Tasty and aromatic coffee beans

Two psychologists published a 'scientific' paper at the end of 2015 about the relationship between personality and the love of bitter taste. According to them, coffee beans are among the bitter foods and drinks that gently stimulate in the morning.

"Scientific" publications

The publication by Christina Sagioglou and Tobias Greitemeyer from the Institute of Psychology at the University of Innsbruck in the journal 'Apetite', entitled "Individual differences in bitter taste preference are linked to antisocial personality traits". "Individual differences in bitter taste preference are linked to antisocial personality traits" did not make a scientific breakthrough like the other 99,999% so-called "scientific" publications. Its effect, however, was a rash of articles pointing to a putative link between a penchant for drinking black coffeeand psychopathic personality tendencies. A bold thesis, isn't it? Of course, it is worth exactly the same as the promises made by any politician during an election campaign. That is, it is worth nothing.

At the end of the argument, the conclusion was that it was only a hypothesis. Some connection may be there, but there are many other factors that have not been studied. In fact, it is not known whether the fact that someone likes bitter tastes indicates that they are potentially dangerous to the environment. The evidence isn't really there. Such is the 'science'.

What is interesting, however, is that black coffee is also listed among bitter foods and drinks, such as radish, celery, tonic, IPA beer. Yes, the fact that you don't sweeten your freshly brewed coffee beans and you don't add milk and cream to it because you like it sautéed, may or may not :-), indicate that you are a sadist.

I love all the bitter products mentioned above, including black coffee. By the same token, I am a potential Hannibal Lecter. Consequently, I am very, very much at peace with all of this. Because it's just so much writing out there with no practical meaning. Committed only for points, rankings and grants. "Not an ugly thing, but does it have any practical use?", as the young Cerro said to King Vridank on their first meeting" (Andrzej Sapkowski "Lady of the Lake"). Well, such 'scientific' publications have absolutely no practical application. Such is 'science'.

Does black coffee bean have to be bitter?

Of course it doesn't have to be. It should not even be that way. The fact that it is so associated by the authors of the article only proves that they have been unlucky in life. Simply good black coffee beans have not had the opportunity to drink yet (e.g. espresso z the iconic espresso machine) . Slight bitterness and acidity are of course acceptable and desirable in the taste of coffee, but should not be the dominant flavours. The caffeine content contributes to the mild stimulating effect of coffeewhich, for some, can reduce the perception of bitterness. In coffee, we should feel mainly sweet flavours and aromas. Different ones, of course, depending on its type and how it is brewed. For example: fruit (citrus, berries, strawberries, etc., etc.), nuts, almonds or chocolate.

If your freshly brewed <strong>coffee beans are primarily bitter, it only means that mistakes were made at some stage in their preparation.

So what could be responsible for the overly bitter taste of our brew?

Poor grain quality

Grains that are unripe or infested with pests will never taste the same as ripe and healthy grains. Type of coffee, i.e. the type of coffee bean and the conditions under which it is grown, such as soil type and sunshine, are crucial to the quality of the coffee's flavour.

Too much smoking

If the firing is dragged out, instead of caramelising the sugars in the grain, it will simply char the whole thing. The result? Obviously a bitter, non-aromatic coffee whose taste and aroma will leave much to be desired. Length of coffee bean roasting is key.

Coffee beans - the grinding method

It should be matched to the machine in which you are preparing the coffee (another for the coffee machine, another for the espresso machine, another for the coffee under the filter). Above all, the principle is that too finely ground coffee will be rather tart and bitter.

Preparing coffee in the traditional way, for example using a French press or a café, can make a significant difference to the taste of the drink, highlighting its uniqueness and satisfying the expectations of coffee lovers.

Coffee beans - brewing method

Water that is too hot will make coffee will be too bitter. Water that is too cold will give you an acidic drink. Of course brewing time is also important. It is also important to use the right brewing methodssuch as with espresso machines to achieve the desired flavour and aroma. 

What does a good coffee bean taste like?

Good coffee beans is sweet, slightly acidic and bitter. It contains the aromas of the previously mentioned aromatic notes,. After drinking, it leaves our palates with its aftertaste for a long while. It is perfect for a variety of brewing methods, highlighting the unique taste and aroma coffee.

These mistakes can be eliminated by following two rules: brew coffee properly (point 4), but above all buy your coffee from a reliable producer from a local coffee bean roaster (points 1-3), of good quality, properly roasted and ground (if you don't grind it yourself). This is the simplest recipe for tasty and aromatic coffee!

Thanks to the careful selection of beans and the right roasting method, you can enjoy a coffee with a unique taste and aroma. Coffee roasters in Warsaw and beyond are outdoing themselves in perfecting the roasting of their beans and composing the flavour notes of their coffees, illustrating the diversity on offer for lovers of different types of coffee.