What's a Good Brand for American Coffee Beans? How to Choose Between Espresso, Single-Origin, and American Coffee Beans?

Americano Coffee

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The name "Americano" comes from the habit of American soldiers stationed in Europe during wartime who would add hot water to the small-sized espresso commonly found in Europe. Because Americans generally make coffee in a more casual and simple manner, this method quickly became popular as American chain stores spread worldwide. Later on, Americano even became a general term for all black coffee - black coffee made with drip, French press, and other methods could all be called Americano.

The Soul of Americano - Espresso

When I first encountered Americano, I was surprised - could simply adding water to espresso and renaming it "Americano" really make it sellable? Actually, espresso was invented and developed in Italy, starting in the early 20th century, but until the mid-1940s, it was a beverage made solely through steam pressure. After the invention and commercialization of the spring-piston lever machine, espresso transformed into the beverage we know today. The brewing process involves extracting coffee liquid in 20-30 seconds using hot water at approximately 90-97°C under 9 to 10 atmospheres of pressure. About 18-21 grams of coffee powder extracts about 40-60ml of coffee liquid. Depending on the type of coffee beans, roasting method, and coffee flavor, the specific amount of coffee used, extraction time, and extracted coffee liquid all vary.

It's this intense liquid that tests both Americano coffee beans and the barista's extraction skills. With extraction times of just dozens of seconds, if stopped too early, the espresso becomes extremely sour and astringent, undrinkable. A few seconds later, and the espresso becomes watery, or even develops unpleasant burnt and smoky flavors. Only the perfectly timed extraction can create a cup of espresso that's rich yet not overly complex - either smooth, bright, or mellow. Different varieties and roasts of coffee beans bring different mouthfeels, but even when a barista makes a delicious espresso they're proud of...

Many people cannot accept the intense stimulation of espresso, yet cannot resist the temptation of black coffee, so they choose Americano. After dilution with water, the acidity, sweetness, and bitterness of the espresso are all diluted, becoming more pleasing while allowing you to savor it longer - what joy! A good Americano shouldn't just have the bitterness of coffee, but also a hint of acidity, a touch of sweetness, the aroma of coffee, and a lasting aftertaste.

Americano Coffee Bean Brand Recommendations

FrontStreet Coffee's popular roasted Americano coffee beans include Yirgacheffe coffee, Golden Mandheling coffee, and Brazilian coffee, all with full guarantees in terms of brand and quality. More importantly, they offer extremely high value - a half-pound (227g) package costs only about 70-90 yuan. Calculating based on 15g of powder per pour-over coffee, one package can make 15 cups of coffee, with each Americano costing only about 5-6 yuan. Compared to the dozens of yuan per cup price at cafés, this represents excellent value.

END FrontStreet Coffee: A roastery in Guangzhou with a small shop but diverse bean varieties, where you can find both famous and lesser-known beans, also providing online store services. https://shop104210103.taobao.com

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473