The fact that coffee is the most adored beverage by U.S. caffeine drinkers can't be overemphasized. Research has actually shown that about 60% of those in the U.S. ranging from the ages of 18 and above take coffee— this is according to a recent report by the National Coffee Association. However, Zagat, according to their coffee survey found that the number was probably closer to 80%.
Coffee has recently been linked to a number of health benefits—ranging from facilitating calorie-burning during workouts to reducing risks of cancer. Of course, the quality of the coffee mustn't be overlooked, and in this regard, Third Wave Coffee drinkers should potentially benefit more considering how carefully and naturally their beans are grown, harvested, processed and roasted.
If you still don't have a good knowledge of Third Wave Coffee and you crave for new ways to enjoy your favorite beans, here are a few suggestions on brewing a great cup:
Pour Over – Place freshly ground beans in a clean filter inside a filter holder or cone. This is placed over a vessel. According to coffee experts, they believe it is best to wet the grounds, then continually pour precisely heated water (often around 200 degrees) from a kettle in a slow and methodical motion—rather than just flooding them. They believe more flavor is extracted this way. Some baristas will even use scales to ensure precision in their method.
Cold Brew – Having become popular, especially in the last year, cold brewed coffee is the result of steeping coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for 12 hours or more just before filtering them out and enjoying a cup. Some fatty acids and oils are not extracted from the grounds owing to the lack of heat. Third Wave Coffee lovers who enjoy a cold brew, feel that the product is a bit smoother and less bitter. Another observation is that cold brew contains less caffeine than traditionally brewed Third Wave Coffee.
Single-Origin – While this isn’t a brewing method, it does have an effect on the final taste of your coffee. Connoisseurs of Third Wave Coffee, appreciate coffee produced from beans grown in a particular region and farm due to the specific and unique qualities offered by beans sourced from a single location. Factors such as soil, climate, elevation, growing techniques and biodiversity all contribute in forming the flavors of single-origin coffee. Coffee grown in a particular region (say Brazil) tastes drastically different from that grown in another (like Colombia) or one farm versus another and can easily be noticed by anyone who tastes them.
Would you like to warm up this fall with an expertly brewed cup of Third Wave Coffee? If yes, then visit any of Thinking Cup’s three Boston cafes to enjoy a perfect cup of Stumptown coffee.