Today is international coffee day! And at GEEPAS, we are celebrating all things coffee. We have put together some tips for those looking to up their coffee game and truly appreciate the greatness of this delicious drink.
So, to start what actually is coffee?
Well, it’s a brewed drink prepared using roasted coffee beans which are taken from the berries of the Coffea plant. There are two main species of coffee beans which are the Arabica and Robusta, and depending on where they are grown, both the country and the altitude determines the flavour of the coffee. For example, Brazilian coffee usually has more chocolate and spice flavour compared to Ethiopian coffee which has a stronger, sweet berry flavour.
That being said, there are many ways to make the most out of your coffee beans and enjoy it even more than you already do.
When’s the best time to drink coffee?
According to some research, there are certain times which are best for coffee consuming. This is all down to a hormone our body produces called cortisol. This is the hormone we produce when we’re stressed or feeling anxious.
However, there are certain times of the day when cortisol levels peak for the average person:
- 8am – 9am
- 12pm – 1pm
- 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Caffeine can trigger small amounts of cortisol, so it is best to avoid drinking it at these peak times.
You may not enjoy your coffee if you’re drinking on an empty stomach
Another way to make the most out of your coffee is to not to drink it on an empty stomach.
This means that unfortunately, it should not replace your breakfast in the morning. You should avoid this habit as it could damage your stomach lining, cause indigestion and heartburn if drank on an empty stomach.
So, to enjoy this drink in the morning we recommend having your caffeine fix with a hearty breakfast.
The best foods that go with coffee
We couldn’t tell you not to drink your favourite beverage on an empty stomach without recommending the best food and coffee combinations.
Sweet or savoury, there are plenty of ways to create some delicious pairings.
- Coffee cake – Too much coffee? There’s no such thing! Coffee cake is the perfect sweet treat which goes hand in hand.
- Pastries –Following a sweet theme, many of us enjoy our favourite beverage with a light, fluffy pastry, and there’s a reason for it… it’s delicious!
- A full English – A filter coffee and a full English breakfast, a pairing that is hard to beat.
- Cheese – There are so many ways to pair coffee with cheese. Try a deep, dark roast with a nutty, hard cheese such as parmesan or manchego. Or enjoy a lighter, sweeter blend with a soft cheese such as ricotta.
- Chocolate – A luxurious pairing that is a delightfully indulgent.
Enjoy the wide array of drinks that coffee has to offer
One of the best things about this magical drink is the diversity. There are countless ways to enjoy it, and the only way to find your favourite is to try them all!
Here is a guide to help you navigate through the world of coffee:
Espresso – A strong shot of coffee that has a thick consistency.
Latte – A cup that contains one shot of espresso topped off with consistently smooth, silky, frothy milk.
Cappuccino – Similar to a latte that it contains one shot of espresso, but the milk is less silky and frothier.
Mocha – A latte but with the addition of chocolate.
Americano – A shot of espresso topped off with hot water.
Flat white – A shot of espresso topped with a little less steamed milk than a latte has but with no froth.
Irish coffee – An americano that has a splash of Irish whiskey, brown sugar and cream on top.
And of course the perfect cup of coffee can only come from the perfect coffee machine, take a look at our coffee collection and enjoy!
