Author: Sonya Gencheva
When we talk about love, there is a simple answer to all complicated questions we may have on the matter – it’s chemistry. People who love specialty coffee are going to give you the same answer, just ask them what differentiates it from the rest of the coffee around.
Coffee’s chemistry makes it very compatible with the human body and brain, which is why it is the world’s most popular drink. In short, caffeine’s molecular structure and its active substance are very similar to one component of the human body, which regulates the nervous system – adenosine. When caffeine blocks adenosine from our receptors it energizes us.
Ten of the largest coffee producers are Brazil, Vietnam, Columbia, Indonesia, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. Therefore there is plenty of choice on supply, but out of the two main coffee varieties on the market, specialty coffee lovers are only interested in Arabica – 100% Arabica to be precise. Why? Despite containing less caffeine, Arabica beans are considered superior to Robusta beans, with richer taste notes, smoother, and lower in acidity.
It is safe to say that coffee culture is very much like wine culture (if not more sophisticated) – at the core is the terroir, then the processing of the beans, and last but not least the roast. Specialty coffee brands usually source green beans from small specialized farms, roast them at the location, and provide their customers freshly roasted flavorsome coffee. The roast is usually lighter, the color of the beans is not dark, and the notes and flavors of the brew are sublime.
There are a few places in Plovdiv where you can find specialty coffee. Dyukyan (Дюкянъ) is probably the first coffee brand in Plovdiv to offer freshly roasted coffee beans from different regions in the world. On SNACK! Specialty Coffee you can order coffee online or you can try an espresso brew at Bluestone Doughnuts on Otetz Paisii Str. Another local specialty coffee brand is The Family Coffee Roasters, you can find some accessories for home brewing at their coffee shop, taste their brew, or visit their online shop. If you are curious about what brands from other cities do head over to Peyka Cafewhere you can enjoy a relaxed coffee tasting and check out the competition. Some of the above-mentioned coffee shops do lovely cold coffee recipes and if not now I don’t what would be the best time to try them.