As ubiquitous as coffee is, it still manages to maintain an air of
mystery. Even
java junkies may not know what it means when a coffee
is high in acid, which blends taste best iced, or that when you're
munching on multigrain toast, Serena Organic Blend is the way to
go. We asked Scott McMartin, director of coffee and tea education
for
Starbucks, to debunk a few common myths, make recommendations,
and give us the lowdown on all things coffee.
-
Haley Shapley
What to Sip,
Based on How You Take It
Black
Almost any coffee brewed with a French press, also known as a press
pot, will produce a good cup for those who like to drink theirs
straight up.
Milk or Cream and Sugar
This is especially subjective, but coffees that have less natural
acidity tend to take milk or cream a little better. Coffees from
the
Asia-Pacific region, such as Sulawesi and Sumatra, are ideal
for sweetening.
Iced
On the flip side, the brighter and more acidic a coffee is, the
more it lends itself to tasting good on the rocks. The best crisp,
citrusy coffees can be found in
East Africa and include Ethiopia
Sidamo and Kenya.
Now You Know
*For a jolt in the morning, Australians love cappuccinos, Moroccans
go for lattes, the French sip espresso, and Americans prefer good
old-fashioned coffee.
*Two out of three Americans say they can't get their day started
without a caffeine boost.
*Only 14 percent of Americans consider getting coffee a social
activity.