Coffee Basics: Coffee, an Endless Journey

Coffee, that delicious drink that accompanies us in the mornings, the afternoons, and sometimes even the nights, has a universe of its own full of flavors, aromas, stories, and traditions. If you're venturing into this exciting world and feel a little lost among so many options and unfamiliar terms, don't worry, you're in the right place!

At Cafiver, we want to accompany you on this journey of discovery and help you become a true coffee lover. Below, we present a basic guide with the first things you should know as a beginner:

1. Types of coffee:

The coffee we enjoy in our cup comes from two main plants: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is known for its smooth, aromatic, and complex flavor, while Robusta brings more body, more caffeine, and a more intense flavor. There are also other, less common species such as Liberica and Excelsa.

2. Roasting coffee:

Roasting is a fundamental process that defines the flavor, aroma, and acidity of coffee. Coffee beans go through different roasting stages: light, medium, and dark. Light roasting preserves the fruitier, more floral flavors of coffee, while dark roasting develops more toasty, spicy, and bitter notes.

3. Brewing methods:

There are countless methods for brewing coffee, each with its own characteristics and results. Some of the most popular methods are:

• Espresso machines: The classic method for getting a concentrated coffee with plenty of crema.
• Drip: A simple, versatile method that uses hot water to filter the coffee through a filter. An example is the conventional coffee maker at home
• French press: A method that extracts all of the coffee's oils and flavors by immersing the ground beans in hot water.
• Alternative methods: AeroPress, Chemex, V60... There are many alternative methods that offer unique flavor experiences.

4. Grinding coffee:

Grinding is crucial for a good extraction. The grind size must be appropriate for the brewing method you use. A fine grind is ideal for espresso, while a coarser grind is better for methods such as the French press or drip. Get our delicious ground coffees.

5. The importance of water:

Water is a fundamental element for a good cup of coffee. It should be of good quality, free of chlorine and off flavors. Filtered or spring water is recommended.

6. The amount of coffee:

The amount of coffee you use will depend on the brewing method and your personal taste. In general, a ratio of 8 grams of coffee for every 180 milliliters of water is recommended.

7. Water temperature:

Water temperature also plays an important role in extracting coffee's flavor. The ideal temperature varies depending on the brewing method, but in general, water between 90 and 96 degrees Celsius (194–205°F) is recommended.

8. Storing coffee:

Ground coffee loses its freshness and flavor quickly. It is important to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place.

9. Cleaning your coffee maker:

Cleaning your coffee maker regularly is essential to avoid the buildup of oils and residue that can affect the taste of the coffee.

10. Experiment and enjoy:

The most important thing in the coffee world is to experiment and enjoy. Try different types of coffee, brewing methods, and recipes until you find the ones you like best. Share your experiences with other coffee lovers and create your own coffee universe.

At Cafiver, we're here to help you on your journey through the coffee world.

We offer a wide variety of high-quality coffees, as well as everything you need to brew them at home or in your business. Don't hesitate to contact us for personalized advice and become a coffee expert.