Believe it or not, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to drinking coffee. But let’s delve into some expert perspectives that will undoubtedly pique your interest.
Cupping Your Coffee
The connoisseurs at Starbucks take great care to ensure their coffee beans meet the highest standards. They employ a meticulous process called “cupping,” which involves a series of sensory evaluations. Their goal is to capture every nuance of flavor, scent, and texture that the coffee has to offer.
The ritual is far from glamorous, involving sniffing to experience the aroma, slurping to aspirate the liquid and bring out the flavor, and discerning the taste with utmost care. To handle the sheer volume of coffee they go through, they discreetly spit it into a nearby bucket. This method truly shines when you’re indulging in a cup of rich, high-quality coffee, as it’s more of an experience than a quick caffeine fix.
Drinking it with Class
Etiquette experts, on the other hand, frown upon the idea of slurping or spitting. For them, the “right” way to enjoy your coffee comes down to how you hold your cup.
Their advice is to loop your index finger around the handle, keep your thumb placed on top, and fold the rest of your fingers into your palm. And for some inexplicable reason, stirring in circles is a big no-no. Instead, they recommend moving your spoon back and forth in the cup. Apparently, whirlpools are deemed too playful for refined coffee drinkers.
Keeping it Healthy
For nutrition experts, the focus isn’t on the manner in which you hold your cup or taste your coffee, but rather on how your body absorbs it. These scientifically-minded individuals point out that adding creamer and sugar to your coffee can detract from its health benefits.
To ensure you’re maximizing the potential health benefits of your coffee, they suggest drinking it without milk or creamer, as these can hinder your body’s ability to fully absorb the nutrients in coffee. By doing so, you allow your body to benefit from the coffee’s chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect against conditions like arthritis and cancer. If drinking coffee without milk or creamer isn’t to your liking, consider using non-dairy alternatives such as coconut or almond creamer instead.
Additionally, they urge you to reduce your sugar intake. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar regularly can increase your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, among other serious health issues.
Finally, moderation is key. On average, it’s safe for adults to consume up to four cups of coffee per day. However, keep in mind that if your coffee is particularly high in caffeine, you should limit your intake accordingly. Aim to consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day to avoid uncomfortable symptoms like jitters and potentially even vomiting.
No matter how you prefer to enjoy your coffee, there’s always something to learn from the experts. So, the next time you brew a cup, consider savoring it using the “cupping” method, embracing coffee etiquette, or opting for a healthier approach by skipping the sugar and cream. To truly elevate your coffee experience, why not explore the flavors and blends offered at Marmalade Cafe. Cheers to a delightful cup of coffee!