Brands of coffee: beans, ground, (in)soluble, decaffeinated, etc.

Coffee is one of the most common drinks in the world. We can say that people are divided into 2 types: those who cannot imagine life without coffee and those who prefer tea.

The coffee tree grows in areas with tropical and subtropical climates. It has shiny dark green leaves and small white flowers with a light jasmine scent. Arabica trees are usually 5-6 meters in height, while Robusta can reach 8 meters. The fruits of the coffee tree are similar to cherries, and each berry contains 2 grains, flat on one side and convex on the other.

According to legend, the first person to taste coffee was the Ethiopian shepherd Kaldim. One day he noticed that his herd was more energetic after eating the red berries of a certain plant. He collected the berries and took them to the local priest, who threw the berries into the fire. The aroma of the roasted berries was so delicious that the shepherd collected the grains, crushed them, mixed them with water and prepared a drink. Since then, coffee has won the love of people from all over the world, and today there are a huge number of types and brands of the drink.

#1 Coffee beans

Around 3.5 billion cups of coffee are drunk around the world every day. The vast majority is made from coffee beans, which is what cafes and restaurants use, as well as true connoisseurs of the invigorating drink. About 70 countries produce coffee, but the most popular beans come from developing countries such as Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia and Ethiopia. Arabica is grown in Latin American countries, and robusta is grown in Africa and Southeast Asia. Arabica is softer in taste, with more shades. Robusta has a higher percentage of caffeine; this variety is distinguished by its strength, but is inferior in price to Arabica. These two varieties have the greatest commercial importance and are included in coffee from brands from all over the world, the only difference being the proportions and degree of roasting.

For example, Qualita Oro coffee from the famous Italian brand Lavazza consists of 100% refined sweet Arabica beans from Brazil and Central America and is suitable for true connoisseurs of the drink. And the Crema e Gusto Classico coffee of the same brand is a combination of Arabica and Robusta, characterized by a rich and balanced taste, and this is the ideal coffee for every day.

The Finnish brand Paulig also uses Arabica and Robusta in the production of its coffee. In 2022, Paulig launched a line of coffee beans inspired by three cities: Paris, Barcelona and New York. The creators of the line wanted to convey the unique mood of each city, so the coffee in the line differs in composition and degree of roasting. Paulig New York , inspired by the city that never sleeps, is a medium roast coffee perfect for breakfast, brunch and those who prefer to drink coffee on the go. Paulig New York can also be used to prepare iced coffee, popular in the USA. Paulig Barcelona is a dark roast coffee designed to convey the vibrant atmosphere of the Catalan capital, suitable for making café au lait in Spanish. Paulig Paris is the strongest coffee in the collection, with the darkest degree of roast, ideal for breakfast in combination with a croissant.

The popular Jardin coffee brand in Russia is produced in two series: Specialty Coffee and Gourmet Coffee. The first line is elite coffee made from 100% Arabica, the second is high-quality blends of Arabica and Robusta.

The Julius Meinl brand is the first coffee producer in Austria. The brand's logo - a boy in a fez - was designed in 1924 and quickly became a recognizable icon of the company. Products from Julius Meinl include both 100% Arabica and blends of 80% Arabica and 20% Robusta.

In 2016, the Italian brand Carraro released a line of organic coffee grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

The most expensive coffee beans in the world are harvested in Indonesia. Coffee called Kopi luwak is unique in that it is treated with the gastric juices of the Musang animal as it passes through its digestive tract. The price of one kilogram of Kopi luwak grains reaches 700 US dollars.

You can prepare coffee beans yourself (at home).

What types of coffee are there?

It is immediately worth noting that almost the entire coffee market of the country is occupied by the first 2 points, the rest are present, but in small quantities. But even the same type can have different quality and taste, it all depends on the manufacturer, roasting characteristics and other factors.

As for the varieties, they are as follows:

Arabica is a variety known to everyone; the share of its consumption in the world exceeds 70%. At the same time, the flavor and aroma characteristics depend on the region of growth and weather conditions in a particular season. More than fifty countries are engaged in the cultivation of Arabica coffee; in total, approximately 45 varieties of this coffee are known. If you highlight the differences, you can note the bright and rich taste and low caffeine content. The grains are dark, with a glossy surface.
Robusta is a variety native to Africa. Unlike the first option, the caffeine content is high, the drink invigorates, but at the same time it has a bitterness. At the same time, the taste characteristics are not the best, and the drink turns out light. Therefore, robusta is practically not used in its pure form; it is mixed with Arabica, which gives an excellent effect. The total share of consumption in the world is about 20%.
Starbucks. This is not only a chain of coffee shops, but also many varieties bred specifically for this company. The drink can be distinguished by its spicy aroma and characteristic taste with a pleasant sourness.
Coffee Yauco Selecto. Arabica, which is grown on the Caribbean islands, has its own unique taste and aroma.
Blue Mountain. Iconic Jamaican coffee, which has a very bright, rich taste, but at the same time there is no bitterness at all. This option has many admirers, but it also costs from $100 per kilogram.

Those who are trying to figure out which coffee is the most delicious should also take into account the country of origin:

Brazil. The world leader in coffee cultivation, there are over 40 Arabica varieties, the quality of the raw materials is excellent. Most global brands purchase coffee from Brazil.
Colombia. Another country that produces a lot of coffee, which, unlike Brazilian coffee, has a lighter taste with fruity notes.
Kenya. The drink, which is made from grains from this country, is strong, has a pleasant sour taste, and you can notice notes of currant in the aroma.
Guatemala. Mostly connoisseurs know about coffee from this country; it is produced in small quantities, the price is higher than that of its analogues, but the quality is appropriate.

By the way!
All products are divided into grades depending on quality. Therefore, it is important to choose only premium products.

#2 Ground coffee

Ground coffee is intended for making coffee in a coffee machine or Turk. This coffee differs in grinding degree:

Coarsely ground coffee resembles sea salt and is suitable for French press and drip coffee makers;
A medium grind is suitable for an espresso machine;
for making Turkish coffee - small.

Many brands that produce coffee beans also sell ground coffee. The Italian brand Illy specializes in the production of espresso, so their coffee is usually medium ground and can be used straight into an espresso machine.

The Jockey brand produces medium and finely ground coffee for lovers of espresso or Turkish coffee.

The Italian brand Kimbo produces different types of ground coffee, from 100% Arabica to blends consisting of 85% Arabica and 15% Robusta.

Another Italian company, Hausbrandt, is proud of its unique blends, which contain notes of fruit, spices, cocoa and hazelnuts.

How to choose a quality product. Basic recommendations

It is advisable to purchase coffee not in hypermarkets, but in specialized coffee shops. Here, storage conditions (temperature, product proximity, expiration dates) are carefully monitored, and a high-quality drink reaches the buyer unchanged. Good coffee can be stored for no more than 18 months.
Ground coffee must be purchased exclusively in small packs, since after opening, it quickly loses its taste and aroma.
The degree of grinding is directly related to the cooking method. This information will help you understand which of the popular models of coffee makers can prepare this variety. Fine grinding occurs within 20 seconds, and the drink is infused for 2 minutes. Suitable for filter coffee, preparation in a geyser coffee maker or Turk. Medium grind is the most popular and versatile in preparation. With medium grinding, the grains are processed for no more than 14 seconds, and allowed to brew for 3 minutes. Suitable for coffee grinders and Turkish coffee grinders. When the beans are processed for 10 seconds it is a coarse grind. They should steep for about 5 minutes and are great for piston, pot, espresso or filter coffee makers.
The organoleptic properties of coffee largely depend on the quality and material of its packaging. It must first of all protect the grains from air penetration. When exposed to oxygen, the fatty acids contained in coffee react, and the beans lose their taste and aroma. Bitterness appears. The most popular forms for storing coffee beans are: glass, vacuum, paper and metal. The undisputed leader is vacuum packaging. The coffee in it is compacted, and after opening it becomes crumbly. The disadvantage of this storage format is that the aroma of the beans is preserved only in closed packaging. After printing, they quickly run out of steam. Therefore, it is recommended to pour the product into a glass jar and store it there. For grain, the ideal choice would be a sealed package with a vent valve and filled with gas. Such a bag does not allow air to pass through, and the grains retain their aroma in their original form.
The smell can also determine the quality of coffee. There should be no moldy, sour or rancid notes in it.
It is worth paying attention to the roasting date. High-quality grains retain their aromatic properties for only one month. And only in vacuum packaging this figure can reach 6 months. The date of roasting of ground coffee should not be more than a year.
The numbers on the packaging from 1 to 5 give information about the degree of roasting of the drink. Where 1 is light, and 5 is the most roasted beans and strong taste.

#3 Instant coffee

Instant coffee is made by making an extract from ground coffee and then evaporating the liquid. This species was invented in 1881 and quickly gained popularity throughout the world. In 1938, the Nescafe brand began industrial production of instant coffee. To make coffee, you just need to put the required amount of coffee in a cup and add hot water.

Today, the most popular brands of instant coffee are Nescafe, Carte Noire, Egoiste, Jacobs, Maxwell House and Starbucks. Coffee connoisseurs who do not have time to prepare a drink in a coffee machine or Turk can choose a brand that suits their taste preferences.

Nescafe Gold blends Arabica with Robusta to create a bold flavor, and then roasts the beans to bring out notes of caramel and give the drink a subtle aroma. Nescafe Gold Crema is designed for lovers of a softer, velvety taste. Nescafe's line of instant coffee also includes 3 in 1 coffee, Cappuccino and Latte.

The German brand Egoiste has been pleasing European coffee lovers for more than 20 years. This coffee has a complex, rich aroma and leaves a pleasant aftertaste of natural coffee. Especially for fans, the Egoiste brand has developed an interesting Nutella Latte recipe with Nutella chocolate spread, sugar and milk, which you can enjoy at home on winter evenings.

What is the degree of roasting and degree of grinding?

On store shelves you can see ground coffee in vacuum packaging. On one side of the package they indicate how the beans are roasted and ground. Manufacturers use labeling that is easy to understand for consumers. The degree of roasting is indicated as medium, low or maximum.

Light roasting gives the fruit a light brown tint and reveals a slight sour aftertaste. Light roasting is ideal when preparing drinks with added milk.

Medium roasting causes the beans to release more aromatic oils. A drink with this degree of roasting has a rich aroma, the grains acquire a brown or dark brown hue.

Strong roasting makes the surface of the beans oily, almost black. After brewing, the drink acquires a bitter taste and is distinguished by increased strength.

The type of grind may not be considered a characteristic when describing the taste of natural ground coffee, but it affects such qualities as strength, thickness, and richness of the drink. The lower the grind, the subtler the aroma.

When coarsely ground, the grains take the form of coarse salt. This type of grind is ideal for preparing drinks in a French press or cup using the infusion method.

Medium grind is similar in quality to finely ground granulated sugar. It is purchased for brewing in a geyser, carob or drip coffee maker. You can purchase blends of this grind in stores or coffee shops.

Fine or ultra-fine grinding resembles fine, loose powder to the touch and is produced for sale in a variety of assortments. Oriental coffee is made from finely ground beans, and espresso is prepared in coffee machines.

#4 Insoluble coffee

Insoluble coffee contains more caffeine than instant coffee, but it is much healthier because it is a natural product. Typically, an instant coffee blend contains 70% Arabica and 30% Robusta. This type of coffee is much more expensive than instant coffee.

For example, Saint Helena Coffee from Saint Helena Island costs about $150 per 400 grams, Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee costs $100, and Hawaiian Kona Coffee costs $80.

Insoluble coffee can be quickly prepared in a Turk:

you need to pour cold water into the Turk, put it on gas and add instant coffee at the rate of 2 teaspoons per cup;
When the foam rises, remove the Turk from the heat and pour the coffee into the cup.

#5 Decaf coffee: names and brands

Decaffeinated coffee is suitable for drink lovers who want to keep their caffeine intake under control. This type of coffee is obtained by washing coffee beans with chemical substances until 97% of the caffeine leaves the beans. This coffee tastes almost no different from regular coffee, but completely loses its tonic properties. A serving of ground decaffeinated coffee contains about 13 milligrams of caffeine, a cup of instant coffee contains about 10 milligrams, while regular coffee can have up to 80 milligrams of caffeine. Pregnant and breastfeeding women for whom caffeine is contraindicated can enjoy decaffeinated versions of their favorite drink.

Nowadays, almost every brand has a decaffeinated version of the drink, be it coffee beans, ground coffee or instant coffee. Many brands use green or blue colors in coffee packaging to indicate a caffeine-free drink, for example, Lavazza, Illy, Nescafe, Jacobs. Popular coffee shops such as Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Coffee House, Coffeemania offer decaffeinated coffee along with regular coffee.

What to remember

Instant coffee is a simple and quick way to prepare your favorite drink.
It has almost the same chemical composition and set of beneficial and negative properties as natural coffee.
An important distinguishing feature is its lower caffeine content, which makes it more preferable for people suffering from diseases of the digestive and cardiovascular systems, as well as having sleep problems.
As a result, the drink is completely safe and acceptable to consume if your daily routine does not leave time for preparing a natural version.

#6 Freeze-dried coffee

Freeze-dried coffee is made using freeze-drying or freeze-dry technology:

The ground coffee is boiled for several hours, frozen and broken into granules.
The granules are sorted and dried. The stage of drying granules is the most difficult and expensive, so freeze-dried coffee is more expensive and is considered more harmless to health than regular instant coffee.

Brands Bushido, Egoiste, Carte Noire, UCC, Moccona, Jardin produce freeze-dried coffee in characteristic granules.

#7 Vietnamese coffee

Vietnamese coffee is known for its strength. The Vietnamese mix coffee differently than producers from other countries, preferring strong robusta as part of the blend. In Vietnam, Arabica grows on only 10% of the coffee plantation area. The most famous Vietnamese coffee is called Vietnam Da Lat. This coffee has a buttery caramel taste and a classic aroma. In 2022, Starbucks offered visitors a taste of Vietnamese coffee. Musangs also live in Vietnam, with the help of which Kopi luwak beans are obtained in Indonesia, but here this coffee is called Chon.

Thus, there are many brands and types of coffee in the world, and every connoisseur can choose something to suit his taste.

Types of instant drink

Every year more new varieties of coffee appear on store shelves. They differ in strength, taste, and price. However, all this diversity is divided into three main groups:

Powdery. The cheapest option. The production process involves grinding coffee beans. Next, the resulting fine crumbs are drip-moistened in a special apparatus under the influence of vacuum and immediately dried. And at the entrance you get coffee powder.
Granulated. To obtain this product, the powdered coffee goes through another step of humidification, but this time with steam. This promotes the formation of granules. The price of such coffee increases, but its taste and aroma weaken.
Sublimated. This is the most expensive type of instant coffee. Its production is somewhat more complicated. First, the coffee beans are ground into dust, then water is added and frozen. Then, thanks to special equipment, the liquid is separated. And the tiles received by the coffee shop are crushed again. This processing allows you to preserve the natural taste and aroma, so the finished product does not require the use of additional flavors or dyes. Externally, this instant coffee differs from other types, with flat and slightly shiny granules.

Cafein free

There is an opinion that decaffeinated coffee is safer for health. However, this is not quite true. After decaffeination of coffee beans, the drink becomes more acidic, and therefore is not recommended for people with gastritis and other gastrointestinal problems. In addition, it is not possible to completely remove caffeine from beans. After all the procedures, the amount of this substance is reduced by no more than 5 times.

It is also worth remembering that decaffeination does not eliminate the chlorogenic acid content in the coffee beans. But it is precisely this that increases the level of homocysteine, which subsequently provokes various heart diseases. Coffee also flushes calcium from the body, and this is absolutely independent of the caffeine content in the drink. Therefore, you should not attribute absolute harmlessness to a decaffeinated drink.