What is black coffee?

Although many people enjoy their coffee with milk and/or sugar, a simple cup of black coffee is widely consumed and enjoyed around the world too. It also works as the foundation for a range of coffee-based drinks. If you’re taking your first steps into the black coffee universe, you’re in the right place! In this guide we’ll be looking at exactly what black coffee is and everything you need to know about it so you can enjoy this iconic beverage your way.

So, what is black coffee?

Black coffee is simply a beverage made from fresh roasted coffee beans. The beans are ground and soaked in water the same way you would make any other coffee, but you don’t put in any extra additives like milk and sugar. It can be served hot or iced depending on your preference. Black coffee will have a more distinctive and slightly bitter taste than when additives are used, but many people love drinking black coffee and for some it is part of their everyday diet.

There are many different varieties of black coffee, for example the type can depend on the origin of the beans and how they are roasted. For beginners who want to enjoying black coffee, we’d recommend Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee. It is a popular coffee in the south of Ethiopia and is known for its notable bright, floral, and fruity beans.

How to make black coffee

The good thing about keeping it simple with black coffee is that you only require two things to make it, coffee, and water. You have the option to grind your own beans from whole, roasted beans, or you can buy pre-ground coffee. Given that there are so many different types of coffee available, you might not find the right one for your taste buds first time, but that’s ok, experimentation leads to perfection.

When you have selected your preferred type of coffee, there are a number of ways you can brew it. The most common ways include:

Pour over or drip

Hot water is poured over ground coffee in a paper filter, and brewed coffee then drips into a pot underneath. The majority of electric coffee pots are designed to be pour over. Also, there is the option of purchasing hourglass-shaped flasks that utilise cone-shaped filters.

French press

Hot water and ground coffee are left to steep in a pitcher for a few minutes. A plunger is then pushed down slowly into the pitcher, forcing brewed coffee up whilst keeping the grounds below. French press enthusiasts claim this brewing method releases the most flavour.

Percolator

Coffee and water are added to the bottom of a specialist two-chamber pot on the hob. As the water starts to boil, it is pushed up through the coffee grinds, and brewed coffee is collected in the top chamber. This method is mostly used for espresso.

Instant coffee

Instant coffee describes coffee crystals that can be mixed into water. It is made by drying brewed coffee, removing the need to get rid of coffee grounds. Even though it is quick and convenient, many people agree that it is not the most delicious or flavourful way to enjoy black coffee.

Iced coffee

Iced coffee can be made from coffee that has been brewed using any method. It is chilled and normally served over ice.

Cold brew

Cold water and ground coffee is put in a refrigerator and typically left to brew overnight. It can be strained with a filter or French press and generally has a smoother taste as well as more caffeine content due to the longer brew time.

Why buy from Pumphreys Coffee Newcastle?

Our team at Pumphreys are passionate and experienced coffee roasters in Newcastle, that are committed to providing the most variety and best quality products to coffee lovers across the country. Explore our broad range of coffees online to find the perfect coffee for your daily brew. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

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