What coffee is drunk in the USA: an educational program for connoisseurs of a popular drink
'13.10.2020'
Source: The Coffee Times on Yandex.Zen
American coffee evokes different associations for everyone: some think about the Starbucks network, others about the Twin Peaks series. Channel author The Coffee Times on Yandex.Zen talks about what they really drink in the United States and how coffee became a symbol of the struggle for independence.
History of coffee in the USA
The cultivation of coffee beans near the United States began relatively recently, and initially coffee was brought to the United States by the colonialists from Great Britain. Although the USA is not the birthplace of coffee, it is here that many coffee trends and brewing devices have emerged.
So what the Americans did with coffee:
Fought with England and switched to coffee
The United States was originally a colony of the British Empire. This meant that the country was paying high fees, but could not make decisions on its own. The independence of the United States began with tea - the country refused to accept ships from the UK and dropped all cargo into the port. The uprising of 1773 was later called the "Boston Tea Party," and the entire nation moved from tea to coffee.
Drank instant coffee in the war
Coffee became more popular and plantations appeared all over the world. At that time it was possible to buy mainly grain. Sometimes they drove from afar and lost a lot in aroma, and there were no compact coffee machines. Therefore, when instant coffee became available to US soldiers in rations during World War II, it quickly became popular. It does not take a lot of time and special skills to brew it - therefore it is still relevant.
They began to take coffee with them
Coffee was not a ritual for the United States, as it was for Italy or Turkey. Rather, it was a way to cheer up and wake up faster. That is why American coffee is not about aroma and taste, but about the effect. It is often watery but strong coffee that can be drunk in cups from morning to evening. Previously, coffee was brewed at home and taken with you in a glass, but then take-away coffee appeared in the USA. The Starbucks chain was able to excel: their coffee to go was of consistent quality, regardless of the city where you bought it.
What do they drink in the USA?
Two types of coffee that are strongly associated with the United States are Americano and Dainer filter coffee. We will tell you how they appeared and what they are.
Espresso for Americans
Americano appeared in the Second World War, and in Italy. When American soldiers arrived in Italy, the local espresso was too strong and full for them. They asked to dilute it, and the Italians called it "American" or "American". This is how Americano appeared - dense and rich coffee with froth. To make it, add a shot of espresso to the hot water.
Diner coffee
We know the second coffee from the USA even better: think of Twin Peaks or Pulp Fiction. In these films, the heroes visit a diner: a retro-style diner with milkshakes and burgers. And the diner will definitely have coffee in a jug. Waiters endlessly add it to the heroes. Do you remember?
This famous coffee is made in a drip coffee maker, also called filter coffee. If you make such coffee on good beans, then the drink turns out to be very aromatic. Or, as Agent Cooper said, damn good. Unfortunately, in many diners, the coffee is watery and too hot. But you can drink it endlessly.
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How to brew coffee in a drip coffee maker
Coffee in a drip coffee maker prepares automatically, this is one of the easiest and most delicious brewing methods. But a coffee maker needs the right approach: the right grind, water from the filter, and a certain proportion of coffee. Here's how to get some damn good coffee out of a drip coffee maker.
Try:
- warm up the cup and coffee hopper. This will allow the coffee to cool down more slowly and the aroma will develop better.
- measure the amount of coffee. Experts advise putting 1,5-2 teaspoons of ground coffee for every 100 ml of water.
- medium coffee grind - the universal grind is great for a drip coffee machine.
- choose light and medium roasted coffee. Roasting this way will help the flavor and aroma of the coffee develop better.
Not worth it:
- pour hot water into the coffee maker: the coffee may extract too much. It will turn out to be bitter and not aromatic.
- use tap water: it will leave limescale and the coffee maker may break.
- wash the filter with soap. If you have a reusable filter, wash it under running water. Soap and other detergents will spoil the taste of the coffee.
Traditionally, the United States was not famous for good coffee: it was drunk on the go for the sake of effect, not for taste. But in 2002, it was in the United States that a movement that was called the "third coffee wave" began.
Third Wave is about treating coffee as a delicacy to be enjoyed. Today in the USA you can find any kind of coffee: from cheap filter coffee in diners to small coffee houses that select and roast the beans themselves.
Original column published on the blog. The Coffee Times on Yandex.Zen
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