Bean There, Brewed That: Fun Facts About Coffee
Did you know that coffee beans aren't actually beans? They're the pits of cherry-like berries found on flowering shrubs!
There are two main types of coffee beans:
Coffea Arabica (60% of global production): Grows at high elevations, has a refined flow, higher acidity, and more complexity.
Coffea Robusta (40% of global production): Thrives at lower elevations, has a harsher taste, and is ideal for espresso.
The zesty kick of coffee and tea is all thanks to their secret weapon: caffeine! It's like a little cheerleader in your cup, shouting "Wake up!" while you sip away.
Here are some fun caffeine facts:
- Brewed coffee: 80-120 mg of caffeine per 150 ml cup
- Instant coffee: 50-65 mg of caffeine per 150 ml cup
- Tea: 30-65 mg of caffeine per 150 ml cup
- Low doses (20-200 mg) of caffeine = feeling good, alert, and energetic
- Higher doses (>200 mg) of caffeine = nervousness and anxiety
Caffeine content:
- Arabica: approximately 1% by weight
- Robusta: approximately 2% by weight
India is one of the largest coffee producers in the world. A whopping 71% of the 300,000 metric tonnes of coffee produced in India every year comes from just one state - Karnataka. That's a latte coffee!
There are 7 varieties of coffee in India with a Geographical Indication tag:
- Coorg
- Chikmagalur
- Araku Valley
- Wayanad
- Monsooned Malabar Arabica
- Monsooned Malabar Robusta
- Baba Budangiri Coffee
The following brands are popular in India and you can check their products & prices from their respective stores on Amazon.in -
In India, you'll often find coffee blended with chicory, a plant-based ingredient that adds a rich, smooth flavor. This blend is a staple in many Indian households and is often served at social gatherings. While chicory is not a traditional coffee bean, it has become a popular addition to Indian coffee, especially in filter coffee.
Chicory comes from a perennial herbal plant with coloured flowers. This herb contains no caffeine but a polysaccharide called inulin, which supports digestion and can help control blood sugar.
Chicory contains several compounds that help protect the liver from inflammation, shield the stomach from damage, and may help defend against cancer. Adding chicory to coffee also improves coffee’s fragrance and taste.
The optimal blend of coffee and chicory was suggested to be 70:30 or 60:40, coffee to chicory, to strike a balance between taste and benefits.
Filter coffee, also known as "degree coffee," is a South Indian favorite. A strong, dark brew made by filtering hot water through finely ground coffee powder, this coffee is strong, rich, and full of flavor. It's often served in small steel cups and is a staple in many South Indian households.
Bullet coffee, the new kid on the block is a high-energy drink made by blending coffee with butter and coconut oil or ghee.
Whether it's a steaming cup of filter coffee in Chennai or a chicory blend in Mumbai, coffee is more than just a beverage—it's a way of life!
Comments
Post a Comment