While most growing regions only have one harvest each year, Kenya has two. Because Kenya is so close to the equator it experiences the seasons of both hemispheres. The main crop is harvested between October and December and then the bonus crop is harvested between June and August.
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From Indonesia comes the most expensive coffee in the world: Kopi Luwak, which loosely translates to weasel coffee. Why? Because it’s already been eaten by this guy.
In the Starbucks Coffee Master training it said the coffee cherries “pass through the digestive tract of a civet.” That’s a nice way to put it.
After that first bit, the beans are collected from the forest floor, cleaned and roasted.
Sounds horrifying and yet I seriously want to taste it.
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Geography Fun Fact:
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Legend has it that coffee in Ethiopia predates the existence of humans.
—Even if you believe in Creation, coffee comes first. Word is, God did plants on the third day. People didn’t come around until day six.
Priorities. No people until you have coffee to give them. It’s why we get there first to make the coffee before we let people in.
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Espresso versus Drip Coffee
Last night one of my baristas brought up the issue of caffeine content in espresso versus drip coffee. He told some customers that a drip coffee packed more of a punch than espresso. I argued. Today, I researched.
By volume, espresso is way stronger because it’s more concentrated (which was my original argument). 1 ounce of espresso has around 30-50 mg of caffeine. I ounce of drip coffee has just 8.125-15 mg. Obviously, no one’s getting an ounce of the Pike to start their morning.
So I did some light (very light) math and compared a grande coffee to a grande latte (containing 2 shots of espresso). The coffee weighs in at 130-240 mg. The latte is only packing 60-100 mg. If you’re like my bosses and me, frequently getting a quad latte, it’s a little more comparable. Otherwise, per beverage, coffee is the reigning champ.
I could argue that technically I was correct. But in any sort of practical scenario, he’s right: the coffee wins.
Caffeine content in espresso vs drip coffee. | Caffeine | News
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My Love of Thanksgiving Blend
Last night I was fortunate enough to work pre-Thanksgiving close with my dear work-wife. Naturally, Thanksgiving blend was essential. Sadly (or wonderfully, if you’re into the business side) our store sold out weeks ago. Fortunately I planned ahead this year and had been hoarding it for weeks. I brought back an unopened bag so I could make a french press… or two. We split one to celebrate before the shift and then I on my lunch I had another french press. By myself. What can I say? I love Thanksgiving blend. It’s a magical mixture of two coffees I love (Guatemala and Sumatra) into one deliciously spicy and herbal coffee that I love absurdly (partially due to my love of Thanksgiving in general.
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Low Elevation is for losers.
Robusta beans are grown at lower altitudes. They grow bigger and faster, are easier to grow and more resistant to disease. Blah blah blah. Sure, robusta is easier but its flavor is inferior.
If you’re gonna do it, do it right. Arabica or bust.
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High Altitudes are where it’s at.
Fun Fact I never knew about coffee: Elevation matters.
High-quality arabica beans come from high altitudes, between 3,000-6,000 feet. At these heights the beans are nurtured by a perfect storm of temperature, sunlight and rainfall. Warm days and cool evenings slow down the maturation process, keeping the cherries on the tree longer, developing their flavor. The beans also stay smaller and harder, able to withstand a darker roast. High elevation means denser beans with more complex flavors. Yum.
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Beyond the Bean - Ciao Milano!
Things I Can’t Do and Skills I’m Jealous Of include…
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