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Once upon a time when you wanted coffee, you ordered coffee. Now there is a stunning array of gourmet coffee to choose from. In fact, you almost need to apologize for wanting “coffee”. In the espresso coffees alone you can choose from dozens of variations. If you have any doubts about whether the market for gourmet coffee is growing, look around you. Note the coffee houses and coffee shops sprouting up around you!
Don’t believe your eyes? Check out the numbers then. In the early 1990’s there were an estimated 500 gourmet coffee establishments in USA. Fifteen years later, there are approximately 10,000 or more. This doesn’t even count coffee wagons, kiosks, vending machines and book store cafes, sporting arena coffee shops and subway, bus stop, airport and train station coffee shops! People buy gourmet coffee in all sorts of places.
The National Coffee Association notes that gourmet coffee consumption grew 2 percent between 2003 and 2004 alone. By 2005 an American poll discovered that 15% of Americans said they enjoyed gourmet coffee. There is no reason to doubt that the increase in gourmet coffee drinking will continue.
How did it all get started? The first gourmet coffee establishment opened in Seattle, Washington in 1970. From there things have mushroomed. Every small town in Canada has a Tim Horton’s coffee shop. Starbucks grace every corner in urban USA. Today, almost every public place-grocery stores, hospitals, arenas, concert venues, city halls-have at least one gourmet coffee establishment. Brisk arguments erupt over which is the best gourmet coffee available.
What makes it gourmet coffee?
First off, the beans have to be grown in ideal climate for coffee production. Gourmet coffee should be made from Arabica beans. The best gourmet coffees have distinctive flavors. These arise from the soil of the region where they are grown. Gourmet coffee beans develop with no defects during their growing season. Then there is a talent to roasting them at just the right temperature. It must bring out gourmet coffee bean’s special flavor. When you buy gourmet coffee, look for: fragrance, aroma, acidity or brightness that leaves a pleasant taste on the tongue, flavor, body, finish and balance. The best gourmet coffees have distinct flavor without additives.
Where does it come from?
Gourmet coffee can be purchased in coffee shops, a specialty coffee company or, even in the supermarket.
How do You Sample Gourmet Coffee?
Addicted Gourmet Coffee tasters insist there is a routine to tasting-much like wine tasting. Personally I think both tasters are a little pretentious. I just know what I like and enjoy trying it! I watch them sniff it and roll around in their mouths. Our tongue detects 4 basic sensations: sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. The rest of the taste experience is really smell!Sniff the beans as you grind them. Smell then just-brewed coffee. Take a sip and let your tongue sense it.
Gourmet coffee tasters consider: Body, Acidity, & Balance. Body. But, however you choose to sample your coffee and whatever ranges of the above you are looking for it is sure that every gourmet coffee taster will have his/her preferences. There will always be a debate about what is the best gourmet coffee but, like wine, it’s a personal choice!
