Coffee, tea and herbal tea
Our department is brimming with a variety of coffees, teas, and herbal teas. Whatever your taste or preference, our selection is sure to delight your taste buds!
Coffee
Legend has it that coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian shepherd. He noticed that his goats were more agitated than usual after eating the fruit of a shrub, the coffee plant, and he decided to try it himself. Today, it is mainly cultivated in countries along the equator, and on several continents.
Over time, other countries have developed their knowledge and expertise to ensure the import of grains, roasting and export.
Nowadays, a vast variety of products fill store shelves. With all the little quirks and different names on packaging labels, it’s easy to get confused and not know which product to buy.
What is the best coffee?
This is the most frequently asked question by our customers!
Although quite simple, it’s practically impossible to answer. The answer is rather personal to each individual, as it varies according to tastes.
Ironically, three other questions will allow us to answer the initial question:
1. Do you prefer a milder or stronger coffee?
2. What type of coffee would you like to make: espresso, latte, cappuccino, filter coffee…?
3. What type of coffee maker do you use?
Based on these answers, it will be easier for you to find the one that will satisfy you!
Other important characteristics to consider
Acidity and bitterness
When it comes to coffee, these two characteristics are often confused, but they are quite distinct.
Acidity refers to a taste property, a flavor in the mouth: dry, lively, citrus notes… It is more present in lighter coffees, i.e., those with a shorter roasting time.
As for bitterness, it refers to the sensation that remains in the mouth, like an aftertaste: woody, smoky, caramelized… It develops with longer cooking.
Roasting
Roasting plays an important role. It refers to the heating of the bean. In other words, it determines the color and taste of the coffee.
A roasted bean dries out more and darkens in color. It loses acidity but gains bitterness. Its aftertaste is more pronounced and its aromas are often more intense.
Conversely, a lightly roasted bean is oilier and lighter in color, giving it a lighter taste without bitterness, but with a more noticeable note of acidity.
The grind
Ideally, the beans are ground as needed to preserve their freshness and aroma. This is one of the reasons why some companies offer their ground coffee in compact, airtight packaging.
The grind size can affect the taste of coffee. The finer the grind, the more easily the water will pass through, resulting in a less intense flavor. However, it also depends on the quantity used: if the very finely ground coffee is compacted, the water will have less room to flow through. Consequently, it will be in contact with the coffee for a longer period, resulting in a stronger taste!
Certain grind sizes are preferable depending on the type of coffee maker used. With an Italian coffee maker, it is advisable to use a fine or medium grind. For a filter coffee maker, a medium grind gives better results.
The type of coffee maker
The coffee maker used also plays an important role in the selection of the coffee bean.
If you’re using an espresso machine with a grinder, the best way to get excellent coffee, you should use non-oily beans to avoid the buildup of oily residue. This could damage certain parts, compromise the machine’s operation, and reduce the quality and taste of the coffee.
For the percolator and the stovetop espresso machine, the choice of bean, oily or not, will be of less importance.
In all simplicity
To keep the distinction between grains and variants as simple as possible, it is possible to separate them into four categories.
The names are similar, but the characteristics of a given category are the same. Once you grasp this concept, you’ll have no trouble making your choice!
• Mild, smooth, and creamy taste with no bitterness
• Light roast, oilier bean
• Ideal for a smooth and creamy espresso
• Smooth, velvety taste with a touch of acidity
• Medium roast, non-oily beans
• Ideal for a latte, cappuccino, or Americano
• Full-bodied flavor, with a woody or chocolatey aroma
• Dark roast, non-oily beans
• Ideal for a strong espresso
• Often blended with Arabica beans
• Strong, full-bodied flavor with a more intense bitterness
• Dark roast, non-oily beans
• Ideal for a full-bodied espresso
Discover our selection of coffees
Lavazza, Saquella, Kimbo, Fantini
Tea
Jaf Tea
A pioneer in the industry for nearly eight decades, JAF TEA creates the finest tea blends.
The tea comes from Sri Lankan regions where local climate and soil conditions play a critical role in the distinctive taste of their products.
In order to offer a consumer product in its purest form and to preserve its freshness and flavor, the leaves are hand-picked and packaged a few days after harvesting.
Each item in their collection is selected by a team of master tasters who travel around Sri Lanka in search of the finest batches of tea.
Discover our selection of teas
Herbal tea
Romon Nature
Master infuser since 1989, Romon Nature offers a range of exceptional organic herbal teas.
Production is controlled by a set of specifications to ensure a quality final product.
The choice of plants used is made according to the climatic context and they come from French or European producers who cultivate their fields according to organic farming methods.
Their Plaisirs Bio collection of infusions will surprise you with its fruity and tangy blends or blends inspired by famous cocktails, but also because the herbal teas can be enjoyed hot or cold.