If you are among those who desperately need a midmorning coffee break, then go for it at 11 am, as scientists claim a formula they have devised proves that ‘elevenses’ is the best time to drink your
brew.
The Oxford University research also shows that a tasty Americano is not the only requirement — lights, music, aroma and good company need to be added to the mix. The experts developed the formula (M = 0.5 x F + (0.5 x E + 0.3 x P + 0.15 x C + 0.05 x T) by combining various factors such as great flavour (F) with the perfect environment (E), the container it comes in (P), who you drink coffee with (C) and the time of day you enjoy your coffee break (T) to create the most enjoyable coffee moment (M).
After applying this formula, the scientists found 11 am is the best time to have a coffee bream, in a well-lit room with friends and nice music in the background.
Prof Charles Spence, from the Department of Experimental Psychology at Oxford University, who led the research, said: “The formula describes how to create the perfect coffee moment at home or at work. We have known for some time that our taste buds are a vital part of the taste experience. “However, we can now pinpoint the exact sensory conditions required to enjoy coffee, or any other food and drink.”
According to the researchers, 11 am is the best time to have a coffee break as this is the time when the average person’s palate is at the height of its powers.
About the aroma, they said it should be strong as 80 per cent of the flavour of food or drink comes from the nose and not the tongue. So far as the company is concerned, they reasoned that the anticipation of meeting up with friends increases your enjoyment and the sensation of a warm drink makes your brain see the people around you in a more favourable light.