Delight in the tantalizing taste of specialty coffee espresso with a decadent dessert for an unforgettable experience.

SPECIALTY COFFEE AND FOOD: HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT COUPLE

Reading time: 7 minutes

To bring out the full flavor and aroma of your cup of specialty coffee, which delicious dish should you pair it with?

The developers of the Foodpairing platform have used a gas chromatograph to analyze the composition of more than 1,700 products to discover what goes best with coffee. The result is surprising, fleeting floral and citrus notes of specialty coffee can be complemented perfectly with a dollop of ketchup and its roasted and malt components are paired perfectly with porcini mushrooms.

But don't expect caramel and marmalade to make it to the list - although in some countries, like Holland, coffee is traditionally enjoyed with waffles laced in caramel. Putting together all these complementary flavors takes coffee tasting to exciting new heights!

How to choose the right pair for coffee

A cup of fresh coffee next to a variety of pastries, muffins, breads, and other breakfast treats.

It gives guidance through baristas and coffee lovers suggestions from different countries on how to perfect the culinary pair for any beverage. Experimenting is fun but having a few certainties along the way can make all the difference!

When it comes to finding the perfect flavor combination for any coffee, there are a few key elements that you should consider. The variety of beans and their roasting process can affect your drink's taste profile.

For example, washed coffees have a cleaner flavor which pairs deliciously with spiced pastries, whereas natural processing coffees tend to be sweeter, thus best enjoyed alongside high-quality chocolate or cream cakes. Ultimately by selecting the right pairings for each type of bean or roast level you will unlock an unparalleled sensory experience!

When choosing a pair for your coffee, pay attention to the product's compliance with the following characteristics.

Taste match

To achieve a natural combination, opt for a product with either an analogous flavor and aroma or one that is contrasting. By doing this, the fullness of taste in your beverage will be accentuated. As we all know, chocolate is the perfect example of such enhancement!

Contrasting combinations

Combining contrasting flavors can be exciting as it brings out the distinct characteristics of each food. For instance, if you enjoy a rich espresso with a nut biscotti, its bitter notes and strong aroma will accentuate the sweetness harking from hazelnuts and biscuits.

Double espresso and yummy dessert

Product consistency

If you want to enjoy a hot beverage, go for denser foods that can stand up to the heat. For iced coffee, opt for desserts with a light and airy texture!

Temperature

Maximize the flavor of your food and drink by selecting contrasts. Enjoy a hot beverage with items at room or below-room temperature, and pair a cold drink with something warm like freshly baked pastries.

The complexity of the composition

To emphasize the full-bodied flavor of a dark-roasted coffee, opt for light and uncomplicated foods. On the contrary, if your brew lacks intensity in aroma, try pairing it with food that is complexly composed and layered with multiple flavors to enhance its notes. An ideal accompaniment to a medium-bodied, subtly fruity coffee is something simple and sweet - like a cinnamon roll. However, an outstanding cake can really take the experience to the next level!

Taste wheel

For the perfect pairing of food and drink, take advantage of SCA's flavor wheel. This helpful tool was initially created by SCA and then upgraded in collaboration with World Coffee Research who is a reputable source for coffee knowledge. With this convenient reference guide, you can easily match a beverage to any meal!

FruityBerryBlackberryRaspberryBlueberryStrawberryDried fruitRaisinPruneOther fruitCoconutCherryPomegranatePineappleGrapeApplePeachPearCitrus fruitGrapefruitOrangeLemonLimeSour/FermentedSourSour aromaticsAcetic acidButyric acidIsovaleric acidCitric acidMalic acidAlcohol/FermentedWineyWhiskeyFermentedOverripeVegetativeOlive oilRawGreenUnder-ripePeapodFreshDark greenVegetativeHay-likeHerb-likeBeanyOtherPapery/MustyStaleCardboardPaperyWoodyMoldy/DampMusty/DustyMusty/EarthyAnimalicMeaty/BrothyPhenolicChemicalBitterSaltyMedicinalPetroleumSkunkyRubberRoastedPipe tobaccoTobaccoBurntAcridAshySmokyBrown, RoastCerealGrainMaltSpicesPungentPepperBrown spiceAniseNutmegCinnamonCloveNutty/CocoaNuttyPeanutsHazelnutAlmondCocoaChocolateDark chocolateSweetBrown sugarMolassesMapple syrupCaramelizedHoneyVanillaVanillinOverall sweetSweet AromaticsFloralBlack TeaFloralChamomileRoseJasmine

How to use it correctly

Savour and evaluate the taste of your coffee. What are its notable flavors? Does it have berry, floral or caramel notes? Typically two to three main descriptors will be identified.

Identify the different types of descriptors for coffee located in the center of your wheel and move outward toward its edges. For instance, if you perceive berry notes in a cup of joe then choose one out of four fruit varieties: berry, citrus, dried fruits or other fruity flavors.

As you traverse the circumference of specific flavors and dishes, those that are closer together can be conjoined seamlessly to one another as well as with coffee. However, when it comes to meals situated far from each other on this flavor wheel, they don't have any complementary aromatics. When combined in a culinary duo or trio, food and drink will "contend" for dominance.

With the help of the wheel, you can experiment and choose new combinations yourself. But if this method does not appeal to you, then use the proven recommendations of professionals.

How different foods bring out the taste of coffee

coffee cup with a slice of tiramisu on a plate beside it, topped with chocolate shavings.

Scientists and barista enthusiasts are constantly looking for new products that will enhance the taste and aroma of coffee. The composition of coffee and products is studied for the presence of similar chemical compounds.

Looking to tantalize your taste buds? Here are some expert tips on creating delicious flavor combinations!

Berries

Berries make the ideal complement to coffees from different parts of the world. Kenyan and Ugandan lots team up well with strawberries and pineapples for a hint of acidity, while Ethiopian washed varieties gain sweetness when blended with blackberries or raspberries. Lastly, blueberries perfectly round out Yemini or Jamaican coffee notes.

Fruit

Tanzanian coffee is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of fresh and baked fruits, while the dark roasted South American blend serves as the ideal complement for sweet fruit pies or citrus treats. Don't miss out on these pairings that are sure to tantalize your taste buds!

Chocolate

For a delightful addition to your cup of coffee, try adding some milk chocolate! When opting for white chocolate, light-roasted coffees from Colombia, Costa Rica, and Yemen are the way to go. But be aware that with dark chocolate comes an intense bitterness - so factor this into consideration when making your choice.

SPECIALTY COFFEE AND FOOD FAQ

Tiramisu and espresso - The strong flavor of espresso is amplified when paired with the creamy sweetness of tiramisu, making this classic combo a crowd pleaser. Carrot cake and latte - The earthy notes in a latte pair perfectly with the spiced sweetness of carrot cake. Vanilla ice cream and cold brew - This combo is perfect for those hot summer days – the smoothness of cold brew provides the perfect contrast to sweet and creamy vanilla ice cream. Chocolate mousse and macchiato - The rich darkness of a macchiato pairs nicely with decadent chocolate mousse, creating an indulgent combination your guests will love!
Flavor profile: When choosing the perfect accompaniment for your coffee or espresso-based beverage, make sure that their flavor profiles complement each other. Sweet treats will go well with a dark roast while more acidic desserts pair well with light roasts. Serving size: The serving size of both the coffee and dessert should be taken into account when pairing these two complementary items. Too much of either can overpower the other and make for an unpleasant experience. Texture: Consider the textures of the coffee and dessert when deciding on a combination. A crunchy biscotti can provide some contrast to silky espresso while creamy mousse can offset a strong cup of black coffee nicely. Temperature: Maximize the delightful taste of your meals and drinks by selecting contrasts. Stimulate your palate with a steaming hot drink alongside items at room or below-room temperature, then soothe it with something refreshingly cold like freshly baked pastries.
Balance the flavors: When pairing coffee and dessert, balancing the flavor profiles is key. Dark roasts should be paired with sweet treats while lighter variations should be served with more acidic desserts. Think of texture: Contrasting textures can bring out the best of both coffee and dessert. A crunchy biscotti will provide an interesting texture to creamy espresso while a light mousse can balance out a strong cup of black coffee. Pay attention to temperature: It’s important to consider the temperature of both the coffee and dessert when deciding on a combination; hot beverages don’t go well with cold sweets and vice versa, so make sure to take this into account before you present your delicious treat! Taste match: pair products with analogous aromas and flavors or go for something contrasting. With taste-matching, you can bring out the best in each component of your dish!
Chocolate - for a delightful addition to your cup of coffee, try adding some milk chocolate! When opting for white chocolate, light-roasted coffees from Costa Rica, Colombia, and Yemen are the way to go. But be aware that with dark chocolate comes an intense bitterness Cheesecake - Creamy cheesecake complements the smooth texture of a cappuccino for a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. Berries are the perfect addition to coffee from any corner of the globe. A hint of acidity is added when Kenyan and Ugandan lots are combined with strawberries or pineapples, whereas Ethiopian washed varieties take on a sweet flavor when blended with blackberries or raspberries. Lastly, blueberries perfectly complete Yemeni and Jamaican coffees for an even more enjoyable taste sensation. Sliced Fruit - Tanzanian coffee pairs excellently with a multitude of ripe or baked fruits, whereas the dark roasted South American blend serves as an ideal accompaniment for delectable fruit pies and citrus goodies.
For an unforgettable taste sensation, consider pairing flavors that are either analogous or complementary. By combining the right elements, you can create a flavor profile with greater depth and complexity - just like chocolate! Combining contrasting flavors can be exciting as it brings out the distinct characteristics of each food. For instance, if you enjoy a rich espresso with a nut biscotti, its bitter notes and strong aroma. Product consistency. If you want to enjoy a hot beverage, go for denser foods that can stand up to the heat. For iced coffee, opt for desserts with a light and airy texture! Temperature. Maximize the flavor of your food and drink by selecting contrasts. Enjoy a hot beverage with items at room or below-room temperature, and pair a cold drink with something warm like freshly baked pastries. The complexity of the composition. If you want to truly experience the robust flavor of dark-roasted coffee, choose light foods that won't overpower it. Conversely, if your brew lacks intensity in aromas, pair it with dishes composed of multiple flavors and textures.
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