Concentrated Coffee: The Ultimate Guide

In a society where you can see the other side of the world at the click of a button or order something and have it arrive on your doorstep the next day, it is simple, easy, and convenient to meet your basic needs.

Some industries, especially the at-home coffee industry, are taking convenience to the next level with the creation of coffee concentrate. Coffee concentrates are growing in number, and it can be overwhelming to know which kind is worth including in your morning routine. To avoid spending too much money on bad coffee, here’s the ultimate coffee concentrate guide for a behind-the-scenes look at the coffee industry.

Read on and learn what to look out for in the coffee concentrate world!

A Little Coffee Background

Coffee concentrate seems like a new and fresh idea in America. However, coffee concentrate can be traced back to the 17th century. The Dutch would make a concentrated cold brew coffee to bring with them on their long voyages around the world to ensure they still got their caffeine kick. Eventually, that concentrated coffee made it to Japan.

The Japanese were big fans of cold-steeped tea, and they believed coffee could be brewed the same way. They developed a method to make cold brew coffee called the Kyoto method. This method takes over 24 hours to brew, resulting in a very strong cold brew. However, the typical Kyoto method is not a coffee concentrate itself—it’s simply strong coffee.

For many years in early American culture, cold coffee was only consumed by soldiers since it was easier to keep than hot coffee. It was also simpler to store and brew at that time.

Cold brew has always been more convenient to keep once brewed, and our society today is thankful for the convenience it brings to our daily lives.

Cold Brew vs. Concentrate

Now that we have a basic background on how long coffee concentrate has been around, let’s dive into one of the biggest questions concerning coffee concentrate. What is the difference between regular cold brew coffee and coffee concentrate? The answer is both simple and complex.

There are two main differences:

Ratio

Specialty coffee truly is a science. Many tools are used in coffee brewing, some of which you might think belong in a high school chemistry lab. However, these tools are essential for weighing grounds and making different coffee drinks. Ratios are a fundamental concept when making any type of coffee.

These ratios can differ depending on the type of coffee drink you want to make.

Cold Brew Ratio

Cold brew is made with a 1:4 ratio. The smaller ratio used for cold brew results in a more potent brew since there is more coffee and less water to dilute it.

Coffee Concentrate Ratio

Concentrated coffee uses a 1:1 ratio, meaning you have the same amount of coffee grounds as water.

After letting the grounds steep in the water, the concentrate will almost resemble a syrup. Before drinking, the coffee concentrate must be diluted with more water. You can always add more concentrate to your cup to suit your tastes, but a little goes a long way.

Coffee Concentrate and Cold Brew Steep Time

The typical brew time for cold brew is 16-20 hours. Steeping for longer than that can result in a bitter-tasting brew.

However, since the ratio of coffee concentrate is 1:1, the longer it steeps, the more potent the brew and the better the concentrate. Coffee concentrate can steep for up to 24 hours and does not lack flavor or caffeine strength.

Other Determining Factors

The ratio of coffee to water and steep time differentiate cold brew and coffee concentrate on a basic level. Other differences include the type of coffee and the quality of water used.

Let’s break down what types of roasts work best for coffee concentrate, where they come from, and how to understand their flavor notes.

Coffee Terms To Know

The Origin of Beans and Their Flavor Notes

The farming, growing, and harvesting process of coffee is impressive. Many factors influence the health and growth of coffee beans. Depending on the region where coffee is grown, the resulting cup of coffee can have different flavors.

We will discuss the major coffee-growing regions and the flavors associated with each.

Central/South America

Central and South America are home to coffee-growing countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Guatemala, Peru, and Mexico. These regions have similar climates, elevations, and soil, which produce similarly tasting coffee. Coffee from this region is more full-bodied, chocolatey, and nutty.

This region is the highest coffee-producing area in the world. Coffee from here tends to be cheaper because it is easier to grow due to the tropical climate, rich in sunlight and rain. Most medium to dark roasts come from this region, providing rich and flavorful coffee that is smooth and naturally sweet.

Africa and Asia

The next two regions to mention are Africa and Asia. The coffee-producing countries in these regions include Uganda, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India.

Most coffees from these regions are expensive due to harsher climates, which are not ideal for coffee cultivation.

Beans from this region taste fruity—like berries, melons, and sometimes even wine. Coffee from this region tends to be used for lighter roasts.

Fair-Trade Coffee

Fair-trade coffee ensures that farmers receive a livable income to support their farms and families.

Look for fair-trade-labeled coffee to ensure your cup does more than just give you a caffeine boost. Coffee passes through many hands before making it into our mugs each morning, so it is essential to support those who provide the drink we love.

Arabica vs. Robusta

Coffee comes from a plant, and just like any other plant, there are different variations. Let’s explore the two main types of coffee beans.

Arabica

Arabica coffee comes from the species Coffea arabica, which has been around since 1000 B.C. It is the original coffee plant, making up 70% of coffee production worldwide. It tends to be sweeter and more chocolatey, primarily coming from Central and South America. It takes seven years for the plant to mature and start producing coffee beans.

Robusta

Robusta coffee tends to be more bitter and acidic, resulting in a lower-quality taste. It is cheaper because it is not as widely accepted as good coffee. Compared to Arabica, Robusta is not as flavorful, despite being a hardier plant.

Choosing the Right Concentrate for You

Now that we have learned about coffee regions, plant types, and flavors, let’s explore how to choose the right coffee concentrate.

Read the Label

Before choosing a coffee concentrate, read the label. It should tell you where the concentrate came from, any additional flavors included, and whether it uses Arabica or Robusta beans.

Research the Company

Despite the coffee industry growing rapidly, many farmers do not receive enough income. Research companies to find those that prioritize fair trade.

Get Your Money’s Worth

Coffee concentrate is a great way to save money. However, some companies compromise quality for quantity. Read labels carefully to understand what you’re paying for.

Coffee Concentrates: Drink With Ease

Coffee concentrates are convenient, easy to use, and can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run, especially if you find a company that offers subscriptions!

Be mindful of what’s in your cup and how your choices impact others. Choosing a coffee concentrate can be overwhelming, but researching your options can help you find the perfect one. Most importantly, enjoy your coffee and share it with others!