We know what you’re thinking, coffee capsules are usually something you’ll see in hotels and coffee break rooms. They usually taste burnt and bitter needing a lot of milk to be bearable. But the convenience of specialty coffee capsules when it comes to brewing is unmatched, helping them stay in popularity. So how did the coffee capsule machine come into existence? Well, sometimes the best things in the world come into existence because of a dare.
Origins of the Coffee Capsule machine
Érik Favre was a Swiss engineer working for Nestlé. His wife, Anna-Maria, an Italian woman known for her tenacity, constantly teased her husband for how bland Swiss coffee tasted. During their trip to Italy, they toured through café’s and eventually stopped at Café’s Sant Eustachio, a local café bar, after seeing a crowd of local patrons waiting for the coffee. The coffee machine setup was similar to that of other cafés they had seen, an older style four piston coffee pump. When finally served, they noticed the brew had exceptional flavour and great mouthfeel, providing for an overall incredible coffee. Mr. Eugenio, the owner explained that instead of pulling the piston once during the extraction, the barista pulled it 3 or 4 times, adding air to the coffee. this oxidised the aromas allowing further extraction and producing a richer crema.
Inspired, Favre began developing his own coffee machine, realising that he could make great coffee by following a very simple formula
Favre’s Formula: Froth = Air + Water + Coffee Oils
After a lot of trial and error, the machine was completed in 1975. In 1986, the Capsule coffee machine was patented by Nestle. The capsule would be placed in the chamber where a mechanism will pierce through and force water into it brewing coffee. Over the years, various companies came up with own designs, but the coffee used for them was usually lower quality Arabica/Robusta coffee. While acceptable for commercial coffee drinkers, this does not cater to lovers of specialty coffee.
Specialty coffee in a capsule
Specialty coffee capsules are for those who love the convenience of capsule but also want the quality that can only be given by specialty coffee.
This is also a great option for those starting out on their specialty coffee journey. Since the coffee comes pre-measured and sealed to preserve freshness, you get a consistent brewing experience which is especially great for someone with limited experience in coffee brewing or want to experiment with specialty coffee.
Choices... choices... choices
Confused with the different types of capsules out there? A good rule of thumb would be to look for something that’s adaptable to most coffee capsule machines. Flava’s Soulful sips collection. These capsules, though they work best with our AVA Pro Machines, are also adaptable to other capsule machines, making it easier to take them with you while travelling.
As for your capsules flavour profile, well, that depends on personal taste, right? Do you like your coffee bold? Intense? Or maybe you like that classic coffee taste. For our Single Origin lovers try our Ethiopia Kercha or our Brazilian Coffees Mountain Mist and Midnight Bloom. Whatever your taste maybe we’re sure you’ll find something you can take every day for your home, your office or along for the ride.
And if you’re thinking of starting your capsule coffee journey, you’re in luck – valid till 12th September, buy an AVA Pro capsule machine and get an exclusive set of 6 capsule sleeves free!
Read our blog on how to brew like an AVA Pro with our capsules and machines.
