” Oomph is the intricate inner feeling of that touch of power, unexplained yet real, that comes with the drinking of coffee”
I had been a long term tea drinker, preferring tea to any other beverage for years, until one day, I had a new assistant. I was working as a dealer representative for stocks and shares at that time, and that means in a really stressful environment, being in the trading room all the time. So taking some time off to catch a cuppa and to be back to trading and watching the trading screens for the best prices was the perfect break anyone could hope for.
My new assistant was a young lady in her mid twenties, and it was interesting to see her prepare her drink.
No, she wasn’t a tea drinker like me. Instead, she was a coffee fan, perhaps even an addict to coffee, you may say. On her first day at work, she took out of her handbag three packs of instant coffee 3 in 1 – namely instant coffee, sugar and non-dairy creamer, and then proceeded to empty the three packs into one cup,adding hot water, making a strong coffee. She wasn’t through yet, because she also opened another pack of chocolate powder and sprinkled the chocolate powder on to her hot coffee, creating a tremendous aromatic smell that pervaded the trading room.
That was some “oomph” in her coffee.
After a period of three months, I found I was suddenly drinking coffee myself and wasn’t a pure tea drinker anymore. It was a subtle conversion process, and soon I found I really need that coffee in the afternoon trading session.
Few more ways to add more oomph to coffee.
Now, looking back, I have learnt a lot of techniques to add more “oomph” to my cup of coffee.
- One way is to enhance the taste with some special add-on ingredients.
- My most popular add-on ingredient is powdered ginseng. Ginseng is the traditional Chinese herb which is a root, and American ginseng is preferred to Korean or Chinese ginseng. This herb makes one alert when taken, and is normally taken to strengthen one’s immune system or body. You can get the ginseng powder from the Natural Herb Store. You also get it in the form of capsules that you can empty into a cuppa when you need the “oomph”.
- Be reminded that the ginseng root powder carries a somewhat bitter taste. So don’t equate quantity with more “oomph”. You just add sufficient to give you the enhanced aroma and the “oomph” you need.
- Another way is to add the “Tongkat Ali” root powder, which may be slightly harder to obtain. This root is from an original plant in Malaysia and is a well researched herbal root with aphrodisiac features. The aborigines of the tropical jungles of Malaysia use this to enhance their “manliness”. They prove this by having big families. Commercially, you can get a bottle of this Tongkat Ali powder under the brand name “Power Root” throughout the world. Just add a small pinch and you will find the difference in your taste and feel the subsequent well-being.
Now you can have that extra edge and “oomph” when you next take your coffee, regardless whether it is an espresso or a latte.
Drinking espresso has become a way of life for most people, particularly those who have heavy schedules and who take time out to relax with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or coffee.
Coffee’s Popularity increased by 48% in 2020
Coffee is so popular it is believed that it comes next to water as a popular drink. The whole world loves a good cup of coffee that annual consumption can reach as high as 400 billion coffee cups all over the world.
Most avid coffee or espresso drinkers can have a cup of espresso a day or even more, without knowing where this rousing beverage came from. That heavenly brew comes from coffee beans that are sourced from evergreen trees that are grown all over the world. The evergreen tree is widely grown in Latin America, Indonesia, Hawaii, Southeast Asia and in Africa.
How to make a good Espresso
While the word espresso may have come from an Italian word meaning express or fast, it really is a misnomer. Espresso has to undergo a process before one can enjoy its freshly brewed taste. To make a good espresso, one has to start with a good coffee variety that must have undergone proper grinding. A good espresso maker handled by a capable barista can yield an espresso that can taste heavenly. The goodness of an espresso can be determined even from its aroma alone.
Coffee drinkers who are serious about making good espresso should invest in a good espresso machine. Good espresso machines come in a variety of brands, sizes and prices. You don’t need to spend more to get a good espresso machine. There are good espresso makers that are reasonably priced. When making the espresso, always remember to turn on the espresso machine and allow it to heat properly. Establishments that have fast espresso orders do not really put off their machines. This way, they make sure it is properly heated for every espresso order.
Buying the correct coffee beans
When buying coffee beans, it is better to grind them as you use them. This is because keeping them even in a tight container after grinding can result in a loss of aroma. Attention should also be placed on the type of grinder being used. Conical burr grinders are preferred over flat burr grinders. The grinder with a conical burr can grind the beans without heating them and lessening their aroma in the process.
The coffee beans used for the espresso must be chosen well. Baristas should also make sure that only filtered water is used for the espresso. Water’s mineral content can affect the taste of the espresso.
When one finds a good coffee blend, the tendency is to buy more for storage. When you do this, do not commit the mistake of keeping coffee in the freezer or refrigerator. It is best to store them in a container that is foolproof and clean and place them in a dark and cool area.
Cappuccino began in Italy where it is still a delight of the morning routine. The Italians can tell a tourist from a native though because only a tourist will order a cappuccino after noon. It is considered a morning beverage in Italy, but in other regions of the world it is served throughout the day.