A team from the University of Oregon has identified the chemical signature of coffee's aroma to accurately recreate it. The study, published in Nature Communications, promises a consistent olfactory experience for enthusiasts, eliminating variations between cups.
A potentiostat to decipher the aromatic profile ☕
The researchers adapted a potentiostat, an instrument used to test batteries, to analyze coffee. This method applies an electric current to the beverage, detecting its chemical composition with high sensitivity. Unlike the traditional refractive index used in the wine industry, it offers a more complete and detailed profile of the compounds responsible for the aroma.
Goodbye specialty coffee, hello lab coffee 🔬
Now, when that mustachioed barista sells you a specialty coffee for 8 euros, remember: science can already copy its aroma with a battery device. Soon, any coffee maker will be able to smell like the trendy artisan roast, without the need for expensive beans or cultivation philosophy. The mystery of the perfect aroma is reduced to volts and amps.