The Germans love a filter coffee, in Italy it's all about the espresso and in Australia, well us Aussies are willing to try anything with a bit of caffeine in it.
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Three-time Australian Barista Champion Craig Simon, took some time out of his very busy schedule at this week's Melbourne International Coffee Expo to talk all things coffee.
"For coffee lovers, they're moving away from a functional experience to a taste experience," he said.
Ahead of International Coffee Day this Saturday, Mr Simon said there are definitely trends when it comes to how we like our brew.
You'll get laughed at if you ask for a cappuccino after 11am.
- Craig Simon
"Australia is an espresso milk based culture, 90 per cent of beverages are a latte, cappuccino or flat white," he said.
"Germans love filter coffee. In Italy it's espresso and black coffee, you'll get laughed at if you ask for a cappuccino after 11am.
In the American summer 60 per cent of coffee sales are for cold brews, in winter, filter coffee makes up 60 per cent of sales.
"The most unique thing about Australians is the openness to explore. They're really fascinated by coffee and what it has to offer," he said.
COVID-19 has changed how Aussies like their coffees, with sales of at-home coffee machines going through the roof, Mr Simon said.
His top tips for those with a coffee machine at home is - have a lesson with a barista so you learn how to properly make your favourite cup.
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And, always, always use freshly roasted beans from a local roaster. Only grind your beans when you're going to use them, don't stockpile.
"After five minutes ground coffee has oxidised," Mr Simon said and this had a negative impact on the taste.
If you're yet to invest in your own coffee machine at home, Mr Simon said there's an inexpensive way to have great coffee and avoid the jar of instant.
"Get a plunger and a cheap hand grinder, they're about $50 each, and you'll have great coffee," he said.
Oh, and don't forget the freshly roasted beans.
So what does a coffee guru drink when he's not making grinding his own beans (he owns Criteria Coffee) or promoting coffee machines (he's an ambassador for De'Longhi)? He's all about the hot filtered coffee.
Coffee recipes to try at home
Apple Strudel Flavoured Coffee
A deliciously warm treat with apple puree and cinnamon is the perfect drink for relaxing days and cozy company.
Ingredients
- Coffee beans - blend of 50% Arabica-50% Robusta
- 50 ml whole milk at fridge temperature
- 30 ml sour cream
- 15 ml apple puree
- 3 gr cinnamon
- 4 gr cardamom powder
- 5 ml date syrup
- 15 gr brown cane sugar
Method
- First, pour the sour cream, apple purée, cardamom, cinnamon, date syrup and brown sugar into a bowl and mix into a creamy texture.
- place the glass under the spout. Prepare an espresso.
- Then spoon the sour cream mixture carefully into the coffee.
- Place the glass under the spout. Finally, prepare a small-length hot Milk with a medium level of foam.
- Complete with cinnamon powder on top.
Cold Tiki Vegan Latte
A healthy all-day drink with oats, almonds, cinnamon and ginger to revitalise, refresh and reinvigorate
Ingredients
- Coffee beans - blend of Arabica
- 200 ml oat milk at fridge temperature
- 50 ml almond syrup
- Cinnamon powder
- Ginger grated
- Lime zest
- Ice cubes
Method
- First, pour the almond syrup into the glass.
- Then fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Add a pinch of grated fresh ginger.
- Place the glass under the spout. Prepare a large cold Latte Macchiato with a large level of foam.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon powder.
- Finally, flavour with lime zest.
Nadine Morton
I report on crime, emergency services and police matters. Email me on nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
