There are a number of different coffee extract recipes out there, but how do you know which ones are best? First of all, let’s talk about what coffee extract actually is. Coffee extract refers to the actual procedure of extracting desired chemicals from coffee beans during the grinding of coffee. This extraction occurs when hot coffee is poured over finely ground coffee, resulting in compounds like caffeine, fats, carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids being transferred directly into the coffee. Different coffee extract recipes can also take extracts like flavonoids and terpenoids directly into your body, while others take these compounds through your digestive system.
The two most popular types of coffee extracts are dark roast and light roast. They are typically derived from whole coffee beans, although some vendors will substitute coffee powder for green coffee extract. The difference between dark roast and light roast is the roasting temperature and time. Dark roast coffees are generally considered fuller and more intense than light roasts, while light roasts are generally less bitter and simply add a bit of extra flavor. The most common component in dark coffee extracts are chlorogenic acids, which contribute to the richness and complexity of coffee, but the scientific community has not agreed on the exact health benefits of chlorogenic acids.
Another popular form of coffee extract is a cold brew concentrate recipe. Cold brew concentrates consist of coffee extracts that have been added to a hot cup of water that has been brought to just below the boiling point. The resulting drink is very mild and smooth, much like a latte, although it can be spiced up with cinnamon or a variety of other spices. Cold brew coffee extracts can be used in a number of different ways, including coffee substitutes for regular morning joes and as a delicious after-dinner drink.
A third type of coffee concentrate is decaffeinated coffee extracts. Decaf coffee concentrates have been treated to remove any flavor or aroma that might have originally been present. They are typically used in iced tea, although they also make excellent decaffeinated teas in their own right. To make decaf coffee concentrates, the liquid is heated to boiling, and then turned off, and allowed to cool quickly. The resulting beverage is then strained, and any solids are collected in a separate container.
There are several companies that sell cold brew concentrate recipes in jars, ready to use. The advantage to purchasing these concentrates is that the ingredients have been processed at room temperature, meaning that the coffee is not exposed to any heat or moisture during the processing process. This ensures that all of the valuable compounds that are contained in the coffee, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, are preserved during the brewing process. Cold brew concentrate recipes can be used in any number of ways, including iced coffee drinks, hot coffee drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, teas, and even in gourmet coffee drinks like salsas.
The final type of coffee extract is hot coffee concentrate. These concentrated forms of coffee are made by using coffee that has been ground coarsely and then heating it to a boil. The heating process removes any dissolved solids that were left behind in the final grinds. Because of this, the concentrated coffee can be stored for up to six months, although most experts recommend that coffee should be consumed within just a few hours of being brewed. The resulting beverage is a richer and smoother coffee concentrate, with a touch of natural sweetness. It can often be used in place of espresso or cappuccino.