Coffee is such a versatile beverage. There are a range of different ways to prepare and consume coffee, each providing a different flavour and experience. Whether you’re new to drinking coffee or you want to learn more about your coffee options, this article is for you. We break down the different types of roasted coffee beans, different brewing styles, and different coffee drinks, to help give you a better understanding of your options.
Different types of roasted coffee beans
There are two main types of roasted coffee beans you can purchase: single origin or a blend. You’ve likely seen both of these in your local cafe, and may find yourself wondering what the difference is and whether it makes a difference to your regular coffee order.
Single origin
Single origin coffee has been grown in a single geographical location. Factors such as seasonality and growing conditions mean that this type of coffee is often only available during certain times of the year. As a result, single origin coffee can be slightly more expensive than a blend. The location, altitude, varietal of coffee plant and processing method give Single Origin coffees very unique characteristics. It's fun to learn and identify these characteristics on your journey with Single Origins. You may notice at your local cafe that the single origin is typically used for black coffee due to it’s unique flavours, which don't always combine well with milk.
Blends
Coffee blends, such as our Hero Blend, are developed using coffee grown in a range of geographical locations. This allows roasters to produce coffee that has a complex and well balanced taste, without being impacted too heavily by seasonality. A blend gives more control to the coffee roaster, allowing us to create an experience we know our customers will enjoy. It's not unusual for blends to be roasted specifically for espresso coffee or roasted slightly lighter for filter coffee. Blends are suitable for both black and white coffee drinkers.
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Different brewing styles
One of our favourite things about coffee is it’s versatility. We love that you can purchase a delicious coffee from your local cafe, or brew your own at home using the tool of your choice. We make it easy for you when you purchase from Solid Ground Roasters, allowing you to select your required grind based on your equipment. If you’re looking to change up your at-home routine, here are some of the options you have available.Espresso
If you’re an espresso coffee drinker, an espresso coffee machine will give you the closest result to your favourite coffee order. There are a variety of equipment types available, ranging from the manually operated lever press through to fully automatic machines. There is an amazing array of equipment available depending on how hands on and technical you want to get. An espresso machine will produce an intense shot of coffee, ready for you to drink black or combine with freshly steamed milk for a home-style latte.
Stove top
A more budget-friendly option that still creates a great quality espresso shot is a Moka pot. Much smaller in size than an espresso machine, a Moka pot works with water in the bottom chamber that boils up into the coffee grounds. If you love a strong tasting coffee, this is a great option for you. The key to great tasting coffee in a Moka pot is the grind, luckily we can grind it for you when you purchase.AeroPress
If you are looking for a faster way to make your coffee in the morning, an AeroPress is the answer for you. Small, lightweight and easy to clean, this three-piece tool is popular among travellers due to its simplicity and ease of use. An AeroPress is perfect for people who like their coffee simple, and fast.Filter
Filter coffee is great for people who like a lighter tasting coffee. There are a range of options when it comes to brewing your own filter coffee at home. From a simple pour-over drip coffee maker, to drip coffee machines. Filter coffee is easy to prepare, and is more suited to black coffee drinkers.Cold brew
Cold brew coffee is growing in popularity, particularly throughout the warmer months. A slower brewing process, making your own cold brew coffee at home involves slowly dripping cold filtered water through your coffee grind, over about 10 hours or more. If that sounds a bit tedious, don’t worry, there are cold brew coffee machines that will do the work for you. The result? An intense flavoured coffee with a smooth finish.Plunger
A coffee plunger, or french press, is a popular item among households. Affordable and easy to use, a coffee plunger produces great tasting coffee that suits both black and white coffee drinkers. Again, the grind is key in creating the perfect brew, so be sure to select this option when you purchase if you don’t have a grinder at home.
Different coffee drinks
Not only are there a range of different home-brewing methods, but there is also a range of coffee styles that you can order from a cafe. Feel like trying something different but not sure where to start? There are so many options, but we’ve broken down the most popular types of coffee drinks below.Short black
A short black is a single or double shot of espresso. It has an intense flavour and can be quite a shock if you’re not used to this style of coffee.
Long black
A long black is the more popular black coffee choice. It typically involves two shots of espresso poured over hot water. Some people like to add a dash of cold water or milk as it can be too hot to drink right away.Cappuccino
A cappuccino is a popular white coffee that includes 1-2 shots of espresso, steamed milk and foam, topped with a dusting of chocolate.Latte
A latte is similar to a cappuccino. It typically includes a 1-2 shots of espresso topped with milk and milk foam. It tends to have less foam than a cappuccino, and is a popular choice with coffee drinkers.
Flat white
Popular in Australia, a flat white is essentially a latte without the foam. It tends to have a milky rather than foamy consistency, and is a delicious option for white coffee drinkers.There are so many ways to enjoy your coffee. We hope that this article has helped you gain a better understanding of coffee, or even motivated you to try something a little different. You can purchase our Hero Blend through our online store, available in 1kg or 250g varieties, and ground to suit your at-home equipment. Enjoy!