Whole roasted coffee beans have a rich and complex flavour that is beloved by coffee drinkers worldwide.
But did you know there are many ways to add flavour to whole coffee beans?
Whether you’re looking to enhance the beans’ natural flavours or add a new taste profile, there are plenty of options. Let’s examine some of the most popular methods for adding flavours to whole-roasted coffee beans.
Natural flavouring
Natural flavouring is one of the simplest and most common ways to add flavour to whole roasted coffee beans. This involves adding natural ingredients like vanilla beans, cinnamon, or fruit to the beans during the roasting process. The flavours from the natural ingredients infuse into the beans, creating a subtle and delicious taste.
Cinnamon adds a warm and spicy flavour to the coffee, while vanilla brings that unmistakable exotic vanilla flavour in harmony with the coffee.
You can also infuse the natural flavourings into whole roasted beans if you don’t roast your own. Add the whole or crushed spices to the coffee beans and exclude as much air as you can. Store the beans in a dark, cool place to infuse. The longer you leave the spices to infuse the stronger the final flavour. This is a time-consuming process and you can expect to wait at least 24 hours before any noticeable infusion to take place but longer works better.
Artificial flavouring
Artificial flavouring involves adding synthetic flavour compounds to the coffee beans during roasting. This method is often used for creating unique or novelty flavours, like blueberry or pumpkin spice. However, many coffee purists prefer natural flavouring over artificial flavouring.
Artificial blueberry flavouring can taste overly sweet, and I find artificial blueberry flavouring to taste manufactured, unnatural, and not as good as a real blueberry.
Barrel ageing
Another way to add flavour to whole-roasted coffee beans is through barrel ageing. This involves storing the beans in barrels previously used to age other spirits, like whiskey or bourbon. The beans absorb the flavours from the barrel, creating a rich and complex taste profile.
Infusion
Infusion is a process that involves steeping the whole roasted coffee beans in a liquid, like tea or alcohol. The beans absorb the flavours from the liquid, creating a unique taste. This method is often used for creating speciality coffee drinks or desserts.
Sprays and oils
Some coffee roasters add flavour to whole roasted coffee beans through sprays or oils. These methods involve spraying the beans with a liquid flavouring or coating them with an oil infused with a specific flavour. This method can be effective for creating bold and intense flavours but can also produce a less natural taste.
Options
Not all coffee drinkers enjoy flavoured coffee, and some prefer the beans’ natural taste without any additional flavouring. However, for those who do enjoy flavoured coffee, there are many different options to choose from. With two different coffee lovers in the home that like different flavours having flavoured beans in the machine is not an option. While one of us likes the coffee as it comes and the other with an additional flavour profile, the solution is different. A supply of flavoured syrups is added to the cup just before the coffee pours into the cup. That way, only one cup gets the extra flavour profile, and both coffee drinkers are happy.
Quality
When adding flavours to whole roasted coffee beans, it’s important to use high-quality beans and ingredients. Flavours should complement the natural taste of the beans, not overpower them. Choosing a roaster which uses ethical and sustainable sourcing practices is also important to ensure the highest quality beans.
Local
A while back, we were lucky to find a small-scale, local coffee roaster experimenting with a new line of infusion flavours. These were still in development, but they were more than happy to let us sample their work for some feedback, which we duly gave. I recommend searching out the local coffee roasters; you may be surprised at what they offer.
Storage
Keep your flavoured beans tasting better for longer by storing them in the best way possible.
- Keep away from sunlight
- Keep away from heat
- Keep the air out
The sunlight can break down the flavour molecules more quickly. Keeping the beans in an opaque container can help preserve the flavours for longer by keeping out the sunlight.
Heat also has a similar effect to sunlight in that it accelerates the breakdown of the flavour molecules. Keep the coffee away from heat sources like an oven, heater or even the midday sun.
Air contains oxygen and it is this element that breaks down the flavouring. An air-tight seal on the coffee container can help but even better is a smaller air-tight container, with less coffee exposed to the air inside it.
Conclusion
Aadding flavours to whole-roasted coffee beans is a fun and creative way to explore new taste profiles and enhance the beans’ natural flavours. There are many options, whether you prefer natural flavouring, barrel ageing, infusion, or another method. So, why not try something new and discover your new favourite flavour of coffee?
Leave a Reply