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The Magic of Roasting: What Happens to Coffee Beans at High Heat?
Coffee making is an art that requires exquisite craftsmanship, especially in the roasting process of coffee beans. Different roasting methods not only affect the flavor of coffee, but more importantly, they change the original properties of coffee beans. What magical changes happen to coffee beans during the high-temperature roasting process?
Wonderful changes in the baking process
When green coffee beans are roasted with heat, their chemical and physical properties are fundamentally changed. First, the coffee beans will almost double in size and change color from green to yellow, then to light brown, and finally to dark brown. During the roasting process, oils are gradually released from the surface of the beans. These oils are more easily extracted when brewed with hot water, thereby enhancing the flavor of the coffee.
The roasting process is crucial to the final flavor of coffee, as different levels of roasting produce different acidity, aroma and mouthfeel.
Grinding of coffee beans
After roasting, the coffee beans need to be ground for brewing. The fineness of the grind has a significant impact on coffee extraction. Different brewing methods require different levels of grinding. For example, brewing methods with prolonged exposure to hot water require a coarser grind, while quick brewing methods require a finer grind. The uniformity of the grinding process is also crucial, as uneven grinding can result in a bitter taste in the coffee.
Grating method
There are several common grinding methods on the market today:
Wheel grinding: This method uses two rotating grinding wheels to grind coffee beans into uniform particles.Blade grinding: While this method is cheap, it does not produce a uniform grind and produces particles of varying sizes.Crushing: Using a pestle and mortar to crush coffee beans into a very fine powder, this is a common method for making Arabica and Turkish coffee.
Different brewing methods
There are many ways to brew coffee, and each method can bring out different flavor characteristics of coffee. The main brewing methods are as follows:
Soaking method
A French press or coffee pot is a common device for infusing coffee. Mix coarsely ground coffee beans with hot water and let it sit for a few minutes before filtering through a press to fully release the aroma and flavor of the coffee.
Rolling method
In some areas, coffee is still made by boiling, which is a simple method but can present a unique flavor.
Cold brew method
Cold brew coffee is made by soaking coffee beans in cold water, usually for eight to 24 hours. This method produces coffee with lower acidity and a smooth taste, making it suitable for people who are sensitive to acidity.
The choice of various brewing methods undoubtedly makes coffee culture more diverse and rich, each with its own unique flavor expression.
Summary
The coffee making process, from roasting to grinding to brewing, is full of changes and possibilities. Each choice directly affects the flavor of the final drink, making people wonder: Which production method best brings out the essence of the coffee beans?
