Torrefacto Coffee – This wonderfully unique coffee specialty comes directly from sunny Spain. Torrefacto derives from the Spanish word "torrefacción," meaning "roasting." In this special roasting process, approximately 15% sugar is added to the green coffee beans, which caramelizes them at 200 degrees Celsius. This caramelized layer gives the beans an almost black appearance and a beautiful sheen. Genuine Torrefacto coffee is not 100% sugar coffee; rather, it is a blend of about 20% Torrefacto coffee and 80% traditionally roasted coffee. This blend is simply called "Mezcla" – meaning blend – in Spanish. Aralica beans are almost always used, and the Spanish coffee is roasted to a particularly dark color.
But what does Spanish coffee taste like, which preparation methods are best suited for it, and how did the Spanish come up with the idea of adding sugar to the roasting drum? Have fun finding out!
What does Torrefacto coffee taste like?
The added sugar reduces the acids in the coffee and softens the typically bitter taste. Naturally, the caramelized sugar layer gives the Torrefacto coffee a delicate sweetness that harmonizes very pleasantly with the remaining bitterness.
For which preparation methods is Spanish coffee particularly suitable?
The fascinating range of flavors offered by Torrefacto coffee is particularly suitable for coffee and milk specialties. The aromas really come through here, which is fascinating because a Torrefacto espresso made with a portafilter machine has a dominant acidity. The milk then softens this, revealing a gentle sweetness. Torrefacto coffee from a fully automatic machine, on the other hand, tastes pleasantly creamy; the acidity is barely noticeable.
And how did Spanish coffee come about?
As with many things in Spain, tradition plays a major role in the production and preparation of Torrefacto coffee. Originally, sugar was added to inferior beans to mask their lack of flavor. This is no longer the case, of course, and the sugar simply creates a wonderful additional dimension of flavor, making Spanish coffee a truly special experience! The sugar coating also helps the coffee last longer. This is now easily remedied with airtight bags.
Does Torrefacto coffee always come from Spain?
Although it's a Spanish invention and primarily associated with Spain, this unique roasting method has found its way around the world. Coffee lovers can also find this specialty from Argentina, Costa Rica, Portugal, or France, enjoying a welcome change from conventional roasting methods.
Is Torrefacto coffee harmful to my coffee grinder?
Although the reasoning is perfectly understandable, you don't need to worry too much about torrefacto coffee in your coffee grinder. The residue is only minimally greater than with conventional coffees. Problems can only arise with torrefacto coffees containing more than 60% torrefacto and with low-quality coffee grinders.
Are there any other interesting facts about Spanish coffee?
Indeed, yes! According to a recent study, the Torrefacto roasting method releases a particularly high number of antioxidants into the coffee. It is therefore a natural remedy against free radicals! Furthermore, Spanish coffee has only slightly more calories than coffee roasted using traditional methods: namely, 3 calories instead of 2 in a 240ml cup.
Conclusion
Torrefacto coffee is a traditional roasting method that makes bitter coffee exceptionally smooth and creamy. Since this Spanish coffee isn't about aromatic complexity and pronounced nuances, it's perfectly suited for coffee-milk specialties like cappuccinos or lattes. It might not be the first choice for specialty coffee aficionados, but it's definitely worth trying! Especially in countries where torrefacto coffee is traditional, it's a perfect opportunity to chat with locals over a cup and make new friends.
Have you tried Torrefacto coffee yet? Let us know!
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team
Torrefacto: The mysterious world of Spanish coffee
Torrefacto Coffee – This wonderfully unique coffee specialty comes directly from sunny Spain. Torrefacto derives from the Spanish word "torrefacción," meaning "roasting." In this special roasting process, approximately 15% sugar is added to the green coffee beans, which caramelizes them at 200 degrees Celsius. This caramelized layer gives the beans an almost black appearance and a beautiful sheen. Genuine Torrefacto coffee is not 100% sugar coffee; rather, it is a blend of about 20% Torrefacto coffee and 80% traditionally roasted coffee. This blend is simply called "Mezcla" – meaning blend – in Spanish. Aralica beans are almost always used, and the Spanish coffee is roasted to a particularly dark color.
But what does Spanish coffee taste like, which preparation methods are best suited for it, and how did the Spanish come up with the idea of adding sugar to the roasting drum? Have fun finding out!
What does Torrefacto coffee taste like?
The added sugar reduces the acids in the coffee and softens the typically bitter taste. Naturally, the caramelized sugar layer gives the Torrefacto coffee a delicate sweetness that harmonizes very pleasantly with the remaining bitterness.
For which preparation methods is Spanish coffee particularly suitable?
The fascinating range of flavors offered by Torrefacto coffee is particularly suitable for coffee and milk specialties. The aromas really come through here, which is fascinating because a Torrefacto espresso made with a portafilter machine has a dominant acidity. The milk then softens this, revealing a gentle sweetness. Torrefacto coffee from a fully automatic machine, on the other hand, tastes pleasantly creamy; the acidity is barely noticeable.
And how did Spanish coffee come about?
As with many things in Spain, tradition plays a major role in the production and preparation of Torrefacto coffee. Originally, sugar was added to inferior beans to mask their lack of flavor. This is no longer the case, of course, and the sugar simply creates a wonderful additional dimension of flavor, making Spanish coffee a truly special experience! The sugar coating also helps the coffee last longer. This is now easily remedied with airtight bags.
Does Torrefacto coffee always come from Spain?
Although it's a Spanish invention and primarily associated with Spain, this unique roasting method has found its way around the world. Coffee lovers can also find this specialty from Argentina, Costa Rica, Portugal, or France, enjoying a welcome change from conventional roasting methods.
Is Torrefacto coffee harmful to my coffee grinder?
Although the reasoning is perfectly understandable, you don't need to worry too much about torrefacto coffee in your coffee grinder. The residue is only minimally greater than with conventional coffees. Problems can only arise with torrefacto coffees containing more than 60% torrefacto and with low-quality coffee grinders.
Are there any other interesting facts about Spanish coffee?
Indeed, yes! According to a recent study, the Torrefacto roasting method releases a particularly high number of antioxidants into the coffee. It is therefore a natural remedy against free radicals! Furthermore, Spanish coffee has only slightly more calories than coffee roasted using traditional methods: namely, 3 calories instead of 2 in a 240ml cup.
Conclusion
Torrefacto coffee is a traditional roasting method that makes bitter coffee exceptionally smooth and creamy. Since this Spanish coffee isn't about aromatic complexity and pronounced nuances, it's perfectly suited for coffee-milk specialties like cappuccinos or lattes. It might not be the first choice for specialty coffee aficionados, but it's definitely worth trying! Especially in countries where torrefacto coffee is traditional, it's a perfect opportunity to chat with locals over a cup and make new friends.
Have you tried Torrefacto coffee yet? Let us know!
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team