When to drink coffee and 6 more questions about an invigorating drink

Many consider coffee to be a romantic and even magical drink. Although there is no special magic in its preparation and action. Just physics, chemistry and common sense. What you need to know to drink the right coffee?

When to drink coffee?

You definitely shouldn’t drink coffee right after waking up. For the body, this is equivalent to trying to run a cross, as soon as you tear your head off the pillow. It is better to wait 10-15 minutes for the body to finally wake up.

Is coffee addictive?

Avid coffee drinkers really develop an addiction – over time, the body stops triggering the mechanism of increased production of the hormone dopamine, which activates the brain. So the emotional and mental uplift that the coffee lover allegedly experiences after a sip of espresso is most likely a psychological illusion. He just set himself up for that effect.

But if you rarely drink coffee, try to avoid drinking it in the afternoon – it may well provide you with a sleepless night.

Is coffee bad or good?

There are no unequivocal studies on the dangers or benefits of coffee. In addition, new data is constantly emerging. For example, the results of some studies confirm that those who drink three cups a day are less prone to depression than those who limit themselves to one or no coffee at all. However, other experts have proven that the drink increases anxiety. So, it should not be used during stressful periods.

In different regions of the world, coffee is also treated differently. Doctors in China say it’s harmful. But they historically drink more tea there, and the tea lobby in this country is stronger. In Italy, on the contrary, coffee is considered a healthy drink. In America, the opinion of experts was divided 50 to 50.

If you lead a healthy lifestyle and have no health problems, coffee, even in large quantities, is unlikely to harm you. But still, it is worth listening to your body – everyone’s reaction is individual.

Why is Italian coffee so delicious?

Many have heard the myth about Italian coffee: they say that it is the most fragrant and invigorating. Indeed, in Rome in any eatery you can drink a cup of espresso at the bar and marvel at its rich taste. But it’s not about a special variety or a secret Italian roast, but about the foam on the surface of an espresso or americano, which is called “crema”.

It lasts for about a minute and retains the taste of the drink. You need to drink it before this foam has time to disappear. In an ordinary cafe, by the time the waiter brings you your order, the cream has already melted. Want an espresso like in Italy? Drink at the bar.

Can you drink instant coffee?

In Russia, approximately 90% of the population drinks instant coffee. There is no harm in it. But for a professional, this is not coffee, but a caffeinated drink. There is a misconception that it is less harmful to the heart and kidneys than natural. In this myth, manufacturers of instant coffee are primarily interested: its cost is a penny, and it is sold to a jar for quite tangible money.

How to choose good coffee?

If you’re buying coffee beans – and that’s the smartest thing to do – take a close look at the packaging. It should indicate the region of growth and the date of roasting – after it, coffee retains its best taste characteristics for a month. There should also be a valve on the package. Contrary to popular belief, it is needed not to sniff coffee, but to release essential oils.

Coffee beans should be matte – a glossy sheen indicates poor-quality roasting. Its purpose is to make sure that essential oils soak into the grain, and not remain on its surface. The glossy grain usually has a good smell, but when boiled, the taste is so-so.

By the appearance of ground coffee, it is impossible to judge its quality. So it is better to buy it only from trusted suppliers or ask to grind grains before your eyes. The degree of grinding depends on how you are used to preparing coffee. A turkey requires a finely ground powder, while a French press requires a very even, coarse grind.

How to learn how to make delicious coffee at home?

There are 8 ways to prepare freshly roasted coffee: cezve, espresso, moka, french press, chemex, pour over, siphon, aeropress. Everyone needs a special type of grinding, and each has its own nuances, which are better to comprehend in special courses or master classes.

Rule of thumb: don’t grind beans in a coffee grinder with blades. It breaks the grain, and the degree of grinding is unpredictable every time. If you consider yourself a coffee connoisseur, buy a grinder with burrs – manual or automatic. You need to fill it with the same amount of grain and choose the correct degree of grinding. And gradually, experimenting with the amount of water, you can learn how to brew your perfect coffee at home.