You will find cupping notes on coffee bean labels or menu boards in most cafes. Have you ever ordered coffee with notes of pineapple or peach, but the flavour didn't come through as expected? You might think that the extraction or roasting process went wrong, but in reality, cupping notes should be taken as an indication of subtle nuances in the coffee. So, there's no need to be disappointed if you don't taste the specific flavours mentioned in the notes. To get such flavours, sensory training is required, much like a sommelier.
However, there are instances where the flavours mentioned in the notes come through very accurately. For example, the grape flavour is incredibly distinct in the current Nomcore Seasonal Blend - Hard Portion Version 2. You might wonder how this is possible.
Fruit Infused Coffee
These coffees stand out because of their unique processing method, and we call it 'fruit-infused' coffee. Different fruits such as grape, peach, mint, and lychee are added to the tank with the coffee cherries during the fermentation stage. When the fruit is added, it softens and releases its flavour and aroma compounds through small channels called plasmodesmata in the plant cell wall. This results in a complex mingling of flavours and textures, producing a new and unique coffee experience.
There are some concerns regarding fruit-infused coffee. Some customers complain it is too artificially flavoured, and there are transparency issues from the farm by hiding this process. The decision is totally up to the consumers. This trend may fade away, or it may continue to offer new and exciting experiences. However, we believe this new and unique flavour of coffee can bring fun and make it more accessible to those new to specialty coffee. This could lead to various forms of activation in the coffee industry and allow for more diverse enjoyment. What do you think about infused coffee?
Fruit Infused Coffee
Posted by Nate Lee on
