The art of combining coffee and food
An enchanting taste experience
Coffee is one of the world's most popular beverages. It is consumed daily by millions of people, offering flavor and energy. But did you know that coffee can also be harmoniously and deliciously combined with food? When these two elements are carefully combined, they create a unique taste experience that delights the taste buds.
This association is based on the idea of complementary flavors. As with wine, beer or tea, different varieties of coffee have their own aromas, acidity, body and intensity, depending on their origin and roasting. It is therefore essential to choose a coffee that harmonizes with the flavours of the food.
Here are the four most classic pairings:
01
Dark chocolate
The marriage of coffee and dark chocolate is a well-known, classic and irresistible combination. In fact, have you tried our chocolate-covered coffee beans? They're incredible! And with good reason.
In terms of taste, dark chocolate contains notes of cocoa, fruit, spices and nuts, which can be enhanced by the complex aromas present in coffee. Together, they create a combination of rich, deep aromas. What's more, the melt-in-the-mouth consistency of dark chocolate blends perfectly with the velvety, creamy texture of a well-prepared espresso machine coffee.
And on the benefits side, coffee is known for its caffeine content, a natural stimulant, and dark chocolate also contains a small amount of caffeine, in addition to its euphoric effects. When consumed together, these two foods can give you a boost of energy and a feeling of well-being.
02
Cheese
It may come as a surprise, but coffee goes very well with certain types of cheese, especially those with rich, intense flavors. The combination of the two creates an interesting taste experience, thanks to the contrast between the bitterness of the coffee and the richness of the cheese. And the experience differs, of course, depending on the type of cheese.
Blue cheeses like Roquefort or Gorgonzola have powerful, salty flavors that blend well with the aromatic complexity of coffee. A full-bodied, slightly sweet coffee can balance the strong intensity of blue cheese.
Hard cheeses such as Parmesan or Manchego have rich, salty flavors. They can be accompanied by an intense black coffee to create a pleasant contrast between the two.
Goat's cheese, fresh or matured, has a mild, creamy flavor that can be complemented by a light, fruity coffee. The subtle acidity of coffee can balance the richness of goat's cheese.
Feel free to try other pairings and share your thoughts with us!
03
Nuts
Nuts, such as pistachios, almonds or hazelnuts, provide a crunchy texture and delicate flavor. Combine them with coffee, and you've got a delicious marriage where the richness of the nuts blends with the depth of the coffee.
You can flavour your coffee with hazelnut syrup, or bake delicious desserts.
For example, add chopped nuts to coffee cookie dough for an extra touch of flavor and crunchy texture.
Or prepare homemade energy bars by mixing dried fruit, rolled oats, chopped nuts and ground coffee. These bars are a tasty, stimulating snack for coffee lovers.
But be careful. When combining coffee with nuts, keep in mind to maintain a balance between the flavors to avoid one dominating the other.
04
Grilled or roasted meats
Coffee generally has a complex taste, with notes of bitterness, chocolate, dried fruit and even spices, depending on the variety and roast. Roasted meats, on the other hand, have rich, intense flavors that can be enhanced by spices, marinades or sauces. The combination is possible and worth a try!
Grilled meats, such as steak or grilled chicken, pair well with a full-bodied coffee, highlighting the meat's grilled, smoky notes.
A coffee with spicy notes can be paired with spicy roast meats, such as lamb chops with herbs or roast pork with spices.
You can also use coffee to make a marinade, sauce or glaze for your roast meat, bringing a deep, complex flavor.
In general, the acidity of the coffee contrasts nicely with the tenderness of the meat, creating a rich and satisfying taste experience.
And then there's the fun of exploring new combinations! In addition to the classic pairings seen above, there are plenty of opportunities to discover new associations between coffee and food.
Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
01
Exotic fruits
The tangy aromas of fruit complement the sweetness and complexity of coffee. So pair a fruity coffee with exotic fruits such as mango, pineapple or papaya. You've probably seen it on the networks: iced coffee, with the addition of lemon or orange, is all the rage. Why not try it!
02
Grilled fish
The subtle aromas of coffee enhance the freshness and delicacy of fish. Try pairing a mild coffee with grilled fish such as salmon or trout. For example, mix ground coffee with spices, olive oil and other ingredients to create an aromatic marinade. Or take ground coffee or coffee beans and add them to the wood shavings used to smoke the fish, giving a distinct, slightly bitter smoky flavor.
03
Oriental spices
Spices such as cardamom, cinnamon or cloves can add a new dimension to your cup of coffee, rather like mulled wine or chai tea. Experiment by adding a pinch of spices to your coffee and discover how they go with different dishes!
Setting off on such an adventure of taste exploration is fun, but always ensure that the flavors of coffee and food complement rather than compete with each other. Balancing flavors is essential to getting the most out of the experience. Seek harmony by choosing foods that enhance the qualities of the coffee.
Don't be shy about trying new combinations. Coffee and food pairings are a matter of personal preference, so follow your instincts and find out what you like!
And to take your adventurous approach to the next level, keep a tasting diary where you record your favorite combinations! This will help you remember your discoveries and refine your preferences over time.
We look forward to hearing from you!