Hello Coffee Lovers! If you’re looking for a new coffee experience, you might want to try white coffee. This unique and lesser-known coffee variant has been around for a while but has only recently been discovered by the Western world.
Though a tough bean to grind, white coffee comes loaded with more caffeine, a very nutty flavor, and low bitterness.
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So what is white coffee? And where does it come from?
White coffee is made from either Arabica or Robusta bean. It’s mostly made from Robusta beans.
The beans are roasted at very low temperatures of 350 degrees, while the regular roast is usually between 450 degrees to 480 degrees. The roasting duration is also short and ends before the first crack.
In essence, the main difference between white coffee and regular coffee is the roast level. Another major difference is its yellowish color.
Because low heat is applied when roasting the beans. The beans are usually hard, so you will need a specialized grinder to do the job. Most home grinders are not strong enough to grind white coffee beans so you can opt for pre-ground beans.
White coffee is originally from Yemen, which is in the Middle East. It’s said that the coffee trade originated in Yemen. Sadly this nation is currently entangled in a civil war.
In Yemen, the beverage is served with Hawaij; ( Its English translation is a mixture). This is a spice made up of black pepper, cumin, cardamom, and turmeric.
How About the Taste and Aroma?
Taste and Aroma Thanks to roasting at low temperatures, the aftertaste tinge of bitterness is removed as the low heat does not allow natural sugar to caramelize. In addition, the short roast duration does not allow the organic acid present in coffee bean to evaporate, leaving it with an acidic flavor. This is why many who partake it for the first time will notice the bolder taste, stronger than the normal brew.
However, the short roasting leaves the bean with a distinctive original bean flavor that is nutty similar to peanuts.
Difference Between White Coffee and Regular Coffee As previously mentioned, white coffee has a distinctive taste compared to regular coffee. Here are some other main differences:
Thanks to roasting at low temperatures the aftertaste tinge of bitterness is removed as the low heat do not allow natural sugar to caramelize.
In addition, the short roast duration does not allow the organic acid present in coffee beans to evaporate, leaving it with an acidic flavor. This is why many who partake it for the first time will notice the bolder taste, stronger than the normal brew.
However, the short roasting leaves bean with a distinctive original bean flavor that is nutty similar to peanuts.
The Difference Between White coffee and Regular Coffee
As mentioned earlier white coffee has a distinctive taste compared to regular coffee. The other main difference are as highlighted below.
CAFFEINE CONTENT
Caffeine in coffee is measured by its density, and the longer the duration of roasting, the lesser the caffeine content. White coffee is most dense as it’s barely roasted, therefore has the highest amount of caffeine.
White coffee has a higher caffeine content than regular coffee. This is because the duration of roasting and the temperature determines the caffeine level.
ACIDITY
White coffee is bound to be more acidic than a dark roast.
This is because the acidic organic content is burned off as the roasting continues. It’s worth noting that coffee acidity does not refer to the PH level but rather the sweetness, bitterness, aroma and aftertaste.
Another factor that determines acidity in coffee is the origin of the bean. Coffee beans grown in low altitudes tend to be less acidic.
Check out our post on Low acidic coffee brands to soothe your stomach.
HOW TO BREW WHITE COFFEE
We have mentioned that the bean are roasted at lower temperature and within a short period of time as result they have a hardened texture.
Because of the hardened texture its not possible to grind using the normal home grinder. You are better of getting yourself a bag of pre-ground beans.
Espresso Machine Brewing
It’s known to yield the best result when brewing white coffee.
One thing to remember is that this type of ground expands when brewing using an espresso machine hence the need to use fewer ground.
The heat and pressure from the espresso helps to produces a rich flavor.
There are two schools of thought regarding tamping down the grind. Those against tamping will say that the whole process is messy, while those for it say that tamping helps in water absorption as white coffee ground beans are gritty and hardy.

Drip Maker Brewing

Adding the regular coffee ground is prudent when brewing with a drip maker. This is because drip makers tend to produce a thin and watery drink.
Alternatively, you can run the water, dump it, and repeat it.
French Press Brewing

When making a white roast drink with a french press, ensure that the ground is set for longer than usual.
Make sure that you steep it for 10 minutes.
Do not worry about the coffee being bitter if it sits for long, as this only happens when using dark roast.
Where Can I Buy White Coffee Beans?
Tired of visiting your local coffee shop to get a fix of your favorite white coffee drink ?
Many brands are now offering this type of coffee.
1.Poverty Bay White Tornado White Coffee -Pre Ground Only

The poverty Bay guys market this brand as coffee for the extreme coffee lover because of the high caffeine levels which translates into high energy boost.
The beans are roasted at 325 degree giving it a nutty sweet and mellow finish
2.Alaska Artisan Coffee – Pre Ground Only

Alaskan artisan coffee is produced by a family compnay in Palmer, Alaska.
This caffeinated white roast is available in 5oz, 12oz, 32oz, 5lb or 8lb bag.
White Coffee Variants
IPOH WHITE COFFEE
This Malaysians variant is known as ipoh. Its not similar to white coffee.
Ipoh has a sweet taste.When roasting the bean is mixed with palm oil and it is served with condensed milk.
INDONESIA WHITE COFFEE
Locally known as kopi putih .Its preparation is similar to white coffee as the roasting duration is short.
LEBANESE WHITE COFFEE
This caffeine free coffee is made by mixing warm water with orange blossom.