The other day I was in this cozy cafe nestled in the heart of Downtown Long Beach. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee danced through the air. I found myself there, sipping on my favorite medium roast which I had made sure to check the barrista it was made from African coffee. As I indulged in the rich flavors, a friend joined me at the table, a curious grin on her face.
"Hey there, I've got a question for you," she began, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
I chuckled, taking a moment to savor the last sip before setting my cup down. "Sure thing, shoot."
My friend was born in America, never been to Africa. Her gaze shifted to the coffee cup, then back at me. She found her voice:
“You know, I've always wondered – you drink so much coffee, yet you're so slim. How does that work? Aren't coffee lovers supposed to be jacked up on caffeine and buzzing around?"
I grinned, appreciating her playful curiosity:
“Ah, you've stumbled upon a delightful secret about my coffee habit. It's all about the kind of coffee I choose. You see, not all coffee is the same, especially when it comes to the roast level."
Intrigued, she leaned forward, eager to unravel this mystery.
"Well," I began, "I'm a big fan of medium roast African coffee. And let me tell you, there's more to coffee than meets the eye – or should I say, the taste buds."
I gestured to the cup in front of me, the liquid inside reflecting the cafe's warm light:
“This medium roast isn't just about flavor; it's about embracing the health benefits that come with it."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, health benefits from coffee?"
"Absolutely," I affirmed. "You see, when it comes to coffee, the roast level actually affects more than just the taste. It influences the potential health-boosting properties too."
See, these are the lessons I wanted coffee lovers to grasp when I founded the African Coffee Club. My coffee journey embodies the essence of determination and a commitment to a healthier lifestyle through coffee. Because of my experience growing up in a coffee farm, I recognize the significance of coffee in my community's livelihood and the challenges it poses to their well-being.
My friend deserved a lesson on the differences between medium roast and dark roast. And I was available to offer that:
"Unlike dark roast coffee, which tends to have a bolder flavor, medium roast retains the distinct characteristics of the coffee bean. That means you get to experience the nuanced flavors and delightful aromas that nature intended."
"But there's more," I continued. "Medium roast coffee is actually a powerhouse of chlorogenic acid (CGA), a potent antioxidant with numerous health benefits."
I could see her interest growing. "CGA doesn't just reduce inflammation and repair cell damage; it also contributes to lower cholesterol levels and even enhances skin complexion. And that's not all – it supports energy levels and bolsters immunity, making it a true ally in navigating daily challenges."
I paused for a moment, letting the information sink in. "Interestingly, dark roast coffee contains fewer CGAs due to its longer roasting process."
As our conversation flowed, I couldn't help but delve into the realm of caffeine. "You know, the roast level doesn't actually affect caffeine content. It's more about the volume of beans used for brewing. Dark roast beans are larger and therefore provide fewer beans per scoop, resulting in less caffeine."
I leaned in, sharing my perspective. "When it comes to choosing between dark and medium roast, it's about personal preference. Medium roast embodies the genuine flavors of the coffee bean, providing a more subtle yet characterful experience. If you're a fan of that bold, traditional coffee taste, then dark roast is your go-to."
I concluded with a warm smile.
"At the African Coffee Club, we celebrate both the flavor journey and the remarkable health benefits that come with each cup. Our selection of coffee from various unique growing regions in Africa is a testament to our commitment to sustainable practices that uplift local communities."
I picked up my coffee cup, raising it in a toast:
“So, here's to savoring the richness of African coffee while nurturing our well-being. Let's make every cup a tribute to our taste buds and our health."
As we clinked our cups together, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this enlightening coffee conversation, one that bridged the gap between indulgence and wellness.
How do you like your coffee?