Yummy Fungi
Researchers from Brazil have discovered that fungi is what gives coffee, the world's most consumed drink, its unique taste.
The secret to a good coffee has been found, and it is something that many people may have not expected.
Researchers from Brazil's Institute of Food Technology have discovered that a natural fungus found in coffee is what gives it its unique taste.
Dr. Martha Taniwaki recently visited Australia, speaking at the International Mycological Conference where she discussed her findings with Mycologists and other attendees.
Dr. Taniwaki led a team that harvested and studied raw coffee beans that were from the Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais regions, in Brazil.
The team took these coffee beans and then sterilised them, let them rest for seven days and then isolated the fungi. By doing so, they were able to determine the distinctive flavours associated with the different fungi.
They then roasted, ground, brewed and drank the raw samples, rating them under the categories of sweetness, bitterness, astringency, aroma, acidity and body.
The researchers believed that each of the different fungi released similar tastes to that of caramel, citrus, chocolate and floral.
Dr Taniwaki believes that the results will ensure the growth of an array of designer coffees.
The research marks a stepping stone in Dr. Taniwaki’s career, as she has also completed other studies related to coffee beans, including research that identified fungal infection in green coffee beans from different regions around the world.
The recent study’s findings has sparked widespread joy in the coffee industry as many see the potential of being able to specifically create tailored coffee flavours. Australian coffee producers use the Arabica bean which is well known for its high quality and could provide some interesting flavours due to different farming techniques and climate.
Professor Paul Gadek, an Australian plant molecular biologist and head of tropical plant sciences at James Cook University believes that the coffee industry in Australia should look into the unique flavours that only occur in Australian coffee beans.
"We most likely have our own suite of fungal species that grow with the coffee varieties grown in particular regions. So, perhaps we can provide a regional brand. A bit like wine really,” he said.
Currently, 80% of Australian coffee drinkers choose to drink instant coffee, although ground and roast coffees are coming back, making a 28% increase over the last few years.
The Australian Coffee industry is based around tropical parts of Queensland, such as Mareeba, and northern New South Wales.
Coffee is the most consumed drink the world today with 400 billion cups consumed each year. Japan will celebrate its Official Coffee day next week.
