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Cooking & Entertaining
> Coffee
Know Your Coffee
Next time the cafe hostess asks you, "Latte
or Mocha?", don't break into a sweat. Learn the basics of
coffee by type, brew and flavors.
Coffee Varieties
Arabica: Mild and aromatic Arabica coffee is
a descendant of the original Ethiopian Coffee trees. It accounts
for about 70% of the world's coffee production.
Robusta: The remaining 30% of the world's
coffee production is 'Robusta'. Robusta is far richer than Arabica
bean. It produces a bitter-tasting coffee with about 50% more
caffeine than Arabica and is grown mostly in South-East Asia and
Brazil.
Forms and Blends
Espresso: Strong Italian Coffee, which is
brewed by forcing steam through finely-ground, dark roasted coffee
beans. When frothed milk is added, it evolves into variations like
cappuccino, macchiato and cafe latte.
Cappuccino: Equal proportions of espresso,
hot milk and froth, when blend together, make cappuccino. Have it
with just plain sugar or if you are like me, sprinkle cinnamon or
cocoa!
Mocha: The popular coffee blend is named
after the kingdom of Mocha, a neighbor of Ethiopia. It was the
ruler of Mocha, who first suggested that cherries from a coffee
plant may be infused to make a drink. Mocha is generally 1/3rd
espresso, 1/3rd strong unsweetened chocolate, and 1/3rd steamed
milk.
Latte: Call it Café Latte or Cafe au Lait,
any 'Latte' is a milky coffee. To create the best latte, pour milk
and coffee simultaneously into the mug, one from each side.
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