The photo captures a moment when my friend and I tested the nuances of coffee flavors. His relentless quest for creativity in roasting stems from a deep understanding of coffee, from planting to processing beans. It's this dedication that allows me to relish an authentic cup of coffee every single day!
The world of coffee is a fascinating journey that delves deep into the science of flavors and aromas. It's akin to color therapy, but it's a personal odyssey for me. Just as some find solace in music, gardening, or flower arranging, I find it in the art of coffee.
The magic lies in the coffee bean itself. It holds a symphony of compounds within its core - alkaloids for bitterness and floral notes, organic acids for fruity sourness, proteins for texture, lipids for richness, and sugars for sweetness. The interplay of these compounds, influenced by roasting, grinding, and water temperature, gives birth to the diverse flavors in each cup.
But why do we often add sugar, milk, or even butter and fish sauce to our coffee? It's a quest for balance, a quest born from not fully understanding the richness of the coffee bean. It mirrors our lives in many ways - seeking external elements to make ourselves more interesting.
For me, a truly delightful cup of coffee brings balance. Achieving this requires a deep understanding at every stage - from the grower who tends to the plant, the roaster who coaxes out the bean's essence, and the brewer who skillfully extracts its flavors. A thorough understanding allows the coffee bean to realize its full potential.
Every day, I take the time to savor this authentic cup of coffee, from the first sip while it's still hot to the last lingering aroma as it cools. It's an experience I cherish, a daily ritual that brings me joy and satisfaction.
Written by Nguyen Phuong Thuy.