Yeah Mon!

Coffee is a staple in the Nordics, with most citizens drinking 8 kg or more per person per year. That translates into roughly 3-4 cups of coffee each day. The Nordic countries hold 5 of the top 6 spots in global coffee consumption, according to the International Coffee Organization.

At this rate of consumption, coffee has been proven to have a lot of positive health effects. It can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s; it is packed full of antioxidants, which are known to reduce the likelihood of cancer; it contains multiple B vitamins which are known to increase energy; and thanks to the caffeine it helps reduce the incidence of depression and improves productivity. It doesn’t replace other health measures, but it certainly seems to help.

In order to understand the Nordic coffee habit, I first need to understand coffee. I have no knowledge of the intricacies of the flavor profiles or what is even considered a good cup of coffee. I also have no idea which type of coffee would suit me. All I know is that I like Jamaican coffee. But apparently everyone does, because it’s considered the best in the world. So I brought in a few consultants.

It is important to Nordic coffee drinkers that they are environmentally conscious even when consuming their coffee. According to the Norwegian American website, “most coffee shops now carry beans from single origins, with notes detailing which farm or farms they came from, the harvest date, how the beans were processed, and the most forward flavors.” 

Surfing the internet taught me that there is a coffee belt that runs all the way around the globe. Single-origin means that the coffee will retain the natural flavors of the region instead of being a muddled mix of many flavors. I also learned that, while they may be labelled differently by each expert, there are four main types of coffee flavors: fruity/floral, chocolatey/nutty, a balance of chocolatey and fruity, and dark roast. These tend to correspond with the type of process used on the coffee beans and the type of roast. Also, Hawaiian coffees are considered mild and Jamaican coffees are mild, smooth, and sweet.

I turned to Driftaway coffee to help me figure out which type I like. I signed up for the 6 month subscription which includes their Sip & Wonder education series. This program allows me to try the four main types of coffee flavors and provide feedback on which one(s) I like. Then they’ll tailor my subscription to my tastes and include additional educational resources to help refine my understanding of and palate for coffee. They hold to sustainable habits as well, purchasing direct from the farmers and providing the same information that has become standard for Nordics to require of their coffee: the origin country, roast date, most forward flavors, and flavor profile.

One strange side effect of drinking coffee: it decreases our ability to taste things that are sweet. Drink it long enough, and you will find yourself craving richer flavors; eschewing sweet things in favor of salty of bitter tastes.

So bring on the coffee. I’m ready for my caffeine fix.

What did I learn from this?

The bitter and subtle tastes of coffee will check your sugar cravings. Prepare to appreciate more of life’s flavors.