the flavour of Brazillian coffee and Ethiopian coffee. Note that there are blends that can produce a band flavour. In addition, don’t reuse coffee beans after blending as it loses its flavour in the first grinding.
2. Choice Of Blending Machine
To have a great coffee blend, you should go for the best blending machines. You can acquire a blending machine by leasing on from a shop for some time or buying yours. You can get cheaper versions of blending machines are on various online stores. You can even make your own DIY coffee roaster and use it for more fun. During the preparation, ensure that the blending machine is in perfect condition and has no dirt or impurities on its surface. High levels of hygiene promote the production of high-quality coffee blend.
3. Type Of Water Applicable
The final taste of a blend of coffee highly depends on the type of water used in the brewing process. To ensure quality and a perfect flavour, you should use bottled water if the water available at one’s residence is salt or hard. Salt is an impurity that will end up spoiling the flavour your coffee blend. Water containing chemicals such as chlorine can also spoil the taste of the coffee. Besides, distilled water also interferes with a tasty flavour of a coffee blend. So, use bottled water.
4. Moderating Temperature While Blending
It is vital to regulate temperature during the blending process. The best quality of the coffee blend comes at a specific temperature. Experts from the Special Coffee association advise that the best coffee blend is at 195°F-205°F. When traditionally preparing a coffee, especially at home, an individual should ensure that the water attains a boiling point. After boiling, the blended coffee should be mixed with the boiled water.
5. The Fineness Of The Grind
For you to get a better a perfect flavour and quality coffee, you should put into consideration the grinding of the bean. First, grind your coffee beans close to the brewing time. The coffee beans should be ground using a burr grinder instead of a blade grinder. Unlike blade grinder, burr grinder produces a uniform size, giving you more control the coffee flavour.
6. Time To Brew The Coffee Blend
The quality of a coffee blend also depends on the time that the coffee paste and water to mix. Some coffee qualities require shorter blending times while other blends require a relatively long time. For instance, a coffee blend like Espresso that needs around only 25 seconds of boiling to make it attain its wonderful flavour. So, you research widely before brewing.
7. Type Of Cup To Consume The Coffee Blend
You should take a blended coffee using a cup or mug that has been warmed to help maintain the right temperature to enjoy the coffee. When a person uses a cup at a lower temperature, the coffee will cool faster and lose the flavour.
Blending coffee is what makes coffee one of the most popular beverages across the world. You can brew an extraordinary flavour at home or in your barista by making a perfect coffee blend. However, you must get the portion of each coffee been right. With these tips, I’m sure you can make a perfect coffee blend.