White coffee – the enigmatic and mysterious brew that’s slowly creeping into the coffee culture – might be a name that’s unfamiliar to many coffee lovers.
Unlike the typical roasted coffee beans, white coffee undergoes a shorter roasting time and a lower temperature to bring out its characteristic pale golden hue and unique flavor profile.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the inner workings of white coffee, exploring its distinct characteristics, flavors, and aromas, its potential health benefits, as well as ways to brew and serve it.
Get ready to uncover the secret behind these lesser-known coffee beans that’s already captured the hearts of those in the know.
What is White Coffee?
White coffee is a type of coffee that’s only lightly roasted at a lower temperature than traditional coffee, resulting in a pale golden hue and unique nutty flavor profile.
Brief History and Origin of White Coffee
Did you know that white coffee comes from the same type of beans as traditionally roasted coffee?
But don’t confuse it with Malaysian white coffee, which is a delicious drink made from roasting coffee beans with margarine and mixing it with sweetened condensed milk.
The process behind roasting white coffee has been around for over a century, but it wasn’t until this century that word started spreading about its unique flavor and extra caffeine kick, which makes it perfect for lattes.
Around a hundred years ago, someone discovered that low-grade coffee beans that gave a harsh taste could be improved by partially roasting them. This partial roasting turns the beans into a golden brown. White coffee isn’t white at all. Being roasted this way releases a succulent nutty flavor that has become popular ever since, though it’s not easy to roast the beans properly to get that perfect flavor.
And get this, some studies have shown that white coffee has chlorogenic acid which is a healthy antioxidant. The compounds mentioned are typically removed during the traditional coffee roasting process.
There’s conflicting information about who tried roasting coffee to such a low temperature first and why, but it’s clear that the unique flavor and health benefits make white coffee a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
Types of Beans Used for White Coffee
White coffee doesn’t use specialty beans. Any type of beans can be used. The roasting process is what separates it from other types of coffee.
Flavor and aroma
Compared to traditional roasted coffee, white coffee has a lighter, nuttier taste that’s less bitter and sweeter. This is because the beans go through a partial roasting process that releases different flavors.
The taste is often described as nutty with a pronounced acidity and very low bitterness. Which is to be expected with light roasts. It’s like the beans’ natural sugars are not caramelized, so there’s no bitter aftertaste, and the organic acids present in the beans don’t evaporate, producing a brightly acidic flavor.
As for the aroma, white coffee has a unique fragrance that’s different from traditional coffee. It’s not as strong but still has a rich, warm scent that’s sure to wake you up. People often describe it as having a nutty, earthy aroma with a slight hint of sweetness.
It’s worth noting that the choice of bean used for white coffee will have a significant impact on the final taste and aroma. This roasting method is a great way to experience the subtleties of beans from different regions. Typically, light roasts are used to highlight the unique characteristics of single-origin beans, which is further enhanced by an extremely light roast.
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How to prepare and serve white coffee
You’re probably wondering how to brew white coffee so let us break it down.
White coffee is unique because it’s only half-roasted, which means it has a denser and less porous grind. For this reason, it’s best brewed with equipment that uses pressure.
We recommend using Espresso Machines, Moka Pots, or The AeroPress, which can all produce a delicious and energizing 2 to a 4-ounce cup of pressure-brewed white coffee.
Out of the three options, using an espresso machine is the best choice for brewing white coffee.
Key Points and Final Thoughts
So now you know the history and have an idea of what white coffee is. It’s unique because it’s only lightly roasted and requires finer grinding due to its denser and less porous grounds. The ideal equipment for brewing white coffee is one that uses pressure, so espresso machines are the best option for brewing white coffee.
Overall, white coffee is a great option for those looking for a highly caffeinated and nutty, acidic, but not bitter, cup of joe.
With the right equipment and brewing techniques, you can create a wide variety of delicious and high-energy drinks using pressure-brewed white coffee as a base.
