Do you consider yourself a coffee enthusiast? If so, you may have heard of white coffee – the “under-roasted” sensation that has taken the coffee and espresso community by storm. While dark roast lovers might argue, white coffee has piqued the curiosity of many. So, what exactly is white coffee, and should you give it a try at your local coffee shop? Let’s dig deeper into this intriguing concept.
White Coffee Isn’t Actually White
Despite its name, white coffee doesn’t refer to the color of the beverage. When brewed, it results in a light beige hue, rather than pure white. The term “white” actually comes from the unique roasting process. Unlike the more common light, medium, and dark roasts, white coffee is roasted at a lower temperature of around 325°F. This allows the beans to retain their natural and earthy flavors. If you’re a fan of light-roast coffee, white coffee may just be a perfect match for your taste buds.
It’s important to note that the term “white coffee” can also have different meanings depending on the context. It can refer to a “flat white,” a coffee with cream or milk. Or it may denote the location where you purchased the coffee. However, for the most part, it refers to the unique roasting process.
Origins: A Century-Old Tradition
The concept of white coffee is said to have originated from a century-old tradition in Yemen. It has also been found in variations in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Lebanon. In Yemen, white coffee was traditionally served with hawaij – a spice blend with a meaning of “mixture” in Arabic. Hawaij is used in both savory recipes, such as soups and stews, and in sweet desserts and beverages, including coffee. Passed down through generations, hawaij is a significant aspect of creating the perfect cup of white coffee. When added to white coffee, hawaij brings out nutty and acidic flavors, along with hints of cardamom and ginger spices. However, it’s not just about the taste. White coffee mixed with hawaij also offers interesting health benefits that may not be found in your regular cup of joe.
Does White Coffee Have Health Benefits?
Because white coffee is lightly roasted, it may have more health benefits compared to dark roast coffee. The length of the roasting process affects the content of natural anti-oxidants and acids in the coffee bean. With light roast beans, these natural elements are better preserved than in dark roast beans.
In an interview with The Kitchn, Dr. Etti Ben-Zion, a partner and VP of Research Development with Dr. Smood, stated, “The lighter the roast, the higher the chlorogenic acid content, which protects human cells against oxidation and inflammation.” This means that white coffee, with its higher chlorogenic acid content, can offer some protection against oxidative damage and inflammation.
Adding to the health benefits, the inclusion of cardamom and ginger in white coffee can help soothe digestive issues without affecting your overall coffee experience.
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Is White Coffee More Caffeinated?
The myth surrounding white coffee is that it contains significantly more caffeine than other roast levels. While it’s true that coffee loses some caffeine content during the roasting process, the loss is not as dramatic as some claim. White coffee contains only 5.4% more caffeine than a regular cup of coffee. This slight difference may not be noticeable to most people. So, if you’re not particularly interested in higher caffeine content, it may not affect your preference for white coffee.
When it comes down to it, white coffee has become an increasingly popular trend, especially among local coffee shops. While coffee trends come and go, white coffee, with its century-old roots, seems to be here to stay. So why not venture into the world of this culturally rich cup of coffee? Visit your nearest Marmalade Cafe and experience the wonders of white coffee firsthand.
To learn more about Marmalade Cafe, visit Marmalade Cafe. You just might discover your new normal in the realm of coffee!