Coffee classic

The Top Times a Good Coffee Is Just What You Need

2013-03-16T11:27:00.003-07:00

Coffee is more than just a drink, it's a way of life. Or, if you're as obsessed with it as I am then it's practically a medicine that you seemingly need to just stay alive...

Whether or not you're at my level of obsession though, you will surely find that there are a whole range of situations that can be made better simply by the presence of a mug of coffee. Here we will look at some of them.

Being Out in the Cold

When I see that plume of steam coming off of a hot mug of tea or coffee, to me it is a feeling akin to love... When it's cold though this feeling is all the more warm and fuzzy, and there's nothing quite like nursing a hot cuppa when it's freezing cold outside. I drank coffee while stargazing in the cold the other night and I've rarely been happier.

Having a Catch Up

Ask me what I miss most about university and I'll tell you that it was standing in the kitchen with a cup of coffee catching up on the latest with my room-mates. It was a great way to find out what was going on in each others' lives, and a very chilled way to relax. These days meeting my cousin down the road at our mutual coffee shop is another of my favourite ways to kill an hour or two.

Being Comforted

You've just been dumped, you're feeling ill and you're struggling financially. In other words, your whole life is falling apart and things are looking pretty bleak. What should your friends do at this point? Simple: make you a coffee. Suddenly the world seems just a little brighter.

Working

None of us likes having to work when we could be reading a good book or out with friends, but having a nice cup of coffee next to us can sure make the process a little more bearable. This not only helps to give you something comforting that makes sitting still seem more relaxing, but it will even help you to work better and produce better results thanks to the nootropic qualities of caffeine. Win!

Waking Up

Caffeine doesn't just help you to work better, it also helps you to wake up and gives you a burst of energy. If you have to haul yourself out of bed for work, then a mug of Joe can help you do just that.

Sobering Up

Just home from a tough night out? There's one thing that can help you to sober up - and that's a coffee. Likewise if you wake up feeling hungover, then coffee will help you to think straight once again.

Enjoying Pudding

Coffee is deliciously creamy and bitter - a desert almost in itself. However when mixed with biscuits or cake it is absolutely heavenly.

Relaxing

I find that if I'm going to read a book I've been looking forward to, watch a favourite TV program, or sit down to play some Xbox, that making a cup of tea is a crucial way I can get more out of the experience.

What Makes the Ideal Coffee Shop for Working In?

2013-03-16T11:27:00.001-07:00

More and more people are now able to work from home thanks to developments in business as well as the popularity of smaller, more portable and more connected devices. While work once meant being glued to a desk in a soul-destroying cubicle, for many it now means sitting in a coffee shop and enjoying a hot drink while chatting to strangers and sitting in a comfortable arm chair.

Any coffee shop will be preferable to a very bland corporate environment, and particularly thanks to the addition of coffee which, let's face it, makes any situation better. But what is it that makes the ideal coffee shop for knuckling down to work? And what should you be on the lookout for when you decide where to go with your laptop? Here we will look at the most important requirements.

Quiet

Complete silence in a coffee shop is just eerie, but if you're hoping to get real work done then you don't want it to be too noisy either. This means you want somewhere that's off the beaten track enough that there aren't tons of kids running around and workers bustling about, but it also means finding somewhere that has the good sense not to blast rock music from the speakers. Classical music is ideal for working in coffee shops.

Size

Size is related here to the quiet - as a bigger place will have more places to hide. At the same time a larger coffee shop means you can spread out and feel less claustrophobic. It will look lighter, and furthermore you can stay there all day without feeling guilty about the fact that you've only bought a few coffees.

Features

Certain features will be completely required if you are going to work in a coffee shop, and these are a) a power socket, b) an internet connection and c) the right tables and chairs. You'll also want to have lots of power sockets, as otherwise you can end up having to hover around certain seats waiting for them to become free when your battery starts to run low.

Tables and Seating

The tables and seats you choose are their whole own thing, and this can make a huge difference to your productivity. Basically you want seats that will be comfortable for an extended period of time, but at the same time be upright enough to make you feel productive. You need a table to be within easy reaching distance from the best seats, but you also need this table to be the right height, big enough to spread out on, and free from rocking.

The Coffee

This is still a coffee shop though, and as such it's important not to forget the whole point of its existence - to provide coffee. While you may have come here to work, buying a coffee is only polite and is also a great way to relax and to increase your productivity. If the coffee shop you've chosen serves horrible coffee, then you need to try again...

Choosing The Right Coffee Grinder

2013-03-15T19:27:00.001-07:00

A freshly brewed espresso is a delight for any caffeine lover. Coffee machines for home use are now available in the market which brews you a drink anytime you wish to have it. These products are an essential part of this unit to serve drinks with the rich taste and fresh aroma of powdered beans. There are a number of models available in the market, so choosing the right one depending on your use is essential. Before deciding to buy one it is essential to know the basic details which are discussed in this article.

The Many Options Available

Grinding units differ in the type of the blades that are used in the machine. These blades decide the texture and final form of powder. Conical burr produces a very refined bean powder and are best suited for Espresso Machines. The rancilio grinders are the most commonly used ones at home. The features vary with regard to speed and storage. There are advanced grinding units which are very fast and quite. Some of these units also have storage facility which offers convenience.

Enrich Your Espresso

For individuals who appreciate this rich drink with its fresh aroma, a grinding unit is the best option. The quality of the drink made from the powder fresh from the grinder can never be compared to the packaged bean powder. Making your own powder ensures you are drinking an unadulterated drink. You can enjoy the purest drink just the way you like it. Having one such unit at home gives you the liberty to powder just the amount of beans required for the day. This way every time you prepare your favorite drink you can savor the fresh aroma of powdered beans. Before heading to buy one decide on the features you are looking at and also if you are planning to use it with Espresso machines.

Make The Best Choice

The best choice of grinder is the one which gives you the freedom to ground both big and small batches of beans. This will ensure that you receive the same quality of grounded powder irrespective of the amount of beans in it. Along with cost effectiveness, do consider the time efficiency and quality of grounded powder. The material used should be durable and stable. Make sure you go through all the features offered by the different models before making the choice. Other factors to be considered are the maintenance of the unit and the safety factor.

How to Wake Up On Time Every Time With the Perfect Cup of Coffee

2013-03-15T02:57:00.001-07:00

Waking up on time is something that many of us struggle with, and this is particularly painful as it's something that we have to try and do every single day. For many of us, our every day will being with a painful struggle as our body begs us to stay in bed and we are forced to push it out anyway into the cold outside. Often we will lose this struggle though, and we'll end up sleeping in meaning that we have to rush to work dishevelled and badly presented, or that we'll get behind on the things we need to do at home and end up going to bed later.

There is an art to waking up on time though, and if you combine the right techniques with the right cup of coffee then you might find the whole experience can be made much more pleasant and much less difficult. Here we will look at how.

Something to Lure You Out of Bed

Of course coffee is great at bringing you round when you drink it, and the caffeine is great at helping you to focus more during the day and gain the motivation you need to drive in to work. However, what you will also find is that coffee is great at motivating before you have even had any too, and when you smell it early in the morning or just think about having it, it can be enough to make getting out of bed worth it.

To this end, having a coffee maker that you can set on a timer is a great way to encourage yourself to get up each morning. This will then brew in the morning as you come around, and you will then have the risk of letting it go cold if you don't get up. Even better, if you have the coffee maker in your room (and you can keep some milk in a mini-fridge too), then you'll be able to sit up and come around while you read.

You can also lure yourself out of bed even more effectively by finding other things to make this even more pleasant. I used to wake up for 8am even when I worked from home for instance because I could have a nice warm cup of coffee while watching an episode of Frasier. Today I pull myself out of bed by reading the paper on my Nexus 7 which works well too and by checking through my e-mail and messages. This is a great way to come round and by the time you've finished the coffee you'll find you don't want to go back to bed.

Meanwhile something else I've found is that doing something active with your brain can really help to invigorate you and wake you up. I've lately been playing a boggle-type game app in the morning too, and since doing that I've found I'm much more active and energetic throughout the day. Combined with the stimulating effects of coffee I'm practically buzzing with energy. Okay, that's an exaggeration, but you know what I mean...

Which Cappuccino Machine Is Best for You?

2013-03-14T08:56:00.003-07:00

When you pass through your favourite high street coffee shop on the way to work to pick up a cappuccino before you reach your office each day, it's great. Many of us wish we could make a cappuccino when you arrive home from work to forget a difficult day and relax with your family. You can, if you buy one from a range of cappuccino machines from your favourite supplier. In fact, you could start making it at home in a travel mug, too, and save yourself quite a few quid each and every week.

Having a cappuccino maker at home means you can enjoy your favourite brand of coffee, without having to leave your home when it's cold and wet outside.

Experimenting at Home

With your own machine at home you can experiment with different cappuccino flavours, simply by choosing from a range of espresso coffees and by your choice of sprinkling over the foam. While many people choose to sprinkle cocoa on their cappuccino, cinnamon works well and you can always add vanilla or chocolate flavouring to your coffee. If you get bored with one particular type of cappuccino, you can just change the coffee whenever you want and enjoy a different blend.

Choosing from the many cappuccino machines can add a great addition to your kitchen or you might like to give a gift of the coffee maker to a friend or family on their birthday, at Christmas or for no particular reason.

If you drink fancy coffees often, the cost of purchasing a machine will quickly be recouped.

Choosing Your Cappuccino Maker

After spending a few minutes online and the world's favourite dotcom store, you will quickly see the range of cappuccino machines starting at around 60, but incredibly, you can also spend 1500+ more.

All cappuccinos are made from espresso coffee, so you will be able to choose from around four different types of espresso makers. You can buy a steam machine, a pump and piston version, a fully automatic machine or a palin espresso maker. The automatic machines are, not surprisingly, the most expensive.

Steam powered machines are the lowest cost cappuccino machines on the market. If you're extremely serious about your cappuccino consumption, you will probably want to go slightly upmarket.

If you want to create the best steam and pressure, a piston pump machine will likely serve you well.

If your budget allows you to purchase one of the automatic cappuccino machines, you won't have to worry about grinding the beans or steaming the milk, as the machine will do everything for you, being computer-controlled and temperature driven.

If your budget is at the lower end of the spectrum, you will be able to purchase an adequate cappuccino maker, but spending more will make the final experience much more enjoyable. Whatever you choose, if you are a coffee aficionado you'll enjoy experimenting at home to find your inner barista or baristo.

Keurig Single Cup Coffee Makers Review

2013-03-14T08:56:00.001-07:00

If you're looking for a great cup of specialty coffee minus the high Starbucks price then I would suggest getting one amongst the Keurig gourmet coffee makers. Keurig offers an excellent selection of machines to decide from while relying on your budget.

All of the Keurig gourmet java brewing systems use the patented k-cup system. This is a nice little single serve system. The system runs by having a vacuum sealed cup that holds your favorite coffee, tea, cider, or coco. The k-cup goes into the Keurig gourmet java brewing systems brew head. Inside the brew head, a top needle and a bottom needle puncture the container. Hot water flows through the k-cup and out of the brew head into your java cup. It eliminates the requirement for measuring out your java grounds. It conjointly saves on mess. When you're done you simply take the cup out of the brew head and toss it into the trash. Nothing easier. The one thing to remember with the k-cup system is the bigger the cup of coffee, the weaker the coffee. They do compensate this by selling bolder flavor k-cups.

The base model of the Keurig gourmet coffee brewers is that the Keurig B31 specialty java maker. This little single cup coffee maker is great for the office or single individuals. It is tiny enough that it does not take up a lot of area in the slightest degree. One of the main down sides to the current system is that you have got to fill the reservoir each time you want a cup of java.

The next model is that the Keurig B40 gourmet coffee making system. This system is larger than the B31. It conjointly contains a abundant bigger water reservoir. It contains a 48 ounce reservoir. It brews an 8 ounce or 10 ounce cup. The drip tray is removable to suit travel mugs and larger java cups.

The mid range model is that the Keurig B60 gourmet java maker. This model also features a 48ounce reservoir. It offers a 5 1/4 ounce,7/4 ounce, and a nine 1/four ounce brew sizes. The factor that creates this model abundant higher than the lower models is the programmability. The B60 has an auto on/off function. This allows you to set the time you wish the system to brew you a fresh cup of coffee. Another great setting is that the auto off feature. This permits you to brew your cup and leave. The coffee maker will shut off once a little while of non use. The final handy setting is the brew temperature setting. This setting permits you to set the brew temperature between 187 and 192 degrees.

The final brewer in this line is the Keurig B70 gourmet java maker. It is just like the B60 except for a few things. The 1st thing (besides the value) that is completely different is the reservoir size. It incorporates a 60 ounce reservoir. No would like to fill that baby terribly typically. Another difference is that the brewing sizes. The Keurig B70 has 5 totally different brewing sizes. It offers a 4 ounce, 6 ounce, 8 ounce, 10 ounce, and a huge 12 ounce brewing size. Just remember, the larger the cup the less strong the java.

All together, I would offer the Keurig connoisseur coffee brewing systems huge thumbs up. They are a little pricey and are made of plastic however they're still a far higher worth than buying the expensive java house cups. They have the proper sized maker for each want and budget.

Keurig Milk Frother

2011-11-01T22:45:00.001-07:00

The nice thing about Keurig is that they offer a full line of products that compliment the Single Serve Coffee Maker. One item is the Keurig Milk Frother. Now you can make all of your favorite coffee shop drinks at a fraction of the cost. The Keurig milk frother makes the drinks you make at home as fancy as your favorite restaurant. Lattes, hot chocolate and coffee drinks will have that special touch.

This stainless steel milk frother has an 8.5 ounce capacity. The one piece pitcher is easy to use and easy to clean. The beautiful think is you just push one button for perfectly frothed milk. At just 7 inches by 4 inches it is easy to store. The only attachments you will need are the stirrer and the whisk and they are included.

Using the Keurig Milk Frother

To use the milk frother, all you do is add milk and push the button. Fortunately, for our waistlines, 2% or skim milk works the best. For frothed milk, simply push the button and stir the milk into froth. If you just want hot milk, just remove the whisk attachment and heat the milk.

While the Keurig coffee machine doesn't make lattes exactly, by adding this froth you can easily make a latte at home. Here is a little trick to make your favorite latte.

A typical caf latte is made with espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of foamed milk. Here is a simple recipe you can make even without the milk frother.

Coffee Latte Recipe to make at home!

Brew 1 K-Cup of dark roast coffee. (Good choice suggestions: Green Mountain Espresso blend, Sumatra Roast, or maybe Caribou's Mahogany Roast)

Pour 4 ounces of the brewed coffee into a separate mug

Heat 6 oz of milk in the milk frother

Pour just 4 ounces of the heated milk into the mug with the coffee, and stir

Add 2 ounces of frothed milk to the top of the latte

Make it special! Add sweetener to taste and garnish with shaved chocolate, cinnamon powder or nutmeg.

If you don't have the milk frother, you can heat the milk on the stove until it is hot. Again, pour 4 ounces of the milk into your cup, but keep back the other 2 ounces. Put the 2 ounces in your blender and blend until it is foamy. Pour this on top of your latte.

Your clean up will be quicker, and your milk will heat a lot faster with the milk frother.

The secret to cleaning the frother is, number one, only heat the amount of milk you are going to use immediately, and number 2, clean it as soon as your can. Don't leave the froth sitting there for any length of time. Carefully and thoroughly clean both pieces, and don't submerge the pitcher in water.

For a really special drink you can make at home, add one-half of a capful of flavored syrup, such and French vanilla, caramel, or white chocolate to the milk BEFORE you heat it.

Your next dinner party will leave your guests talking about the great restaurant quality latte or espresso that you can make at home.

Understanding Coffee Maker Cup Size

2011-11-01T06:43:00.001-07:00

Why don't I get twelve cups of coffee from my 12-cup brewer?

It's the holidays and the extended family is staying at your place. You brew a full pot in your brand new 12-cup Cuisinart. Relatives jockey for their morning joe, but only the first five in line get their fill. The pot is empty. Urgh! You knew you'd have a houseful -- that's why you bought the large brewer. What went wrong?

A "Cup" of Coffee Does Not Mean 8 Ounces

Coffee maker cup sizes are not standardized. The number of ounces that make up a "cup" varies by manufacturer. The same company can even have models that differ amongst themselves.

For example, in a Bodum 3-cup French press, a "cup" measures 4 oz. But if you are using the 8-cup Bodum French press, a "cup" comes in at 4.25 oz. But wait! Bodum also makes vacuum brewers and a "cup" in one of those is around 5.7 oz. Confused yet?

Experts even disagree when trying to name the most commonly used cup measurement. Votes are split between 4 oz., 5 oz., and 6 oz.

One thing is for sure: a "cup" of coffee does not fill up the typical 12 oz. coffee mug found in most American homes.

Ounces per Cup in Popular Coffee Maker Brands

Bunn: 5 oz

Bodum (French Press): 4 oz to 4.25 oz

Bodum (Vacuum): 5.7 oz

Capresso: 5 oz

Cona: 5.5 oz to 5.7 oz

Cuisinart: 5 oz

Krups: 5 oz

Proctor Silex: 4.5 oz

Technivorm: 4.2 oz

Zojirushi: 5.1 oz

To complicate things even further, coffee brewing instructions frequently tell you how much ground coffee to add for every 6 ounces of water. You'll see this metric on the back of a can of Maxwell House as well as published by coffee authorities such as the National Coffee Association of U.S.A., Inc. Further proof of the lack of standardization.

Metric Conversion

So what's up with the folks at Zojirushi? Did they sit down and decide that a cup of coffee should be 5.1 oz (5.0721, to be exact)?

Coffee brewers designed and marketed outside of the US frequently start out with metric measurements. The brewer capacity will be in liters, and the corresponding number of cups will be a nice round figure in milliliters.

When these brewers are sold in the U.S., the cup capacity remains the same, but the milliliters are converted to ounces - and frequently end up as fractional ounces. Which look weird.

Zojirushi is a Japanese housewares company. Their 10-cup Fresh Brew thermal coffee maker has a capacity of 1.5 liters. That comes to 150 ml per cup. But when we convert the Fresh Brew to ounces, the 1.5 liters becomes a total capacity of 50.721 ounces - or 5.721 ounces per cup. Still weird -- but understandable.

Supersize It

Another thing to consider when realizing that your 12-cup brewer serves less than six people, is the tendency of Americans to supersize. We love our SUVs and our Big Gulps. Coffee is no exception, as evidenced by the recently introduced "Trenta" size at Starbucks. The Trenta holds a whopping 31 oz, a full 11 oz more than Starbuck's already-huge "Venti" size.

"Bigger" is a trend in our society, and it skews our expectations. Instinctively, we want a "cup" of coffee to fill up our favorite ceramic mug or our insulated travel mug. And those everyday items are BIG.

Our household coffee makers have not adjusted to these expectations. Cup volume is more in line with historically smaller serving sizes and in line with a global perspective. (You won't find a Trenta-sized anything in a traditional European coffee house.)

Divide to Conquer

That the number of mugs you can fill from one pot of brewed coffee differs so much from the number advertised on the box is actually a common source of consumer dissatisfaction with a coffee maker purchase.

But a little bit of division is all that is necessary to manage expectations when it comes to coffee maker cup size.

When shopping for a coffee maker, I recommend completely ignoring the advertised number of cups.

Instead, pay attention to the maximum number of ounces that the water tank holds. Then, measure the capacity in ounces of the coffee mug or cup you typically use. Divide the tank capacity by the mug capacity. This tells you how many times you can fill your favorite mug - or how many real-life servings to expect.

Remember:

A brewer's advertised number of "cups" refers to a serving size, and not a unit of measure

Coffee maker serving sizes are much smaller than we've come to expect

When you need to feed a crowd or fill travel mugs for a long commute, keep these things in mind and everyone will get their fill.

How Do You Make Homemade Iced Coffee? Simple Instructions to Make Iced Coffee

2011-10-31T14:42:00.001-07:00

Isn't it always the case that good life taste better when you are on vacations? Sitting at the beach, strolling the boulevard with your loved one and sharing an iced coffee at the bar. I am going to help you getting that nice summers feeling straight into your home. You are going to learn how to make your own homemade iced coffee At most places you'll visit, the iced coffee is made from instant coffee powder and is called Frappe, originated from Thessaloniki in Greece. Today I am going to teach you how to make the Greek version of an Espresso Freddo. This cold iced coffee is made using a home-brew espresso instead of using instant coffee. If you do not posses an espresso machine, you can try using instant coffee instead, but the result will not be half as good when using a descent espresso.

This is what you need

Double shot of espresso ( triple if you like or you can make a double ristretto)

OR 2 1/2 teaspoons of instant coffee

Glass full of Ice Cubes (preferably crushed)

Sugar (optional - but do not take sweeteners, because they break down the foam)

Shaker (anything that shakes as long it keeps the goodies in)

Straw

Long drink glass (or something really big)

Step 1: Preparing your espresso shot If you have an espresso machine with grinder, try to use a ground which gives a natural sweet taste to your espresso. This way you can cut back on the amount of sugar. If your espresso tastes a bit sour, then use a more dense ground settings while if your espresso tastes a bit bitter then you can try a more coarse grind.

Step 2: All in the shaker Add sugar to your taste to the hot espresso before you pour it into the shaker.(In the cold iced coffee the sugar cannot dissolve anymore). Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker and then add the espresso to it. Close the shaker and firmly shake it at least 20 seconds so the oil from the espresso can mix with the ice.(take 10 secs if you used instant coffee, since this doesn't contain any oil). The espresso now is nicely cooled down and what you want to see as a result is the mixture having a dense dark foam layer.

Step 3: Icing it up You are almost there: Now we are going to add freddo to the espresso. Take a tall glass and fill it for 2/3 with crushed ice. Add your shaken espresso, stir and serve it with a straw.

Now the only thing you have to do is wearing those fancy shades, your too colorful Bermuda pants and invite your friends to show off your vacation pics. Enjoy your homemade iced coffee!

How to Clean an Espresso Machine

2011-10-30T22:37:00.003-07:00

Whether you are a professional barista in charge of a high-end coffee bar or an occasional user of your own kitchen based espresso coffee maker, it is essential to clean and maintain the machine regularly in order to be assured that it delivers to the highest standard.

Cleaning the exterior of your espresso machine is a relatively simple task and should be carried out on a regular basis to ensure your coffee maker is aesthetically pleasing to your customers or visitors. This can be achieved using a cloth soaked in hot water, a neutral cleaner can be used if you need to remove splash marks or coffee grounds.

To ensure that your machine delivers the highest standards of coffee consistently always make sure that the internal workings are kept clean.

Daily Cleaning

After the daily use of your coffee maker you should carry out the backflush procedure using a blind filter (a blind filter looks similar to an ordinary filter but it has no holes). Place the blind filter into the filter handle, run water through the group head whilst simultaneously jiggling the filter handle to rinse the water around the shower-screen and the seal on the underside of the group head. Then tighten the filter handle, run water into the group head for about 10-15 seconds and release the pressure as if you had just finished drawing an espresso shot. Repeat this last action 3 or 4 times to rinse any residues out of the pressure release mechanism.

Regular Cleaning

It is recommended that your espresso machine is cleaned after every 30 uses or so using cleaning tablets or powder. Citric acid is a natural, cost-effective cleaner and can be used to carry out this procedure. Place 3-4 tablespoons of the citric acid into the blind filter and repeat the procedure described in "daily cleaning" leaving around 30 seconds between each backflush. Finally, remove any excess citric acid from the blind filter and run the procedure one more time using clean water to ensure the system is completely clean and no traces of the citric acid are left in the system.

Every 3-6 months

To prevent lime-scale build-up in your espresso machine it is advisable to run a de-scale program every 3-6 months depending on the hardness of water in your area. Empty the water reservoir and fill with an appropriate amount of de-scaling solution (2 tablespoons of citric acid per litre of water is recommended).

Run the machine to fill the boiler and pipes with the de-scaling solution. If your coffee machine has a heat-exchanger mechanism make sure that you run water through both the hot water wand and the group head as they have separate pipes and sections in the boiler. Run some of the de-scaling solution through the hot water wand and group head. Also, on professional machines use the backflush procedure to run some of the de-scaling solution through the pressure release valve. Leave the coffee maker switched on with the de-scaling solution in it for around half an hour and then empty the water reservoir and refill with clean water. Flush the clean water through the boiler, pipes, steam wand, hot water wand, group head, and pressure release valve - you will probably need to use 1 or 2 full reservoirs of clean water. When you are satisfied that the boiler and pipes are full of clean water make at least one cup of coffee and throw it away. It is recommended that you use PH test strips to check that all the de-scaling solution has been rinsed out.

Once you have finished the cleaning process enjoy a well-earned cup of coffee from your immaculate espresso machine!

What Are the Different Types of Coffee?

2011-10-30T22:37:00.001-07:00

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks around the world and is sold in a variety of different styles, taste and brands. Despite all of this variety when it comes down to it, all of the different types originate from only two different kinds of beans: the Arabica coffee beans and the Robusta coffee beans. The flavor of the beans is then decided on where they are from and how they are prepared.

Arabica Coffee Beans

The Arabica coffee beans are the type of bean that is most commonly used. In fact three out of every four cups of coffee is made from Arabica coffee beans. Out of the two types of beans, these are considered to be the better bean with more flavors. Arabica beans are mostly grown in Central and South America, as well as Africa, but can be grown anywhere in the world. These beans are used to make the types of coffee commonly made in the coffee shops and home coffee makers.

Robusta Coffee Beans

The Robusta variety can be grown anywhere in the world and are much easier to grown than Arabica beans. This type is used in about 25% of different types of coffee and are most commonly found in instant coffee, freeze-dried coffee and coffee blends. This is less expensive that the other type of beans and is commonly they type used in restaurants. The Robusta beans also have twice as much caffeine as you would find in the Arabica beans, which makes them popular for some people.

How are Different Flavors Made

Since all types of coffee originate from only two different types of beans, there are other factors that cause the difference in taste. Where they are grown will make a difference how the coffee will taste. South American coffee will taste much different the beans grown in Europe. The best ones are grown at elevations the are higher than 3,000 feet above sea level. The type of roast will also make a difference in how the coffee taste. Generally, the darker the roast the deeper and richer the taste will be.

How the different types of coffee are prepared plays a major roll in how the coffee will taste. An espresso for example will not taste the same as a caf latte, even if the same type of beans are used. How long the coffee is brewed, if cream is added or not and if chocolate or liqueur are added will all make a difference on how the cup of coffee tastes.

Coffee Cherries Are Sweet But They Make Better Coffee Than Jam!

2011-10-30T06:32:00.003-07:00

The coffee cherries are a beautiful bright red when they have matured and are ready to be harvested. The cherries grow and mature all year round, but in Ecuador, the harvest is traditionally just once a year.

Some countries actually have a small, second harvest called a "fly crop!" It is never as great or as big as the primary harvest. Depending on the rains and moisture in a given region, a second crop is always possible.

In some countries, where rainfall is constant all year round, it is normal to have a second short harvest, and coffee cherries seem to never end.

Some coffee farmers harvest the cherries all at once, taking the green and yellow cherries all at the same time. The coffee produced from this type of harvest is of the common variety that you would traditionally find in a grocery store, already ground in a can or bag.

What is rather disturbing about this practice is instead of being a little patient by allowing the cherries to mature before harvesting, the farmers sacrifice at least 40% of the value of their coffee. While it seems to be a quick way to make money with little effort, in the end more is sacrificed than is gained.

This is common for most farmers and accounts for the greatest amount of coffee harvested. Because of this mixture of ripe and unripened cherries, the overall quality of the coffee beans that will be processed have more defects so the yield is less as well as the potential quality of the coffee made from these beans. Coffee "blends" would be common for this type of coffee, where only a small amount of "premium" coffee is used, and the rest is made up of the more common variety.

This type of coffee is what has been offered in the U.S. for decades, and you never knew there was something better until Coffee Houses began to pop up all over the place specializing in the un-blended, Arabica coffees, long considered gourmet of specialty coffee.

In the late 1900's, the U.S. nearly became a "tea drinking" country as the coffee consumption declined due to such poor quality coffee being offered by major roasters. Today, major food chains, as well as roasters and wholesale food suppliers have been forced by consumer demand to improve their coffee offerings with great success. It is now possible to go to get a breakfast sandwich, a donut, or gas at the local convenience store, and get a good cup of coffee too!

The Coffee Grinder: Handy Tool For Coffee Lovers

2011-10-30T06:32:00.001-07:00

Grinding coffee in your own kitchen provides the opportunity to touch and smell the beans, as well as anticipate the sweetness, acidity, taste and flavor of the cup. The coffee you prepare is rich and fresh and the aroma filling the room is a great way to start a new day. There are tools and appliances that are prized possessions on the kitchen counter full-time. Yours may be different from the ones someone else prefers but they probably include several of the following: a coffee maker with a built-in grinder or a standalone coffee grinder, a blender, juicer or food processor, a set of quality knives, and a radio.

The choices of grinders available are many. Antique grinders in cylinder shaped mills. Manual grinders you place above a bowl to catch the ground coffee. Hand-cranked grinders with a drawer below the blade for the grounds. The mortar-and-pestle coffee grinder is another antique version that requires manual strength and patience to grind the coffee. Other types of available coffee grinders include electric and manually operated models with conical or wheel burr grinding.

The history of coffee grinders takes us back to the Middle Ages to Turkey, Persia and Greece. Coffee beans were roasted in small saucers over a fire. A cylinder shaped mill was used to grind the coffee. The manually hand cranked grinder was fairly simple in its design. The top would have a removable lid to put the coffee beans in the main body of the container. The main body was shaped like a cylinder. The mill inside would grind the coffee beans. The ground coffee would fall into a bowl or plate. The grounds were transferred to a different container for brewing. Grinders were modified over time. For example, two conical sockets were added to the design. One attached to the mill and the other to the bottom of the body using a screw. The bottom container would hold the ground coffee. This is the way the Turkish manual coffee grinder is still used by millions of people in Turkey and abroad.

A wooden mortar-and-pestle grinder, used to make "coffee powder," was listed in the cargo of the Mayflower in 1620. This is not a surprise since Captain John Smith (c. January 1580-June 21, 1631), who was an English soldier, explorer, author and among the first arrivals in the New Continent, had become familiar with coffee during his visits to Turkey. It is interesting to note that the Dutch, who had early knowledge of coffee from their colonies around the world, were not the first to bring coffee to the first permanent settlements. However, coffee was probably imported from Holland as early as in 1640. The British introduced the coffee drink to the New York colony sometime between 1664 and 1673 which is noteworthy since tea is the traditional British beverage. In the 1670's coffee was roasted, ground, brewed, and then flavored with sugar or honey, and cinnamon. Undoubtedly the mortar-and-pestle coffee grinding technique changed as innovative New World settlers figured out ways to ease the task of coffee grinding through the use of more efficient and long lasting coffee grinding tools.

The first US patent for a coffee grinder was issued to Thomas Bruff of Maryland in 1798. Thomas Bruff was one of Thomas Jefferson's dentists. Thomas Jefferson often referred to tooth problems and dental visits in letters that are now public record. It is quite possible that when he visited Dr Bruff's office, Thomas Jefferson may have seen a wall-mounted device with ground beans between metal nuts with coarse and fine teeth. No pun intended but how appropriate for a dentist to have filed the first US patent for a coffee grinder! In 1870 the Champion# 1 became one of the most widely used commercial grinders in grocery stores. In 1898, the Hobart Manufacturing Company of Troy, Ohio, filed a patent for an electric grinder. The design included teeth on a rotating shaft inside the housing underneath the bean compartment. Several years later several patents were granted for grinder blades using slightly different improvements in the steel-cut design.

For some coffee lovers and connoisseurs, antique coffee grinders are a must collectible in their homes. This does not mean that if you are one of them you have to hunt for one at garage sales or at old-fashioned general stores. You certainly can do so if that is your preference. However, well-known coffee making equipment manufacturers recognized the trend and now offer a wide selection of coffee machines that look genuinely antique. They preserve the look and feel of antique coffee grinders but incorporate modern improvements to ensure a fine and superior grind for great tasting coffee. Some of the brands for antique style gourmet coffee grinders include Bodum, Universal, and Jablum to mention just a few.

Of course, you do not have to use an antique coffee grinder to grind your beans. There are many alternatives available in modern coffee grinding equipment to satisfy the most demanding of coffee lovers. Burr grinders are probably the best choice for home coffee grinding. They tend to have two different spinning surfaces to crush the beans placed between them. The styles, sizes, shapes of cylinders, and other features vary from one model to the next. Why use a burr grinder? Unlike blade grinders, burr grinders crush coffee in an almost frictionless way which means the beans release the maximum flavor oils for a fresh and great cup of brewed coffee. Burr grinders are available as either manually operated or automatic grinders. The choice will be entirely up to you. The manual process is not that long, really. It usually takes about 5 minutes of manual grinding or so for a typical 8 to 12 cup pot size. However, this can be inconvenient if you are pressed for time. Whether you choose a manual or automatic burr grinder, the coffee will be uniformly ground which is a great feature for great tasting coffee. Bodum, Capresso, and Breville are examples of brands of burr coffee grinders available.

With all this talk of coffee, I'm ready for a great cup of Jamaican Genuine Blue Mountain gourmet coffee. Want to join me for a cup?

The Many Places Coffee Comes From

2011-10-29T14:29:00.001-07:00

The story of coffee begins in Ethiopia, the original home of the coffee plant now known as Coffea Arabica. In 1753, the botanist Linnaeus identified coffee Arabica as one of two major species of coffee and that accounts for over 70 percent of all coffee grown. The other major species is Coffea Canefora, which is most commonly known as Robusta. This coffee is mostly used in blends with the coffee Arabica.Therefore, the Coffea Arabica plant will be the main focus. The coffee Arabica still grows wild in the forest of the highlands and on cultivated lands of Ethiopia, which many claim began in the early 800s AD. Because the man who found the beans and took them home to Yemen in 575 AD, many claim that the coffee Arabica plant has been cultivated there since then. The Arabica coffee was found growing in Sri Lanka and Ceylon as early as 1505 and in Constantinople 12 years later and then in Damascus a few years later. By the early the 1600s the beans were grown in South-West India.

Today, there are selected regions in the world where the best coffee is grown. Ethiopia is the worlds' sixth largest producer of Arabica coffee. This includes several types such as Sidamo, Harrar and Yirgacheffe. Other African countries that grow Arabica coffee are Kenya, Tanzania, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Ivory Coast produces Robusta coffee beans while Uganda produces Arabica Bugisu beans.

The once Dutch colony of Java and the rest of Indonesia remain a major world exporter of both Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. Arabica coffee bean varieties Sumatran, Java and Sulawesi are grown on old plantations on the islands of Java, Sumatra, Flores, and Sulawesi, which is one of the four larger Sunda Islands of Indonesia. Another Asian country, India, produces several notable Arabica coffee beans, such as the Monsooned Malabar and the Mysore. Vietnam's subtropical climate produces Robusta coffee beans. Arabica coffee beans are now grown commercially in the southern regions of Dehong, BaoShan, Simao, and Ruili in Yunnan province of China.

Central America and the Caribbean island nations are well-known for their coffee plantations, as well. Today, plantations and families grow Coffea Arabica bean varieties. Jamaica is famous for its Blue Mountain coffee beans, while Guatemala produces several types of coffee beans such as Acetenango, Antiguak Atitlan, Huehuetenango and Coban. These beans are grown not only in its volcanic mountainous areas, but in the western and northwestern highlands and in central Guatemala. Guatemala has preserved more of the traditional Typica and Bourbon varieties of Arabica beans than many other Latin American countries.

In North America coffee is grown in Mexico and is the largest coffee-producing area on the North American continent. Most Mexican coffee beans are grown in the southern states of Oaxaca and Chiapas where Pluma Coixtepec, Altura and Liquidambar beans are most common. Mexico grows coffee in both low and high altitudes. The only other perfect low altitude growing area in North America known for its Kona coffee beans is on the big island of Hawaii.

In South America, Brazil is the top-producing coffee area in the world and has been a thriving producer of coffee since the 18th century. Some of their most well-known beans include the Bourbon and Bourbon Santos. Typica, Caturra, and Mundo Novo are grown in the states of Paran, Espirito Santos, So Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Bahia. In Columbia, the Medellin, Supremo and Bogot varieties are most popular. Peru is quickly building a global reputation for producing traditionally cultivated, shade grown, high quality Typica, Caturra and Ja Muita Arabica beans.

Arabica Coffee beans and Robusta beans that are grown in large amounts commercially are mentioned here. Arabica and Robusta coffees are also grown by families and tribes in smaller amounts in such places as the Philippines and northern Thailand.

Discover The Truth About Coffee Trees And Coffee!

2011-10-28T22:24:00.003-07:00

OK, so what is the truth about coffee trees and coffee? Well, coffee really does not grow on a tree as you might think, but rather a bush classified as an "evergreen." Now that does not mean it looks anything like a Christmas tree, although when it blooms, it could certainly look like one then! The white blooms that look much the same as Jasmine or Orange blossoms cover the tree, and a sweet aroma fills the air.

But the coffee tree or plant, as it could be called, has no resemblance to a tree like an orange tree, or even an apple or cherry tree. I could resemble a Crepe Myrtle tree or bush as much as any other. Of course, that would be where the resemblance ends, as the Crepe Myrtle only produces beautiful blooms and no coffee!

The coffee tree, as it will be referred to here, because of the tropical climate that makes up it's environment, produces blooms and cherries year round. In some countries there are actually two harvests because of this. Getting a double harvest normally requires a great deal of rainfall, which also interferes with a harvest as trees grown on the slopes on mountains. Many are not terraced to provide stable footing, so the wet and muddy surface makes harvest difficult.

Oh, and coffee beans come from cherries that are deep red when mature, similar to those on a cherry tree in appearance, but with a thick outer husk, unlike a good Michigan Cherry. Still, these cherries are sweet with a pulp surrounding two coffee beans as a rule. The coffee beans themselves are not sweet, but they don't taste like coffee either at this point. That might be a fact that would be considered strange for many.

In fact, the primary reason a green coffee bean turns brown when it is being roasted, is because the heat from the roaster is causing the sugars in the coffee bean to caramelize, turning the coffee bean various shades of brown from light or Rubio, to dark or French Roast, or perhaps for Espresso.

So, a coffee bean grows inside a cherry that turns red when mature, which is filled with a sweet pulp surrounding the coffee beans, and the dried and cleaned coffee bean is green, which then turns brown when roasted! Got it? You now have some great trivia to stump your friends, or impress the Barista at your local coffee shop!

Drinking Too Much Coffee? How Too Much Caffeine Can Affect You

2011-10-28T22:24:00.001-07:00

I have a mother who used to rely on caffeine to wake up and to keep her going throughout the day. Knowing her own situation, she had restricted her children from drinking coffee. Both my sisters and I did not have a sip of coffee until we started our working life. It is not that we need coffee to keep us going during work but we started to drink it because we found the other side of coffee. Coffee has many benefits if we drink it moderately.

If you are like my mother who used to rely daily on caffeine from her coffee, you are not alone. Caffeine acts as a stimulant that stimulates the central nervous system. It makes you feel more awake and alert.

Usually drinking not more than three cups a day does not cause any harm to the body. Over dosage of caffeine may cause sleeplessness, irritability, fast heartbeat, muscle tremors, stomach upset, nervousness, indigestion, increased blood pressure and restlessness. However, there are some people who are more sensitive to caffeine than others. Even a small amount of caffeine will cause the side effects. Therefore, it really depends on how much each individual's body reacts to the caffeine intake to determine how much is too much.

Different coffee contains different amounts of caffeine content. The National Soft Drink Association researched that a 7 ounce cup of coffee if brewed, is about 80 to 135 mg of caffeine. Instant coffee is about 65 to 100 mg of caffeine, decaf brewed is about 3 to 4 mg of caffeine and decaf instant is about 2 to 3 mg of caffeine.

People who do not drink coffee regularly may be more sensitive to the negative effects. Other factors such as health conditions and age do matter. Pregnant women may be especially sensitive to caffeine because they take a longer time to clear the caffeine from the body.

In fact studies found that women who consume large amounts of caffeine are more likely to have miscarriage. However, until more research on the risks of caffeine in pregnancy, it is recommended that pregnant women should limit caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day.

If you think that you are consuming too much caffeine from coffee a day and would like to reduce it, do not cut caffeine out straight away. Try to ease caffeine off over a period of 14 days to reduce the discomfort. Too quick in reducing caffeine intake may cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure, migraine-like headache, muscle cramps, giddiness, excessive sleepiness and loss of concentration.

How Krups Began and What They Offer

2011-10-28T06:21:00.003-07:00

In 1846, the company responsible for the Krups espresso was created. Robert Krups, the founder of the company lived in the town of Wal. Robert worked for a guy by the name of Josua Kortz who let Robert run his business. The business was eventually turned into Krups International. Robert had nine children who all worked with Robert to turn the company into what we see today. At the time, the product of Krups was only delivered to Holland and Switzerland.

Krups espresso quickly overtook Germany as a leading manufacturer or scaled in 1900. At this time, the Krups machine began to take over, storming the competition. Without getting into much detail, this is how the famous Krups espresso came to be. The story goes on and is extremely interesting.

Krups offers a wide range of products that range from espresso machine to coffee machines. The products made by this company are well ever changing and are top of the line when it comes to quality. The company is constantly striving for perfection. Because of the lack of competition, the Krups espresso is nothing short of amazing and because of this, is the number one company for espresso and coffee machines.

The Krups espresso provides everything that could be wanted. Maybe you're looking for a coffee and expresso machine combination or a steam espresso machine. Krups makes these products without flaw and also offers a pump espresso machine that is the highest of quality. The models that you will see when looking for a Krups pump espresso machine are as follow:

XP320050

XP4600

P5280

The pump machines listed above are all new releases. Moving on, we have the steam espresso machine which only offers one model:

XP1020

The XP1020 is a high quality machine where competition does not match up. It offers numerous options that will shoot down all other brands and models. The coffee and espresso combination machines offer two options:

XP1500

XP2280

These are also very high quality machines that are built with numerous options.

With the Krups espresso machines, you will find programmable, one touch buttons that make it easy to achieve your goal. The only requirement is that the button is pushed, that's all. The machine will literally do everything. Inside these machines, you will find a new thermoblock which is absent in all other espresso makers. This is important to have because the thermoblock causes the machine to have a fast preheating and fights against lime scale buildup. Individuals have asked for it in the past and the company listened. Making messes with espresso machine are a thing of the past, you will also not need to worry the spills either. The krups espresso has it covered.

Whether you drink one shot of espresso a week or find yourself drinking 12 cups. The Krups espresso is designed to elegantly achieve whatever it is that you are trying to accomplish. Also, this machine offers an eject button that simply eliminates used espresso grounds. This is important because you will never have the problems of burning yourself or making a large mess.

This machine is officially 100% delightful and fun. There is a frothing nozzle that is built and designed to be a multi-directional on all product and models and the machine itself is built with a nozzle lock that makes latte and cappuccino making easier to maintain.

All About the Krups XP5220

2011-10-28T06:21:00.001-07:00

Being the smallest of the Espresso series, the Krups XP5220 still offers a large punch. This machine will meet your needs regardless of whether you are a casual or avid coffee or espresso drinker. What the article will do is give unbiased information about the Krups XP5220.

The Krups XP5220 offers an easy to clean system as do the other machines in the XP series. In this machine, you will find a no mess cake ejection button that ejects used espresso grounds when the button is initiated. Coffee drinkers enjoy this option and this ejection system is often sought after. The no cake ejection button keeps from making messes and no longer will an individual find the wasted time cleaning up messes.

Also, this machine is built with a thermoblock which is extremely lightweight. The thermoblock is responsible for faster preheating and fighting against lime scale buildup. This enables the Krups XP5220 to heat espresso and coffee twice as fast and no longer having to worry about bacteria buildup that ruins a machine.

The Krups XP5220 also has a Precise Tamp System that eliminates the needs to manually press coffee grounds. The Precise Tamp System compresses coffee grounds perfectly that gives the same coffee ground results time after time. No longer do coffee grounds spill out of the machine which equals to a no mess environment. All that is required is adding the coffee or espresso grounds and hitting the "start" button. After doing so, the machine will proceed to ground the coffee or espresso grounds perfectly.

Not only does the machine now offer a Precise Tamp System, but now also a 15 bar pump. This 15 bar pump makes the whole process of making espresso and coffee incredibly easy. With the 15 bar pump, we find a universal filter holder that has been made to be compatible with all types of coffee grounds; 1 to 2 cups along with virtually every pod that is manufactured. This universal filter proves to be perfect for all types of coffee because while it fits to every machine, it also eliminates the possibility of being burned by dropped, hot coffee or espresso grounds.

The Krups XP5220 also offers a frothing nozzle that is multi direction that makes cappuccino absolutely delicious if you find that you are a fan of cappuccino. The frothing nozzle also makes it possible to make lattes. The XP series designs the frothing nozzle to lock into place. This eliminates the tedious and annoying part of cappuccino making. Just like the universal filter, the locking of the frothing nozzle will prevent any possibility of being burned. It also prevents from spilling grounds and making an unneeded mess. On the back of the machine comes a removable water tank which is scaled to guide you as you determine how much water you need.

While concluding, we notice that this espresso and coffee machine does not cost an absurd amount of money and holds up well with its competition. The Krups XP5220 is built to be lightweight and is just one moving part (There are no attachments as it is one part). This machine only weighs 13 pounds which is extremely reasonable when thinking about all the functions that it offers. If you're interested, you can most likely find this product at your local appliance store. Good luck!

Seeking Out Coffee Business Consulting - 5 Elements of Expert Coffee Business Consulting

2011-10-27T14:17:00.001-07:00

Running a coffee business may look easy to the typical outsider, but think again: running any type of potentially lucrative business always has special challenges unique to that industry. If that weren't the case, just any capable person could launch a coffee house and immediately find success. This would in turn drive everyone's profit opportunities down to zero due to the unlimited competition it would create. It's simple economics.

No, running a coffee business is not as easy as it looks. Service businesses such as coffee shops and coffee houses must be able excel on multiple fronts if they want to survive and thrive. At the bare minimum, they must master the following skills:

* creating and maintaining a business plan that is tailored specifically to the coffee business

* understanding how to select and maintain the proper equipment

* knowing something about layout and design

* understanding how to keep costs down by running an efficient operation

* ensuring that your employees have not only the proper technical skills, but also a customer service-oriented approach to their work

Even if you already have years of business experience - or even a degree in business - there likely remain a number of surprises lying in wait for you just around the corner once you launch your new coffee business.

Or, maybe you have already started your own business in this industry already but now realize that you need to bolster certain skills in order to bring your business to the next level. For those involved in the ownership and management of a coffee house or related business, seeking out coffee business consulting can be a very wise move.

Here are 5 things that a coffee consultant can teach you that can help you get ahead in this lucrative, but competitive, industry:

1. Planning and forecasting:

Building a good coffee-related business means understanding how to set up the necessary infrastructure. It also involves understanding how to create sales and cost forecasts so that you can estimate your future profit potential. It is important to never underestimate the importance of forecasting during the business plan-building phase of your new venture.

2. Equipment selection and coffee sourcing:

Do you know the secrets behind selecting the right equipment? Do you have the necessary skills to choose your coffee wholesaler? These, too, are important elements in any solid coffee business plan.

3. Floor plan layout, coffee shop design and menu planning:

Good coffee house design rests on two factors, which can be summarized as "form" and "function." In other words: you need a beautiful layout and design, of course, but you also need a facility that supports efficient operations. Day-to-day efficiency is achieved not just by good employee training, but also through having the proper physical layout.

4. Operations and quality control:

Your ability to run a lucrative business will be largely dependent upon how efficiently you run your operations. In addition, you cannot overlook the importance of maintaining the quality of your coffee and other ingredients while in storage within your facility.

5. Developing winning employees:

One of the most important factors in terms of how your customers will perceive your brand is that of how you approach employee hiring and training. You need to place the proper focus in two areas of employee training: technical knowledge and customer interaction. Supporting a positive customer experience needs to be at the heart of every action your employees take.

Of course, there are other important factors to your future success, as well. For example, understanding how to promote your brand on a shoestring budget and knowing how to promote your brand online are going to be useful as you move forward with your plans to dominate your corner of the coffee world.

So, make the commitment to get yourself and your employees trained by top coffee industry consultants. Make sure you choose a training company which has helped hundreds of other coffee professionals prepare themselves for success. And, when shopping around, be sure to make sure that the consultant you choose offers the above-mentioned 5 elements of training.

Home Coffee Roasting - Roast Your Own Coffee Beans For A Tasteful Delicious Cup of Coffee

2011-10-26T22:13:00.003-07:00

Coffee beans roasting is a good idea in order to ensure that your coffee stays fresh. You may want to use a home coffee roasting machine to roast your own coffee beans at home.

For home roasting buy fresh green coffee-beans. There are suppliers who stock up raw beans and others who will sell only fresh green beans. You want to buy beans that are not more than a few month old.

Contrary to what was once thought, unroasted coffee beans don't last for many years. It is generally agreed by experts that green beans stay fresh for up to a year.

For this reason, too, it is not advised to buy bulk green coffee-beans, but low quantities so that your beans stay fresh. Buying in bulk may save you some money, but will compromise your coffee quality as the stocked up raw beans will degrade.

There are many types of coffee beans, but two types are primarily cultivated and marketed - the Arabica and the Robusta coffee beans both of which have many sub-types.

Arabica and Robusta beans differ in their characteristics. Arabica has about half the caffeine level of the Robusta and is considered higher quality. It is more vulnerable to predators and climate conditions and harder to grow than the Robusta. The Arabica coffee beans are more expensive than the Robusta.

Robusta, however, is used sometimes by specialty coffee servers to blend and balance the coffee flavors and may be used also in espresso drinks.

Roast the beans in your own coffee roaster machine. Roasting by yourself will allow you more control over the roasting levels. You can roast to various levels from very light to very dark roasts.

As a general rule, the darker you roast the less original flavors will be retained in the beans. Coffee beans vary in flavors and aromas according to their countries of origins. Lighter roasted beans will preserve more of their original flavors than those roasted to a darker level since the roasting process extracts the inner oils and develop the flavors of the beans.

When roasting to a dark level, little of the original characteristics will be preserved and coffees originating from different places and regions will have similar tastes - a burned taste.

Once you have roasted to beans to your satisfaction it is time to package them. Roasted beans release carbon dioxide, so they are often packed after 12 to 24 hours to allow them to degas. Then the beans are vacuum packed for freshness. They can also be packed sooner after roasting in air-tight foil one-way valve bags that allow the CO2 to escape while preventing air from entering the package.

Air, moisture, heat and light are enemies of coffee. Keep it in dark, light and cool places.

Now that you have roasted your beans you can grind and brew them and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.

Coffee 101

2011-10-26T22:13:00.001-07:00

Coffee lovers often take their daily fix for granted. You may know you love the taste of this great beverage, but how much do you really know about the stuff?

Ever wonder where all the different types come from? Wonder why it is sometimes called java? Heck - where does it come from anyway?

References to coffee drinking in America date back to 1668 and not surprising there was a spread of the coffee-houses thereafter. The coffee-house has played a significant role in American history. In fact, The Boston Tea Party was planned in a coffee-house. I have long thought that the popularity of coffee over tea in America was part of a larger cultural rejection of British culture that goes back to the Tea party of 1773, but I haven't seen anything to prove this.

Globally, its origins go back even further in time. Thought to originate in the Horn of Africa way back in the 12th Century, it is said that the fruit of the plant was called "coffee-cherries." Arabs of the time attempted to impose a ban on the export of coffee plants, but the clever Dutch found their way around this ban in 1616 and managed to cultivate some plants in greenhouses in the Netherlands.

By the late 1600s, the Dutch were expanding and colonizing around the world and they spread the cultivation of this great plant as they went. It's the Dutch who are responsible for coffee growth in both India and Java (now Indonesia). The British brought it to Jamaica, where some of the most expensive brands in the world originate.

We can thank the Dutch for spreading coffee around the world because they became the great supplier of coffee internationally. Today, coffee is second only to oil as a global traded commodity and is responsible for as much as 50% of the foreign exchange income of some developing countries.

Although coffee is grown around the world, its unique flavor for each region comes from their soil and growing conditions.

North American coffee typically comes from the Vera Cruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas regions of Mexico and tends to have a sharp taste. By contrast, Hawaiian coffees often called Kona coffee has a smooth, medium body taste.

Central American varieties from Costa Rica are wet processed. Many believe they have the perfect balance. These coffees are known as Arabicas. Guatemalan coffee in particular is known for its rich and distinctive flavor.

South American coffees come mostly from Colombia and Brazil - these have a reputation for mild flavor and a balanced acidity.

Asian coffees from Indonesia are where we get the name Java for coffee. The Java coffees are said to have low acidity and a rich full body. Some coffees get their names from the islands upon which they grow - Sulawesi and Sumatra for example is both islands and coffee names.

Kenyan coffees are well-known by most everyone. These coffees grow at the base of Mount Kenya and are said to have a sharp, fruity acid taste and full body.

And if you love espresso, you should know that the most robust coffees in the world are grown on the Ivory Coast. Dark roasted and strong, this coffee is most often found in espresso blends.

So there you have it - a primer on coffee. Now you can order your daily caffeine fix with just a bit more knowledge under your belt.

Arabic Coffee

2011-10-26T06:10:00.001-07:00

Ah coffee! The aroma of the coffee being roasted in the open markets and sold as it's going out of style. Hand roasting not only took place in the coffee houses, but also at homes in the long handled cast iron roasting pan with an attached flattened spoon long enough to reach the roasting beans to stir and constantly release this addictive aroma. You have not had coffee unless you have had it roasted for you by hand, ground then boiled to perfection for that ultimate cup of coffee. From the brewing pot, the urn used for serving it to the crafty and various looking cups used. So whether you are at the market, home or attending whatever occasion, engagement, wedding, graduation, the birth of a child, a holiday, or fast visiting for a "Sahra," a gathering to socialize. All of these occasions, visits, or events are accented with indulgence in coffee drinking, or sweet minted tea, fresh fruit and snacks. The ultimate hospitality of a Middle Eastern home is having coffee "on" and serving it all the time. Have you heard of Coffee Arabica, or the Origin of the Bean? Of course it is the Middle East where coffee was originally discovered. In these parts of the world, coffee and it's multiple ways of roasting, brewing, and serving it, coffee is drank in the liters from early in the morning to the late hours of the night, which goes without saying as farmers are early risers and are customarily to bed by midnight. Remember that early afternoon siesta helps a lot.

Now, coffee is the preferred drink of all generations across the new homeland. My mom and dad always had coffee brewing and their constant and warm hospitality, which they showed everyone, was and continues to be, the most gratifying gesture to me. Much of this was the hallmark and gracious gestures of my grandparents before them. To this day, I carry on the same kind of hospitality both at home and at my restaurant. Often my friends, and even my own kids (today's generation), ask if that was necessary or needed, not because the kids, unlike my parents and siblings, are unaware of this. It's because a lesser importance or value is placed on such things. One could argue that it's generational or the difference in the value systems or customary traditions of the time we live in. It is heartwarming, however, as our own kids are more exposed to this, in the long run they will become more appreciative of this unconditional return to this wonderful, interesting and most gratifying gesture of peace, love and friendship.

Arabic coffee is ground very fine compared to its counterpart American version. It is very much similar to the espresso grounds. Unlike espresso, it is traditionally sweetened with sugar or honey and spiced with whole or ground cardamom.

Ingredients

- 1 tsp coffee
- 1 cup water

Method

- Bring water to boil (with sugar if desired)
- Add coffee, notice coffee with begin to foam and creamy bubbles start to form
- Turn heat down and perk for a short minute
- Pour coffee into cups and spoon some of the foam topping each cup

Arabic coffee can be ground with cardamom or without. In fact, specialty stores stock both types of ground Arabic coffee vacuum sealed for freshness and taste.

French Press Coffee Making

2011-10-25T14:09:00.001-07:00

The secret to a perfect cup of coffee includes the right water temperature, the quality and freshness of the beans, plus the degree of roasting and the fineness of the grind.

In addition, having the ground coffee's surface area in contact with the surrounding water for adequate time to extract just the right amount of aromatic oils and flavor components will determine the cup quality. French Press Coffee Making is a great way to make coffee that ensures the correct temperature and duration for the coffee to be in contact with the water. Reaching the full profile desired from the beans is what great coffee making is all about and what provides a great deal of satisfaction to coffee lovers.

Some of the most popular brands of French Press coffee makers include Bodum, BonJour, Frieling, Chef's Choice, and La Cafetire.

Bodum is a family owned company from Copenhagen, Denmark. The company's original marketing positioning was to develop functional, high quality, affordable and uniquely designed products. The founder, Peter Bodum, designed the vacuum coffee maker called Santos. This coffee maker was internationally recognized for its unique and functional design for more than 20 years, from the 1950's to the 1970's.

In 1975, Bodum introduced its own first coffee press called Bristro which gained international recognition as one of the most environmentally friendly coffee making devices in the world. With more than 100 million French coffee presses and over 30 million teapots sold since 1974, it is obvious that Bodum is a dominant player in the market with a growing and loyal customer base.

Bonjour is a registered trademark of Meyer Manufacturing Company Limited. Meyer Corporation has worldwide operations. In the US, they market renowned brands such as Anolon, Circulon, Farberware and KitchenAid. The Bonjour product line includes high quality coffee, tea, cookware, bakeware and stoneware products for the culinary gourmet. Bonjour is recognized as a specialist in gourmet coffee-related products since 1995 when they introduced their first French Press Coffee Maker. Their current selection of French Press Coffee Makers is very extensive and in many different styles to please anyone's preferences.

Frieling USA is a woman minority owned business renown for its sleek kitchen solutions. It was founded in 1988 in New York by Monika & Bernard Schnacke specifically to market Frieling's German-made products. In 1990, they moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. The Frieling French Press Coffee Maker is double wall insulated stainless steel, has a brushed finish, a gorgeous mirror finish outside, and stays hot longer than a glass vessel. The clever design allows the device also to be used as a pitcher to serve cold milk, juice, water and more by leaving off the plunger/lid assembly. Very elegant, zero maintenance and dishwater safe.

Chef's Choice is a German-engineered 8-cup cordless electric French Press-Plus Coffee Maker. Features: multi-purpose single heat-resistant glass carafe usable for boiling, brewing, and serving. No exposed coils, very safe with a Lid Lock system for easy pouring, and a cool-grip handle with an on/off switch for convenience. Very elegant to serve at a dinner table. The water boils very fast at optimum temperature for maximum flavor because of the single-pot system design.

La Cafetire is a company offering a range of luxury cafetires, tea pots, chocolatires and hot drink accessories. The history of their French Coffee Press traces back to Louis-James de Viel Castel and one of his businesses, the British firm Household Articles Ltd who have been marketing this type of device for many years. Versions for sale include The La Cafetire "Classic" original French-press coffee maker made from top quality stainless steel. The La Cafetire "Classic" in a 24-carat gold-plated finish with a high quality borosilicate beaker. The newly-refreshed Havana version features a banded, chrome-plated steel frame and a durable black polypropylene handle and lid. The designer model Lexi New Bone China Cafetire featuring a silicone rim filter and a polished stainless steel knob. There are over twenty different versions for sale with a consistent message: bring the Parisian culture to your home and have a unique coffee experience!

Ready for a great cup of coffee? I recommend you taste Java Estate or Costa Rican Tarrazu gourmet coffee. Aaah! Delicious. Once tasted, always remembered.

The Basics About Coffee Pods And Their Brewing

2011-10-24T22:04:00.001-07:00

Drinking coffee is not just a daily habit most of us have, it's become an intricate part of our lives and when making coffee it does not always require simple equipment, as we might be tempted to think. In some countries, drinking coffee is thought to be an art and its preparation takes time, dedication and sometimes unusual coffee blends, like Tully's and Diedrich. Tea is also a similar case.

As you may know, coffee pods (also known as discs) do not come in the same aspect or wrapping as regular coffee. There are special procedures to ensure the proper manufacturing of coffee pods, and they sometimes require a lot of time and dedication. A coffee disc basically consists of a small quantity of ground coffee packed in its own filter. Therefore, coffee pods require special devices to be prepared appropriately, known as pod coffee makers. If you want to make the most of your coffee drinking experience, there are a few things you should know before deciding to purchase your own pod coffee maker. You must be familiar to the functionality of such a device in order to make sure you will be completely satisfied with the quality of your specially prepared java.

A pod coffee maker is not at all similar to a drip machine. Pod coffee makers use water under pressure to prepare one or two coffee pods at a time. When a coffee pod is inserted in the machine, it is punctured with small needles injecting hot water at high pressure in order to prepare the coffee. Pod coffee makers also need to be carefully maintained, as they can be easily damaged by mineral sediments. You are recommended to perform this kind of maintenance every three months or when you notice the preparation takes a bit longer than usual.

Moreover, each pod coffee maker manufacturer also provides its own coffee pods in order to ensure the high quality of the brewing. It is not compulsory for you to purchase coffee pods from the manufacturer of your pod coffee maker, however do keep in mind to always check the compatibility of all coffee pods with your device. Coffee discs come in various sizes and styles and not all of them are a match to every pod coffee maker.

But what about the best pod coffee makers available on the market? When deciding to purchase such a device, you need to keep in mind the three manufacturers highly recommended by critics and java devotees. Keurig, Senseo, and Tassimo are just few of the highly praised pod java makers around the world. They are manufactured by the best electronic device makers worldwide (Tassimo is made by Bosch) and will ensure the brewing of all compatible coffee pods at the highest level. Keurig is recognized as the leader in the manufacturing of these devices and has been the top choice of a wide range of customers wishing to make the most of their coffee drinking experience. Keurig devices are easy to maintain and use and will ensure a top quality brewing you will definitely enjoy.

The Atomic Coffee Machine

2011-10-24T06:02:00.001-07:00

The postwar years in Europe and America seemed obsessed with 'the atomic age'. Driven by both science fiction and science fact, along with a growing optimism that the future would be nuclear, many designers in the late 1940's and throughout the 1950's drew their inspiration from idea of the atom and nuclei. This inspired many classic furniture designs which featured spindly steel legs capped off with ball feet (representing the atom) and many other linear or globular features. Nothing was spared from atomic inspiration as toys and games, furnishings, fabrics and even kitchen ware was given the atomic treatment.

Few designs embody the atomic age more than the Atomic coffee machine designed by the Italian Giordano Robbiati. This ultra modern coffee maker was ergonomic, sculptural and with its aluminum body was totally state-of-the-art. The Atomic is a stove top coffee pot based on the Italian coffee pot, or moka pot where the water is poured in the lower chamber and when heated is forced through a basket containing the ground coffee and into the top chamber. The Atomic took the science from the moka pot and made it sexy. These days the Atomic coffee machine is one of the most sought after coffee makers from the atomic era.

The design of the Atomic changed slightly from the 1940's to the 1950's, the later model being more rounded and bulbous than the original. This rounder design was manufactured from the 1950's right up to 1986 when the factory closed. The classic polished aluminum finish was by far the most popular. However the 1960's and 1970's saw the introduction of a brown and also an orange enameled version of these iconic coffee makers being produced. Unlike the moka pot, which had been in the kitchen for some 20 years, the Atomic was much easier to clean than other coffee machines and with the addition of a frothing wand some years after the original design really won the public over as this stove top espresso machine could make cappuccino too.

The Atomic coffee machine was manufactured in Italy for some four decades and modern reproductions are available, although not cheap! Finding one of the original Atomic coffee machines could be a task in itself as companies based in the USA, UK, Austria and Australia manufactured their re-branded versions; some even featured a pressure gauge. Which of these iconic coffee makers are considered original and which aren't is open to debate as most date from the fifties and sixties. At the end of the day it's the design and functionality which matters most, so even a modern reproduction will look just a good as any of the classic Atomic coffee machines.