Food pairing is not just for wine connoisseurs, coffee drinkers can pair food as well. Knowing which coffee compliments a particular dish will bring out the best aromas and flavors in each of them. Selecting the right unroasted coffee beans to pair with foods takes a little knowledge and perhaps a smidgen of science.

You might think that coffee pairing is a pipe dream, something you couldn’t possibly succeed in, but know that you already know a few things about this trend. For example, you know that chocolate and coffee are an amazing combination. You might wonder why certain foods taste awesome with coffee, it is because they usually have flavors in common. When foods share flavor and aroma compounds, they tend to taste rather well together. Knowing this, it is quite easy getting started on developing your own food and coffee beans pairing.

African Coffee and Pineapple Ham

When there is a fruit component in the dish you want to eat, it is best to pair it with a Kenyon or Ethiopian coffee bean. The natural fruitiness of African coffee really brings out the best in whatever dish you serve. The next time you have friends over for a pig roast or barbecue, make sure you fire up the coffee maker.

Thai Food and Sumatra

Sumatra coffee can be paired with foods that are savory. Grab a cup of Sumatra coffee and try a Thai dish with peanut sauce. A rich cup a Sumatra perfectly complements the intense taste and does a fine job in bringing out the nutty components.

Chocolate

You already know that coffee and chocolate pair well, but choosing the right coffee will take your taste buds to the next level. Full-bodied coffee beans, like Indonesian coffee, pairs great with a dark chocolate. Make a batch of dark chocolate brownies and a pot of Indonesian coffee and see what we mean. Just don’t eat the whole batch in one sitting. Lighter chocolate dishes go well with Colombian coffee. If you are dipping fruit in chocolate, pair that with an African coffee and see how well they resonate together.

Breakfasts

Savory breakfasts, like eggs and bacon, quiches and omelets, pair best with coffees that are heavy-bodied. Sweet breakfasts, like donuts and pancakes, go very well with coffees that have a higher fruit note. Light breakfasts, like toast or muffins, require a less complex and smooth coffee.

Pizza

As far as pizza is concerned, you can pair it with just about anything including juice, soda and beer. But you can really rock that pizza by pairing it with iced coffee. The bold taste of coffee will bring out the sweet tomato and cheesy goodness of pizza. Coffee even gives day-old, cold pizza more pizzaz.

Coffee Cake

Coffee cake and danishes pair well with most coffees, but work best with a light or medium roast Nicaraguan or Hawaiian coffee.

Coffee and food pairings are quite easy once you get to know the basics. Do a little research and discover what foods go best with your favorite blend of coffee.