CHAPTER 10: Beverage Preparation

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, and its consumption increases every year. The quality of a cup of coffee depends on many factors related to coffee, water and the coffeemaker. Coffee species, variety and origin have a clear influence on the chemical composition and quality of coffee brew, but many other factors from harvesting to roasting, grinding and brewing processes can contribute to maintain the high quality of the coffee beans or, on the contrary, to decrease or even ruin it. Each coffee brewing method has specific requirements in order to prepare a good quality cup. According to the methodology used for coffee brewing, the physico-chemical characteristics and chemical composition of coffee brews can substantially vary from one method to another. This chapter describes the different brewing methods and the requirements on water pressure, grinding grade, extraction time and water quality. Further, physico-chemical characteristics and chemical composition of brews will be discussed in detail.