Coffee beverages are so popular all over the world that there is hardly any need
to describe them. But underlying this seemingly commonplace beverage there
is a whole realm worth serious scientific study. The complexity of the raw
seed matrix, made even more intricate when roasted, requires a deep understanding
of its chemical nature. While coffee is not consumed for nutritional purposes,
it is appreciated for its taste appeal along with its stimulating effects on
mental and physical activity. The attention to quality is of paramount importance
to both of these aspects to supply the customers with a pleasant and wholesome
product. The chemical approach to the sensory sphere has seen the development
of increasingly sophisticated analytical methods where the parts per billion
of volatile aromas are not the ultimate frontier of detection limits. In spite
of the progress of instrumental techniques, the cup-testing approach still
remains the final assessment tool to obtain the approval for choosing the right
plant and for conveying the product to the market. This is even truer when
espresso, the fashionable type of coffee brewing methods, is considered.
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