Gevalia Coffee Maker for the Perfect Coffee Cup

Gevalia Kaffe is a company which prides itself in producing the finest of European coffee beans and premium tea blends. For over 100 years now, Gevalia has satisfied the selective taste buds of coffee enthusiasts around the world.

They sell customized coffee beans which are packed right after roasting to ensure maximum freshness.

Gevalia now has a wide array of coffee bean varieties and premium tea blends to suit your taste. Along with the coffee and tea products, they also offer a wide array of fun and unique accessories and gift packages for the coffee addict in you.

'Gevalia Coffee Maker'

One of the hottest products that coffee enthusiasts will enjoy from Gevalia is their twelve-cup coffee maker.

This model features a brewing mechanism which will extract the full flavor from the coffee grind. It also comes with a "pause and serve" feature, as well as a round-the-clock programmable timer.

This is especially useful so that you can pre-brew your coffee cup the night before, and you will wake up to the aroma of a freshly-brewed cup.

Some coffee maker owners at home find it such a chore to prepare and clean their coffee brewing machines. With Gevalia's swing-out basket, adding a paper filter is a snap and brewing coffee has never been easier.

Its water chamber can brew up to twelve cups of coffee. Gevalia coffee maker comes in an elegant black or white model, and is available for only $59.95. They also offer a package which includes the coffee maker with a set of four specialized Gevalia coffee mugs for $74.95.

The Gevalia coffee maker is a suitable kitchen appliance that you can buy for your own home, and it also serves as a nice gift set for friends and family who are coffee aficionados.

'How to Brew your Gevalia Coffee'

Gevalia shares some of their trade secrets on how to brew the perfect cup of coffee. For their famous European recipe, use one scoop of Gevalia Breakfast Blend ground coffee for every six fluid ounces of water. This should be perfect to brew one cup. You can vary the measurements to suit your own taste.

The quality of coffee filter also counts when brewing coffee right in your own home. A good filter should be cone-shaped which is made of high-quality paper. A good paper filter will extract the utmost flavor, giving out the richness of the coffee.

Do not use tap water in brewing Gevalia coffee. Instead, use cold water which is filtered.

Of course, it is best to use Gevalia coffee maker in brewing Gevalia coffee. This model heats the water to high enough temperature to get the utmost flavor from the coffee beans.

If you will not drink your beverage straight from the coffee machine, store it in an airtight container of carafe. The liquid will lose its flavor if it is left on the coffee maker or a warming plate for more than fifteen minutes.

Finally, a well-maintained and thoroughly cleaned machine is critical in maintaining the quality of coffee that your coffee maker produces.

Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specializes in the latest in Food and Drink. For more information regarding Gevalia Coffee Maker please drop by at http://www.hotcoffeeplus.com/

Gevalia Coffee Maker http://www.hotcoffeeplus.com/

Why Connoisseurs Choose A Burr Coffee Grinder

Wouldn't you like your coffee the way it was meant to be? The best way to get the real thing is by using a burr coffee grinder.

You may have thought that all coffee grinders are alike; as long as they grind the coffee that's all there is to it right? Wrong! It makes a big difference to your taste buds. There are two key types of coffee bean grinder (the burr coffee grinder and the blade grinder) and you want to make the right choice. You see, blade coffee grinders have spinning blades that generate heat by the friction of blade hitting coffee bean at high speed. That's not good. It's actually rather sad because the heat kills the flavoids in your coffee beans. We love those flavoids, in fact some of us are addicted to them, so we will do everything we can to preserve them. We will therefore only consider the burr coffee grinder here as our quest is for the perfect cup of java.

With the burr coffee grinder, the coffee beans are loaded into a holding hopper which feeds them into the bean grinding mechanism, or burr's as they are known. The burrs provide a slow grinding of the coffee beans which is perfect for best results. The burr coffee grinder then directs the ground coffee into a holding pot ready for brewing. There are also some models that will send your ground coffee directly into the coffee filter.

The main advantage of a burr coffee grinder is that it delivers a more consistent fineness of grain in the coffee grounds which is very important in achieving the most flavor from the coffee brewing process. Another advantage of the burr coffee grinder is that it can operate at slower speeds so your coffee beans are not subject to heat buildup as they are being ground.

You really must go for the trifecta to create the quintessential cup of coffee. That is the best coffee beans plus the best grinding process plus the best brewing procedure. Oh yes and it's also important to use the coffee grinds within two weeks as our good friends the flavoids start to deteriorate with time.

So if you're over the instant 'plastic coffee' syndrome, get yourself a burr coffee grinder and start enjoying the sensual aromas of a real 'caught in the moment' experience. You can pick up a great deal on a burr coffee grinder from the many coffee specialty stores online. So if you're convinced that the burr is the way to go, then it's time to do some product comparison research. I think you will find that the added expense of a burr coffee grinder will pay dividends for years to come. After all, this is an investment in your lifestyle, not just a cup of coffee.

Bo Collins

Bo Collins is a coffee afficionada and publisher of Gourmet Coffee Beans A website catering to the interests of the coffee and chocolate connoisure with advice on selecting the best coffee bean roaster and coffee accoutrements.

Gourmet Coffee Beans best coffee bean roaster

A Coffee Gift Idea

Are you tired of receiving the same kinds of gifts over and over again? One quotation says --- It is better to give than to receive. Now is the time for you make a difference. Go and pack a unique gift for someone very dear to you.

There are many ways by which you can stuff your gifts. Usually, gifts are packed in boxes, paper bags, paper or tinsel wrappers, pail, baskets while some just give it as it is. Don't you feel overwhelmed when someone gives you a present? I'm sure you'll be very thankful for that person, especially when you received the gift of your choice.

Some people give gifts during birthdays, Christmas, New Year, anniversaries, weddings, baby showers, house blessing, graduation, baptismal and many others.

It has already been a custom, that people give gifts whenever there's an occasion. But is a special occasion really necessary, before you decide to give? It will cause someone to thank you if you give him/her a present in ordinary days. You can give to show someone your appreciation.

There are several ideas by which you can be creative in packing your gifts. Use your imaginations. Be inventive and artistic. For coffee lovers, a basket full of assorted coffee would be a good choice. You can mix and match roasted coffee with instant ones. You can also include cups and saucers and mugs too.

Coffee gift basket could be a pleasant gift for all occasions. It would be great for couples, as well as for small and large groups. Since break time is coffee time, this gift would surely promote sharing of thoughts and ideas during meetings and small gatherings.

Gift baskets are readily made and available for order and immediate purchase in coffee stores. However, you can do it yourself for a more artistic touch of your hand. In case, you don't have time doing so, the internet is there to accompany you to the well-known coffee basket dealers.

With a little research and some initiative you can get great coffee and arrange for it to be packed in a gift basket with other coffee related items, even some mugs or an espresso machine, and create a wonderful coffee gift basket. If you know the people who you are buying to coffee for you can take advantage of that and get them things you know they like, or things you think they will particularly enjoy.

Celia Namart an avid traveler has collected her thoughts and ideas during her many travels around the world. A recent discovery is the option of using coffee as a great gift idea, read about how to setup a great Coffee Gift Basket as a surprise for your friends and family.

Coffee Gift Basket

The Coffee Culture in the USA

It wasn't until I moved to the US that I started drinking coffee regularly and became what they call in the Netherlands a 'koffieleut', which translates literally into ‘coffee socialite.' Although the average European drinks more coffee per year than the average American, the cultural importance and its effects on the average European seems to me smaller than that on the average American. After all, coffee is a cultural obsession in the United States.

Chains with thousands of branches like Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks dominate US daily street life. Especially in the morning (90% of coffee consumed in the US is in the morning), millions of white foamy cups with boldly imprinted pink and orange logos bob across the streets in morning rush hour and on the train. Coffee drive-ins are a saving grace for the rushing army of helmeted and tattooed construction workers. During lunch break, men and women in savvy business suits duck into coffee shops.

Students chill out from early afternoon till late evening on comfy couches at coffee lounges around campus. Police officers clutch coffee cups while guarding road construction sites on the highway. In short, coffee drinkers in the United States can be found just about anywhere you go.

This mass-psychotic ritual causes Americans to associate Europe above all with cars that oddly do not contain cup holders (to an American this is like selling a car without tires), or with the unbelievably petite cups of coffee European restaurants serve, so small that my father-in-law had to always order two cups of coffee. It is my strongest conviction that the easily agitated and obsessed nature of the ‘New Englander' can be blamed on the monster-size cups of coffee they consume. Not without reason is the word 'coffee' derived from the Arab 'qahwa' meaning ‘that which prevents sleep.' Arabs have cooked coffee beans in boiling water since as far back as the 9th century and drank the stimulating extract as an alternative to the Muslims' forbidden alcohol.

These days coffee is second only to oil as the most valuable (legally) traded good in the world with a total trade value of $70 billion. Interestingly, only $6 billion reaches coffee producing countries. The remaining $64 billion is generated as surplus value in the consumption countries. Small farmers grow 70% of world coffee production. They mainly grow two kinds of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta. About 20 million people in the world are directly dependent on coffee production for their subsistence.

Table 1: production in 2002/3

country % 70% Arabica

30% Robusta

Brasil 42.03% Arab/Rob

Colombia 8.88% Arabica

Vietnam 8.35% Robusta

Indonesia 4.89% Rob/Arab

India 3.74% Arab/Rob

Mexico 3.54% Arabica

Guatemala 3.1% Arab/Rob

Uganda 2.53% Rob/Arab

Ethiopia 2.44% Arabica

Peru 2.24% Arabica

Table 2: consumption in 2001/2world consumption % kg per capita (2001)

USA 30.82% Finland 11.01

Germany 15.07% Sweden 8.55

Japan 11.47% Denmark 9.71

France 8.89% Norway 9.46

Italy 8.59% Austria 7.79

Spain 4.90% Germany 6.90

Great-Brittain 3.63% Switzerland 6.80

the Netherlands 2.69% the Netherlands 6.48

Although the consumption of coffee per capita in the world is decreasing (in the US alone it decreased from 0.711 liter in 1960 to 0.237 liter presently), world consumption is still increasing due to the population explosion. Considering that coffee consists of either 1% (Arabica), 2% (Robusta) or 4.5%-5.1% (instant coffee) caffeine, the average American consumes at least 200 to 300mg (the recommended maximum daily amount) of caffeine a day through the consumption of coffee alone.

The place I frequent to down a cup of coffee is the Starbucks in Stamford, Connecticut. The entrance can be found on the corner of Broad Street and Summer Street, to the left to the main public library with its plain pediment and slim Ionic columns. The location right next to the library harmonizes with Starbuck's marketing plan. At the entrance of the coffee shop a life-size glass window curves around to the left, providing superb voyeuristic views of pedestrians on the sidewalk. As you enter, you step directly into the living room area with stacked bookshelves against the back wall. Velvet armchairs face each other with small coffee tables in the middle, creating intimate seating areas. The velvet chairs near the window are the prime seats, which people unfortunate to score a wooden chair prey upon. At the back of the long rectangular room is the coffee bar and a small Starbuck's gift shop. There is a dark wooden table with electrical outlets suited for spreading out laptops and spreadsheets, dividing the living room area from the coffee bar.

Since I have been cranky for weeks I hesitate to order a regular black coffee. It is very easy to get cloyed with a favorite food or drink in the US because of the super-sized portions served. The smallest cup of coffee is a size 'tall' (12oz.=0.35l.), after which one can choose between a 'grande' (16oz.=0.5l.) and a 'venti' (20oz.=0.6l.). Half a liter of coffee seems a bit over the top, and it sounds absolutely absurd to my European mind. I finally end up choosing a 'solo' espresso.

Sitting in one of the booth-like seats against the back wall, unable to obtain a prime seat, I feign to read my book while eavesdropping on conversations around to me. Three middle-aged men sit in three ash gray velvet chairs and converse loudly. A vivid dialogue develops, exchanged with half roaring, half shrieking, laughter. They mock a colleague in his absence and then clench their brows in concern while discussing the teeth of one of the men's daughter. Two African-American women sit at a small table opposite the reading-table in the murky light, one of them with a yellow headscarf with black African motifs. Close to the entrance, in the seating area next to the animated conversation, a vagabond is playing solitaire. One by one he places the creased cards with rounded backs over one another, as if he attempts to stick them together. He rendered a couple of dollars in exchange for a small coffee to feel, in the warmth of the front room, nostalgia for a cozy living room and relives a sense of intimacy of having your own house.

It's a bright, sunny, early autumn day, a typical New England Indian summer. Sunbeams radiate through the coloring, flickering foliage, and throw a puzzle-shaped shadow into Starbuck's window. Autumn's hand turns her colorful kaleidoscopic lens. The green ash tree near the sidewalk resembles, with its polychrome colors, somewhat a bronze statue: its stem sulphur bronze, its foliage intermittently copper green and ferric-nitrate golden. On the other side of the cross walk the top of a young red oak turns fiery red. These are the budding impressions of the autumn foliage for which Connecticut is 'world famous' in the US.

In the world of marketing and entrepreneurship, Starbucks is a success story. It is one of those stories of ‘excellence' taught as a case study at business school. Founded in 1971, it really began its incredible growth under Howard Schultz in 1985, and presently has 6,294 coffee shops. But what does its success really consists of? A large cup of coffee at Starbucks is much more expensive than at Dunkin' Donuts: $2.69 compared to $3.40 for a Starbucks' ‘venti'. But while Dunkin' Donuts offers only a limited assortment of flavors like mocha, hazelnut, vanilla, caramel and cinnamon, you will find exotic quality beans at Starbucks like Bella Vista F.W. Tres Rios Costa Rica, Brazil Ipanema Bourbon Mellow, Colombia Nariño Supremo, Organic Shade Grown Mexico, Panama La Florentina, Arabian Mocha Java, Caffè Verona, Guatemala Antigua Elegant, New Guinea Peaberry, Zimbabwe, Aged Sumatra, Special Reserve Estate 2003 - Sumatra Lintong Lake Tawar, Italian Roast, Kenya, Ethiopia Harrar, Ethiopia Sidamo, Ethiopia Yergacheffe and French Roast. So Starbucks offers luxury coffees and high quality coffee dining, reminiscent almost of the chic coffee houses I visited in Vienna.

Every now and then, I grin shamefully and think back at my endless hesitation choosing between the only two types of coffee available in most Dutch stores: red brand and gold brand. Even up to this day I have no clue what the actual difference is between the two, apart from the color of the wrapping: red or gold. Not surprisingly, Starbucks appeals to the laptop genre of people: consultants, students, intellectuals, the middle class, and a Starbucks coffee is a white-collar coffee, while a Dunkin' Donuts coffee is a blue-collar coffee. In Dunkin' Donuts you will run into Joe the Plumber, Bob the barber, and Mac the truck driver. But what is it exactly, that attracts the white collared workers in the US to fall back into the purple velvet chairs?

I imagine their working days filled with repetitive actions and decisions within a playing field of precisely defined responsibilities. How many of the players in these fields get through the day with its routines for simply no other reason than being able to enjoy their daily 30 minutes-escape into the Starbucks intimacy where, for a brief moment in the day, you regain the illusion of human warmth and exotic associations of resisting the coldness of high finance?

For 15 minutes you fall back into the deep, soft pillow of a velvet chair and randomly, and alas how important is that moment of utter randomness, pull a book from the shelves. While, in the background, soothing tones resound of country blues, with its recognition of deep human suffering, a blaze of folk with the primary connection with nature and tradition, or of merengue reviving the passionate memories of adventure and love, you gaze out the window and ponder about that simple, volatile reflection in the moment, strengthened by the physical effect of half a liter of watery coffee that starts to kick in and the satisfaction of chewing your muffin, bagel, cake, brownie, croissant or donut.

It is, above all, that bodily ecstasy caused by a combination of caffeine, sugar and the salivating Pavlov effect. You remember the struggling musician behind the counter taking your order, the amateur poet as you pay her for the coffee and give a full dollar tip, feeling a transcendental bound in your flight from reality. You stare with a fastened throbbing of the first gulps of coffee at the advertisements and poems on the bulletin board, and dauntlessly you think: They are right, they are so right! and what do I care? Why should I care? Fuck my boss, fuck the system, fuck everybody!'

But then you look at your watch and notice you really have to run again. 'Well, too bad, gotta go!', or people will start gossiping for being so long away from your desk. And while you open the door, an autumn breeze blows in your face, the last tunes of the blues solo die out as the Hammond organ whispers: 'I throw my troubles out the door, I don't need them anymore'.

Coffee in the US is a subculture that massively floated to the surface of the consumer's society. Starbucks is more than coffee, it's more than just another brand on the market, it is a social-political statement, a way of perceiving how you would like to live, in other words it is a culture. Starbucks is the alternative to Coca-Cola and so much more than just coffee: it's chocolate, ice-cream, frappuccino, travel mugs with exotic prints, cups and live music, CD's, discounts on exhibitions and even support for volunteer work.

About The Author

Remko de Knikker is a contributor to Szirine.com (personal website: www.mindxp.com ). Remko studied West European history in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He is currently employed as a bioinformatics programmer at Yale University. He wrote two short stories 'A Short Story about Andrzej and Roman' (© 2003) and 'Theombrotus or the Pharmacia' (© 2003), is the editor-in-chief for Boilingpoint.nl, and a columnist for Sargasso.nl. He was a winner of the Bulkboek songtext contest (Stef Bos: Het verlangen vrij te zijn), and published two CDs: 'Blockbuster' (© 2003 Blockbuster) and ‘Handful of maggots' (© 1999 Blockbuster).

Szirine.com www.mindxp.com

Espresso Machines and Espresso Makers - Coffee Made Easy!

Who doesn't love a good cup o' coffee in the morning? Nothing like that quick pick-me-up to jump start your morning and send you out the door with the energy and alertness you need to get through the day. On second thought, you don't want to just get through the day, you want to power through the day. An espresso maker may be the perfect solution to your coffee needs.

Espresso makers create a powerful and strong coffee that can really wake you up in the morning. You see, a shot of espresso is a concentrated coffee drink. Espresso is made by forcing about 1.5 ounces of hot water through finely ground and extremely tightly packed espresso coffee. Generally speaking, a shot of espresso is stronger and has a more concentrated amount of caffeine than your normal cup of black coffee.

With an espresso maker, all these drinks (plus many more) are available to you at your finger tips. Try adding in various syrups, creamers, and other ingredients for the perfect coffee drink that you crave each and every morning! Having an espresso maker was one of the best investments I've ever made. I used to spend at least $30 a week on coffee, but with a small investment of buying my espresso maker, the only expense I have now are the coffee beans and any syrups or creamers I choose to put in. In the long run, buying an espresso maker can save you a lot of money as well as provide you great espresso drinks for life!

The answer is simple: GET AN ESPRESSO MAKER!!! Seriously, a great espresso maker is one of the best investments anyone can make!

Now there are plenty of different espresso makers, espresso machines, and coffee makers out there. You could just run out of the house in a mad dash and buy the first one you see sitting on the shelf at your store of choice, but wouldn't you like to do a little research and find out which espresso maker is right for you? Well, for those of you still here, read on...

Now, if you want to make sure that you get the top of the line, cream of the crop espresso maker, you're going to want to look at some of the features that separate the men from the boys, so to speak. However, if you're just looking for a basic, back-to-basics espresso maker for your everyday coffee needs, there are many choices out there. Many expresso makers have super-neat features like stainless steal exteriors, different size coffee cups (depending on how many you are preparing coffee for), cup warmers, and all come in different shapes, colors and sizes.

Make no mistake about it; if you've read this far you obviously have an interest in the realm of coffee and espresso drinks. The time has come to buy that espresso maker you've always wanted and secretly dreamed of! So take my advice, sit down and think about how much you're willing to spend and exactly what features you need. Make no mistake; buying a quality espresso maker is one of the best investments you'll ever make!

Expresso Maker www.MyExpressoMaker.com

Expresso Maker www.MyExpressoMaker.com

Does Coffee Really Taste All That Good?

Before anyone gets up in arms lambasting this as a blasphemous suggestion, be assured that the question comes not from an observer, but a partaker. Or has it just become a habit?

Specific qualifications include: decades of indulging in somewhere between a cup to a quart daily on average; sampling of countless brands; mixing it up with varieties from espresso to cappuccino; often grinding my own beans; and though an early user of cream and sugar, taking it straight longer can be remembered.

But a while back, after preparing the morning brew, I actually paid attention to the first sip. It's an accepted routine that mostly happens on autopilot. Normally coffee gets consumed without much thought.

Nor did things improve after drinking more. Rather, it actually caught me up short just because it was so blah - in fact the taste was really somewhat unappealing. I suppose there was some anticipation of that delicious initial taste, but it didn't happen that way.

There was simply no apparent reason for it not to taste good. Likewise, neither was the water, measuring, or anything else in the production process to blame. The problem was not the coffee - it was a premium brand with a name familiar to all.

Initially I wrote it off as some unknown anomaly, but it happened the same for a couple more days. Experiments with switching out the coffee itself, water and other variables didn't really seem to change much.

Over time, I didn't notice so much, but then again it's unusual to notice a lot anyway until later in the morning when the brain kicks into gear. But from time to time I try and savor that first sip especially, to see what I really think about it.

The results are still mixed. Sometimes it appears to be pretty good, yet others it just seems like coffee - nothing special, just comfortable. Will I continue to drink it - absolutely. Why, is hard to say, but probably that's where the habit kicks in.

Try an experiment yourself. Savor that next cup and really focus on the taste. Is it actually as good in your mouth as in your mind?

Or is it sort of like golf, where hitting a perfect shot from time to time keeps us coming back despite all the crummy ones in between?

And You Thought Coffee Was Bad for You!

I am sure that if you are a coffee enthusiast, you have heard this, but if not let me state it here. "Coffee is good for you!"

"Coffee is good for you!"

Recent research has shown that coffee is the number one source of antioxidants in the American diet. Antioxidants, are nutrients that are responsible from protecting your body's cells from being destroyed by toxins. This destruction has been linked to an increased risk of certain medical conditions, such as cancer, heart disease and others.

Antioxidants are found in the good stuff that our mothers made us eat when we were little, namely fruits & veggies. Amazingly, many of us didn't listen and took up coffee instead because more Americans get their daily dose of antioxidants from coffee than from broccoli!

The top 10 list for the the source of antioxidants in the Americandiet were listed as follows:

1. Coffee 2. Black Tea 3. Bananas 4. Dried Beans 5. Corn 6. Red Wine 7. Beer 8. Apples 9. Tomatoes 10.Potatoes

Research also showed that there was esentially no difference between the amount of antioxidants in regular versus decaf coffees.

Now this doesn't mean that you should run out and consume mass amounts of coffee. Like everything in life, moderation is the key!

And by the way, you should still eat your fruits and veggies, just finish them off with a great cup of coffee!

Check out more coffee tips and science at the coffee facts & fiction section of our website, WeBeJava.com

WeBeJava.com

The Best Pot of Coffee I Ever Made

I think the aroma of fresh coffee in the morning wakes up your senses and starts the day off with a feeling of vitality. With no coffee in the morning a lot of people have a hard time getting started. Coffee jump-starts my day.

I have used just about every type of coffeemaker there is. The percolators make a fine brew as do the programmable automatic ones. Whether you use glass or prefer stainless steel the finished product is only as good as the water you started with. Too much iron in the water tends to turn it green. Chlorine or fluoride will give the coffee an odd taste. Good water is essential. If you are lucky enough to have an artisan well I am jealous. I get coffee water from my neighbor, he has an artisan well with no iron.

I generally use a French Press coffeemaker but my favorite way to make the brew is with an egg.You are probably thinking, an egg? Yes, an egg. My great grandmother made egg coffee and it is a real treat. I make it for special occasions or when I want to share a cup with someone who has never heard of egg coffee.

To make egg coffee you need a clean pot and fresh cold water. I use an enamel one. Measure your coffee grounds into a cup and add a beaten egg. Stir the mixture into the cold water and put the pot over a low heat. Slowly heat to a boil, stirring often. When it comes to a boil, turn off the heat. Let sit for about two minutes then strain it into a cup.

That may sound like a lot of monkey business but I think it is well worth the effort. Coffee made like this over a campfire in the outdoors is delicious. At Christmas we add a little Irish Creme for flavor. Santa sure enjoys it.

I am such a cooking enthusiast that I made a website as a tribute to five generations of country cooks. You will find other cooking tips at http://www.pothaven.com

http://www.pothaven.com

Round Coffee Tables

Used correctly, they can balance the elements of your living room and add some extra character to dark corners. Round coffee tables add very interesting dimensions to a space filled with furniture. Nothing beats the elegance of a round coffee table - the right size, material and make can transform an otherwise unsophisticated living space into something classy and inviting.

They are also very easily stained - paint it a different hue each season and give your space an entirely new look year after year. Cedar wood strikes an unusual balance of a smooth finish that is highly resistant to the elements, making it the ideal coffee table for both indoor and outdoor use. Round coffee tables made of cedar are quickly gaining popularity, mostly because of their practicality and flexibility.

Select a round coffee table with minimalist details if you want other fixtures in your room to stand out, and do the reverse to achieve an opposite effect - choose an intricate and imposing coffee table to downplay the rest of your furniture. The key is to find the right coffee table size and design for your specific purpose. Round coffee tables are great as either centerpieces or corner accents.

Some people build their whole living room around a particular round coffee table style, especially if the table is exquisitely crafted, very unique or holds some sentimental value (such as high-quality coffee tables are passed on from generation to generation). It is also a god idea to buy matching stools, soft tables and lamps to complement your coffee table, if your space allows it.

Use your instincts and you will never go wrong. Don't be afraid to mix and match. To add more character to your coffee table, why not decorate it with colorfully covered books to add instant character to a neural room.

Benefits of Coffee

Coffee is a beverage that is prepared from roasted coffee beans. Coffee beans from different places have their distinctive characteristics like flavor, caffeine content, body or mouth feel, and acidity. To turn the coffee berries and its seeds into roasted coffee, a lot of processing and human labor is required. The processing of coffee involves Picking, Defruiting, Drying, Sorting, Aging and Roasting.

Benefits of Consuming Coffee :

Asthma sufferers may find that the theophylline in coffee may reduce their symptoms. Coffee may also help reduce the risk of colon cancer by keeping a body regular. Coffee is consumed by students while preparing for exams because it makes them more alert and even boost the learning abilities and powers of reasoning. The effectiveness of painkillers, especially those taken for migraine, is increased by drinking coffee. In men, it can reduce the occurrence of gallstones and gallbladder disease. Coffee may help to reduce the risk of a number of diseases and ailments that includes Type II diabetes, Parkinson's, colon cancer, cirrhosis, depression and much more. Coffee reduces the incidence of heart disease. Coffee represents by far the largest source of valuable antioxidants in the diet. Coffee is the early morning energizer that helps you to begin your day in high spirits.

In the summer months iced coffee is a special treat.For superior taste, cold coffee with different flavors is consumed. Expresso, Doppio and Macchiato, Long Black, Caffe Freddo, Latte and Cappuccino are some of the varieties that will be a treat to your taste buds.

For purchasing a coffee machine visit: Halfvalue.com [A unique shopping website]

Halfvalue.com

Other useful websites: Halfvalue.co.uk Lookbookstores.com

Halfvalue.co.uk Lookbookstores.com

Gourmet Coffee Gift Baskets

Are you planning to surprise a friend with a delightful gift? Do you want your gift to have personal touches that will reflect the personality of your friend? Find out what he or she likes and search for a gift basket that he or she will surely love! So you think she loves coffee? No problem; give her a gourmet coffee gift basket.

Gourmet gifts have been so popular over the years that many varieties are available, including gourmet coffee. Hence, if you're thinking of giving someone a basket of fresh roasted coffee and other gourmet coffee treats, there'll be no hassle at all. You can buy gourmet coffee gift baskets in different brands and types—flavored coffee, organic, or decaf coffee. Your gourmet coffee gift basket may also include coffee flavorings and mixes like coffee syrups.

With gourmet coffee gift baskets, you have wide choice regarding the gift that you give. You also have the liberty to include what other coffee treats you want in there. Whether you want holiday coffee flavors or other coffee compliments like coffee and espresso makers, teapots, French presses and filters, gourmet candy and cakes, or home coffee grinders.

Choosing a gourmet coffee gift basket need not be hard on your part; there are many manufacturers and distributors of such gift items. You just have to know the right information about such gift baskets and have the right resources. The internet alone offers hundreds of gourmet gift basket sites that offer gourmet coffee gift baskets and information about them; you will find store locations, shipping costs and agreements, basket arrangements and prices, etc. Magazines and printed materials about gourmet gifts will also offer the same information.

Gourmet Gift Baskets provides detailed information on Gourmet Gift Baskets, Gourmet Coffee Gift Baskets, Gourmet Fruit Gift Baskets, Affordable Gourmet Gift Baskets and more. Gourmet Gift Baskets is affiliated with Gourmet Meat Gifts .

Gourmet Gift Baskets Gourmet Meat Gifts

The History Of Coffee

Coffee - THE Drink of Choice

Did you know coffee is the most consumed beverage on the planet.

The Beginning of Coffee

Along with these people, other Africans of the same period also have a history of using the coffee berry pulp for more than one occasion like rituals and even for health. It looks as if the first trace came out of Abyssinia and was also sporadically in the vicinity of the Red Sea around seven hundred AD.

It became so popular among the Arabs that they made it their signature Arabian wine and it was used a lot during rituals. Roasting and boiling the bean was how they made this drink. The Arabs started making a drink that became quite popular called gahwa--- meaning to prevent sleep. It is speculated that trade ships brought the coffee their way. Coffee began to get more attention when the Arabs began cultivating it in their peninsulas around eleven hundred AD.

After the coffee bean was found to be a great wine and a medicine, someone discovered in Arabia that you could also make a different dark, delicious drink out of the beans, this happened somewhere around twelve hundred AD. After that it didn't take long and everyone in Arabia was drinking coffee. Everywhere these people traveled the coffee went with them. It made its way around to India, North Africa, the eastern Mediterranean, and was then cultivated to a great extent in Yemen around fourteen hundred AD.

Other countries would have gladly welcomed these beans if only the Arabs had let them. The Arabs killed the seed-germ making sure no one else could grow the coffee if taken elsewhere. Heavily guarding their plants, Yemen is where the main source of coffee stayed for several hundred years. Even with their efforts, the beans were eventually smuggled out by pilgrims and travelers.

Coffee Shops Appear

Around 1475 the first coffee shop opens in Constantinople called Kiv Han two years after coffee was introduced to Turkey, in 1554 two coffee houses open there. People came pouring in to socialize, listen to music, play games and of course drink coffee. Some often called these places in Turkey the "school of the wise", because you could learn so much by just visiting the coffee house and listening to conversations. In the sixteen hundreds coffee enters Europe through the port of Venice. The Turkish warriors also brought the drink to Balkans, Spain, and North Africa. Not too much later the first coffee house opens in Italy.

There were plenty of people also trying to ban coffee. Such as Khair Beg a governor of Mecca who was executed and Grand Vizir of the Ottoman Empire who successfully closed down many coffee houses in Turkey. Thankfully not everyone thought this way.

Coffee Tips Arrive

In the early sixteen hundreds coffee is presented to the New World by man named John Smith. Later in that century, the first coffee house opens in England. Coffee houses or "penny universities" charged a penny for admission and for a cup of coffee. The word "TIPS" (for service) has it's origin from an English coffee house.

Early in the 17th century, Edward Lloyd's coffee house opens in England. The Dutch became the first to commercially transport coffee. The first Parisian café opens in 1713 and King Louis XIV is presented with a lovely coffee tree. Sugar is first used as an addition to coffee in his court.

The America's Have Coffee

Coffee plants were introduced in the Americas for development. By close to the end of the seventeen hundreds, 1,920 million plants are grown on the island.

Evidently the eighteen hundreds were spent trying to find better methods to make coffee.

The Coffee "Brew" in the 20th Century

New methods to help brewing coffee start popping up everywhere. The first commercial espresso machine is developed in Italy. Melitta Bentz makes a filter using blotting paper. Dr. Ernest Lily manufactures the first automatic espresso machine. The Nestle Company invents Nescafe instant coffee. Achilles Gaggia perfects the espresso machine. Hills Bros. begins packing roasted coffee in vacuum tins eventually ending local roasting shops and coffee mills. A Japanese-American chemist named Satori Kato from Chicago invents the first soluble "instant" coffee.

German coffee importer Ludwig Roselius turns some ruined coffee beans over to researchers, who perfected the process of removing caffeine from the beans without destroying the flavor. He sells it under the name Sanka. Sanka is introduced in the United States in 1923.

George Constant Washington an English chemist living in Guatemala, is interested in a powdery condensation forming on the spout of his silver coffee flask. After checking into it, he creates the first mass-produced instant coffee which is his brand name called Red E Coffee.

Prohibition goes into effect in United States. Coffee sales suddenly increase. Brazil asked Nestle to help find a solution to their coffee surpluses so the Nestle Company comes up with freeze-dried coffee. Nestle also made Nescafe and introduced it to Switzerland.

Other Interesting Coffee Tidbits

Today the US imports 70 percent of the world's coffee crop. During W.W.II, American soldiers were issued instant Maxwell House coffee in their ration kits.

In Italy, Achilles Gaggia perfects his espresso machine. The name Cappuccino comes from the resemblance of its color to the robes of the monks of the Capuchin order.

One week before Woodstock, the Manson family murders coffee heiress Abigail Folger as she visits with her friend Sharon Tate in the home of filmmaker Roman Polanski.

Starbuck's Hits the Coffee World

Starbucks opens its first store in Seattle's Pike Place public market in 1971. This creates madness over fresh-roasted whole bean coffee. Coffee finally becomes the world's most popular beverage. More than 450 billion cups are sold each year by 1995.

The Current Coffee Trends

Drink and enjoy! Researchers are even finding many health benefits to drinking coffee. There's no sign of coffee consumption decreasing. We have really come a long way even with our coffee making machines. Now in the 21st century we have many different styles, grinds, and flavors of coffee.

The Power of The Coffee Break

Coffee is not only big business in the United States and the West in general but it is a national pastime that people like to get engaged in very frequently to get that instant buzz and also to feel like they're part of the larger culture.

Coffee has been so infused in our culture that we have a time of day called "coffee breaks" which occurs every now and then in every single workplace in the United States. It's something that we've just taken for granted because we've become so accustomed to it. In fact every time you gain new employment the first thing you look for during your break is to see if there's a coffee machine in the employee lounge.

People who have more expensive taste like to go downstairs and across the street to their local Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts or any number of a gazillion stores that offers some sort of coffee. Now this isn't just in the mornings but also the afternoons and evenings and really whenever the craving hits that people will reach out for the coffee and shell out a few bucks for their favorite blend.

It's become our main excuse to step away from our desks every now and then to just enjoy the sun and the weather every now and then. Can you imagine a culture where we did not have these "coffee breaks" we would not be leave our desks as frequently as we can and do.

Recall all those times a co-worker goes out for coffee and asks "can I bring you anything back". So not only is coffee kind of personal escape, it's also a very social activity as well that allows people to connect to each other every now and then and refresh their bonds.

Viable coffee maker parts guides and articles can be downloaded from our website.

Viable coffee maker parts

Choosing a Bunn Coffee Maker That’s Right for You

There are several factors to consider when shopping for a Bunn Coffee Maker. By analyzing these, you are able to narrow down your choice to the type which is best suited for you. Decisions made early on will cut down on problems encountered later on.

First, ask yourself where the machine will be permanently placed, how many people will be utilizing it, as well as how much space is available for the machine. Is it for large-volume application or small-volume application? Home models can make 10 cups at one time while standard commercial models can churn out 12. To take the middle ground, choose the small, commercial model known as A10 or A10A which can brew 10 cups.

Second, make your selection from the following types: Regular which makes coffee by the pot and has warmers to keep the liquid hot; Pod which relies on coffee pods to make coffee by the cup (rather than employ coffee grounds); Airpot which allows coffee to remain hot and fresh for longer periods of time and which can be moved from location to location because it lacks a warmer; Thermal which deposits the coffee into thermal carafes or thermal servers; Satellite that makes .5 to 1 gallon of coffee at a fast clip; SoftHeat which makes .5, 1 or 1.5 gallons at a time; ThermoFresh which permits the user to make various types of brew through different coffee recipes; Liquid that relies on liquid coffee concentrate to produce huge volumes of coffee at a time; and Urn that can brew 11.4 to 18.8 gallons per hour (this differs according to the model.)

Third, consider the waterline hook-up. A pourover feature requires the operator to funnel water into the top of the machine prior to operation. This feature can be found in regular, airpot and thermal models. The automatic feature allows the coffee maker to be connected to a waterline which lets the hot water reservoir to be automatically filled. With the automatic feature, users can still rely on its fallback pourover feature to fill the machine if a waterline is not available.

Fourth, look at the number of warmers the machine has. This, however, is only available on regular brewers, with options ranging from 1 to 6 warmers.

Fifth, does it have a hot water faucet? Such a feature can be found on regular, airpot and thermal brewers. Pourover machines lack this option. This feature is standard for the bigger brewers such as Satellite and Urn.

Sixth, look for the Digital Brewer Control feature in those coffee making models with DBC in their model name. This means it has touchpad digital technology which offers integrated electronic diagnostics, automatic shut-off, higher brewing volume, faster recovery time, additional hot water from the faucet, and improved temperature control. This type of machine does not have a pourover feature.

Once you've decided which features you want in your Bunn Coffee Maker, you are ready to select which model is best suited to your needs.

Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specializes in the latest in Food and Drink. For more information regarding Bunn Coffee Maker please drop by at http://www.hotcoffeeplus.com/

Bunn Coffee Maker http://www.hotcoffeeplus.com/

After WLS Patients Must Give-up Coffee, Tea, Soda and Alcohol to Sustain Weight Loss

Dieters are often told - drink water. Drink a minimum of 64 ounces a day - eight glasses a day. Gastric-bypass patients don't have a choice: they must drink lots water. Other beverages including coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks and alcohol are forbidden. Water is the essential fluid for living. Water is one of the most important nutrients the body needs to stay healthy, vibrant and energetic. A tell-tell sign of a gastric bypass patient is the ever-present water bottle.

The restrictive and malabsorptive nature of the gastric bypass causes several things to go wrong if a patient partakes of caffeine coffee or tea, high-caloric or alcoholic beverages. The caffeine assimilates into the blood stream very quickly causing jitters and nervousness more-so than a normal digestive system. The high-caloric beverages are easily absorbed through the shortened intestine causing a weight plateau or weight gain. And alcohol is absorbed with break-neck speed causing intoxication, vomiting or dumping.

Knowing this bariatric centers advise patients to drink water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. However, patients are told to avoid drinking water with meals as it will facilitate food movement through the small stomach pouch allowing a person to consume more food.

Nutritionists say a precise measure of the body's need for water is to divide body weight (pounds) in half and drink that many ounces every day. That number could well exceed 200 ounces a day for morbidly obese people actively engaged in weight loss. Most doctors advise gastric bypass patients to consume 64 to 72 ounces of water daily.

Kaye Bailey © 2005 - All Rights Reserved

An award winning journalist and former newspaper editor Kaye Bailey brings expertise in writing and personal experience with gastric bypass surgery to EzineArticles.com. Having spent most of her life overweight Ms. Bailey is strongly empathetic toward the obese, particularly overweight children. This compassion compelled her to found the website http://www.livingafterwls.com , a fast-growing resource of information, understanding and support for the weight loss surgery community.

http://www.livingafterwls.com

Choosing A Coffee Maker - Tips On Finding The Right Features

There are some basic features to look for when choosing a coffee maker and some luxury features that may give you a better tasting cup of coffee The majority of coffee makers are generally quite good and you will notice no difference in the taste of your coffee from one brand to another. If you are going to spend money on your favorite coffee, you will want to make sure the coffee maker you choose is of good quality and has the features you want. Choosing a good coffee maker is not a decision to be taken for granted.

If you are considering a gold tone filter, it will give your coffee a richer taste, but the upkeep may not be worth the small difference. Cone type filters are generally less prone to spillage. You can choose a basket type filter seems to provide a longer contact time between the water and the coffee grounds, so if a basket filter is your preference, make sure you use coffee grounds that are fairly large. The first decision you must make in choosing a coffee maker is what type of filter you would prefer.

Make sure your entire hand can fit inside the coffee pot to make cleaning easy. If you cannot easily wash the coffee pot with soap and water, your coffee will taste stale over time due to the build up of residue that cannot be cleaned easily. Coffee makers with a pot that has a long neck will be harder to clean. A dark color will look new a lot longer than a white coffee maker. The color of your coffee maker is to remember that white stains easily and tends to look old rapidly.

The housing area in any good coffee maker should cover at least half of the coffee pot, the keep heat in. Many manufacturers are making the housing larger so that the coffee in the pot stays hotter. A feature that is often overlooked is the shape of the housing around the coffee pot. Timers will allow you extra time in the mornings and if you choose a coffee maker with an attached grinder, the noise would probably eliminate your need for an alarm clock. If you don't mind your coffee grounds being exposed to air overnight, a timer is a wonderful thing to have. Other than the basic features, which include color, filter, ease of cleaning, etc., there are some additional features that you may want to consider.

If you want a coffee maker with an attached grinder, Filtered water does tend to make the coffee maker harder to clean and the coffee beans are not always ground uniformly. Filtered water does tend to make the coffee taste better, but purchasing distilled or purified water can serve the purpose just as well as a built in water filtration system. If you want a coffee maker with a built in water filtration system. Filtered water does tend to make the coffee maker harder to clean and the coffee beans are not always ground uniformly. Filtered water does tend to make the coffee taste better, but purchasing distilled or purified water can serve the purpose just as well as a built in water filtration system. Filtered water does tend to make the coffee taste better, but purchasing distilled or purified water can serve the purpose just as well as a built in water filtration system. They make the coffee taste better, but purchasing distilled or purified water can serve the purpose just as well as a built in water filtration system. Grinders that are attached to coffee makers are a bit of a hassle. In general, coffee that is freshly ground tastes better.

Choose a coffee maker that meets your basic needs and any has additional features you desire. You will be able to find replacement parts and will be assured of an acceptable level of quality. Make sure you purchase from well-known manufacturers. Choosing the right coffee maker is not easy. Most of the better brand names will advertise the temperature you can expect your coffee to reach while brewing. In general, the less expensive coffee makers do not reach this temperature. For the perfect pot of coffee, the water temperature needs to be around 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Coffee, Anyone?

Who, in their lifetime, hasn't popped into a coffee shop to meet friends and loved ones, and after spending an hour or two drinking and gossiping, popped out again no worse for the experience?

Most of us.

But there have been times in the history of mankind, when the drinking of coffee meant a difference between getting that girl of your dreams and not getting her.

In the cold land of Lapp, in the month of January or February, the Lapp people had a habit of gathering together at one of those Fairs to make their last purchases before meeting again the next year.

But while the older folks where busy buying the odd reindeer or two, the young men were more happily engaged in checking out the female talents, for since time immemorial Fairs where always a great recreational grounds for matrimonial stakes.

When a Lapp boy hit upon the girl that suited him, it was usually the custom for the girl's family to invite him to their tent where, after sitting quietly for a while, the boy would ask if anyone would like a cup of coffee.

Immediately cups and saucers, together with the coffee pot and all other accoutrements needed for the brewing of coffee, would be produced by the girl's family, and the boy would set to. This was not your instant coffee time. You couldn't just say ‘one spoonful or two?' This was brewing your coffee; and not on an electric stove, either. It was usually boiling over an open fire at worst, and on top of a wood stove at best. But in any case, it was not the even temperature of the regulated form. It was very much in the lap of Vulcan, God of Fire. And as all other Gods agreed, not only did he have a fiery disposition, he wasn't particularly nice either.

However, whatever the temperature, sooner or later cups of hot coffee would be produced and placed in front of the waiting family. What would happen next would seal the lad's future.

If the coffee was drunk, the lad was deemed to be engaged and well on his way to be married. If the coffee remained untouched, the courtship was over before it had begun. The would-be groom might as well pack up his bags and return to the Fair, for there was nothing for him in this particular tent.

He would just have to try his luck with someone else, and hopefully his coffee-making skills would have improved enough for him to be more successful with his courtship the next time round. No feedback whatever. Was it too weak? Was it too strong? Was the coffee not brewed enough? Had he been clumsy? He would never be actually told what he had done wrong.

Coffee: From Harvest to Cup

Coffee is a plant. However, before it can be drunk it must pass through a number of stages and travel thousands of miles.

Coffee beans come from the red cherries of the coffea bush. Each cherry usually contains two seeds, or coffee beans. The exception to this is the Peaberry, where only one bean is produced. The flavour a bean produces is affected by where the coffea bush is grown. Soil, climate and altitude all alter the way coffee tastes; this is why, for example, coffee from Columbia will differ in taste from region to region and from year to year.

Most coffee comes from two species of the coffea bush: Coffea arabica, simply known as ‘arabica'; and Coffea canephora var. robusta, simply known as ‘robusta'. Robusta beans are cheaper to buy then arabica beans because they produce coffee with an inferior flavour, containing more caffeine.

When the red cherries have been harvested from the coffea bush, the outer layers of pulp and skin must be removed to reveal the green coffee beans inside. There are two common methods of doing this: the ‘natural' or dry method, and the ‘washed' or wet method. The natural process of removal tends to give coffee a full-bodied yet mild aroma, whereas the washed process yields strongly aromatic coffee, with a fine body and a lively acidity.

In the washed method the outer pulp is removed using a mechanical pulping machine before the cherry is immersed into a fermentation tank for between 12 to 32 hours, after which the remaining pulp and skin is washed off, revealing the green bean. Finally, the bean is left out in a sunny area for between 12 to 15 days to dry.

In the natural method, the cherry is simply left to dry out in the sun for up to four weeks. During this time the pulp and skin become shrivelled and can then be easily removed.

The coffee beans are then sorted and graded by size and density. Generally the larger the coffee beans the better the coffee. The largest bean is known as ‘Maragogype' or Elephant bean. There is no international grading system for coffee beans, with different countries using alternative systems. For example, in many African countries, the highest grade of coffee is AA, whereas, in Indonesia it is Grade 1.

Green coffee beans must first be roasted before they can be used to make a cup of coffee. The roasting process produces the primary flavour and aroma of coffee. Beans are roasted by a skilled coffee roaster, who judges how long to roast the beans in order to produce the optimum taste. For example, Javanese coffee is usually roasted for a lengthy time to give it a full-bodied and earthy flavour. However, if heat is applied to the beans for too long, it will destroy this flavour and give it a burnt aroma.

The final process before you can enjoy your cup of coffee is grinding. The coffee beans need to be ground ready to infuse, using your preferred brewing method. Different brewing methods require a different coarseness of coffee in order to produce the best possible taste. For example, using a cafetiere you need coarse coffee grounds, whereas when using a stove-top espresso maker you require a much finer grind.

James Grierson is the owner of Galla Coffee: http://www.gallacoffee.co.uk - Uk online retailer of designer coffee accessories. Through the Coffee Knowledge section of his website he aims to help people understand more about coffee and give them tips on how to make great tasting coffee in their home.

http://www.gallacoffee.co.uk

Organic Coffee: Pick Me Up Naturally

If you are at all aware of health and environmental issues, organic coffee is a product that should be interesting to you.

Then organic coffee beans are just what you need for your daily cup of coffee. Then you will also want to ensure that you do not consume lots of harmful chemicals with the drink that you love so much. Or to sit up late at night, watching a classic movie, the cheery pot resting at your elbow within easy reach? Do you like to spend rainy afternoons at the window, a cup smoking in your hand?

Coffee is not an exception to this. Unfortunately, these substances persist in the finished product, though in residual quantities. In order to supply the growing worldwide demand for popular crops, farmers don't have a choice but to use harmful substances that boost production and minimize loss. It's a sad truth that modern agricultural practice greatly depends on the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Organic coffee is grown on all continents, but predominantly in South America, where the traditional low-tech methods are perhaps least different from modern techniques. Many organic farms have sprung up to supply their needs. As a partial solution to this problem of slow poisoning through toxic residue, many people all over the world have chosen only to consume produce that has been grown using traditional methods and without the use of chemicals.

It also means that the soil is protected from erosion, and the habitat and food-sources of birds and wildlife remain intact. In terms of environmental protection, this is superior to the high-tech method of clearing out wide regions around coffee plantations. It is very often shade-grown, which means that large shade trees are used to shelter to coffee plants during critical periods of their growing season. Organic coffee is produced under strict certification guidelines, and growers do their best to ensure that the methods are as environmental-friendly as possible.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

What is the Big Deal With Coffee Makers?

It's true! But did you know that the type of perculator that awaits you at home makes a huge difference in how the bean will taste once it hits your cup? When you go to the market you're not thinking about your coffee makers when you buy your favorite coffee beans.

That's why it's important to know the difference between the various percolators before you select that favorite bean of your's for your coffee in the weeks to come.

Water is boiled from underneath the grounds and the coffee seeps into the water until it's fully brewed. To brew a cup of coffee, grounds now are placed in the basket at the top of the pot. The percolator is still found in many kitchens, but is mostly a relic of days gone by.

However, the percolator doesn't do justice to most coffees and instead has something of a foul taste according to the tongues of many coffee experts. The result is coffees that are full-bodied and steaming hot.

These are available relatively inexpensively at almost any store that stocks household supplies and even most large grocery stores and supermarkets. The most common type of coffee makers today are the drip coffee makers.

The majority of American homes have a drip coffee maker. The drip coffee maker produces clear, light-bodied coffees that lack the natural oils and sediment and/or grounds that can come with other varieties. But these machines don't produce coffees that are as hot as they can be, which is a turn-off for some people.

The French Press is the choice in coffee makers for most Europeans. Boiling hot water is poured directly over the coffee grounds, and then a plunger is inserted through the center of the pot to press the grounds down and allow their flavor to brew into the water.

The resulting coffees are rich, full-bodied, and extremely aromatic. However, they can also be a bit muddied and cloudy because of coffee grounds and powder that can sometimes slip into the cup of coffee. And it's impossible to keep the coffee hot, so it must be served immediately or poured into another container built for heating.

Espresso coffee makers are gaining in popularity as coffees like espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes become more commonplace. These machines brew the coffee extremely quickly, producing a flavor that is extremely unique.

Boiling water and steam are forced through tightly-packed grounds, resulting in coffees that are free of bitterness and full of flavor. Some of these machines don't even require the beans to be ground ahead of time, resulting in an even fresher taste.

Perhaps the most unusual and eye-catching are the balancing siphon coffee makers. An alcohol burner heats water that's in a metal pot, which boils and travels through a pipe to a glass jar where it flows over the coffee grounds.

Once all the water has boiled out of the metal pot and into the glass jar, the balanced lever puts out the alcohol burner. As the metal pot cools, a vacuum is created which suctions the brewed coffee back through the pipe and into the metal pot for serving. This setup produces coffees that are as close to perfection as possible according to most coffee experts.

When it comes right down to it, the type of coffee maker that's best for you depends on the type of coffees you prefer. For instance, if you value a clear cup of coffee over flavor, than you would use a drip coffee maker.

If you prefer the flavor and aroma of a rich cup of coffee, the French Press may be right for you. And if you want a conversation piece for after your next dinner party, the balancing siphon coffee maker needs to grace your granite countertop.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

An Energy Lifter without Cigarette, Coffee, or Ephedra

Unfortunately, cigarette (neural energy) causes cancer and other illnesses, caffeine (physical energy) is an expensive and unhealthy addiction, ephedra was banned by FDA. We all know cigarette, coffee and ephedra give people energy.

We can not take any of these without health risks, but it doesn't mean we do not need energy.

People often experience lifted energy level after drinking tea. Many holistic people believe the answers lies in tea, especially the Green Tea.

In a month, impaired blood vessel functioning (a risk factor for heart attack and strokes) improved about 50% in the tea drinkers. In another recent test, Joseph Vita, M.D., of the Boston University School of Medicine, had heart patients drink either plain water or four cups of black tea daily. In a large 10-year study in the Netherlands, men who consumed only the catechins in half a cup of tea. Green tea also reduces heart disease risks, as polyphenols in green tea extract helps prevent deadly clogging of arteries and reverses poor arterial functioning that can trigger heart attacks and strokes, two major new studies have found.

The remaining moisture in the green tea leaves eventually ferment and making green tea black, thus black tea. When fresh tea leaves are picked and dried, it is green tea. The difference between black tea and green tea is the fermentation. Tests in the west usually uses black tea as that is what's available.

Green tea is studied to be much more powerful in all tea's healthy functions than black tea. Green tea is usually only available in the west in the form of extracts, as extracted green tea powder is no longer fermented in the storage.

Because green tea extract increases metabolism, it is also a fat burner. It helps with thermogenesis and helps the metabolism of fat. It works without increasing the heart rate that is most often associated with most fat burners. It also works without causing jitters and other unwanted side effect.

However, Green tea alone will not produce sustained energy. Another herb, Rhodiola Rosea Extract, improves the ratio of muscle/fat and increases hemoglovin and erythrocytes levels in the blood. Another vital factor with Rhodiola Rosea is that it boosts mental state, making the energy lifting not only a physical phenomena, but also a neural response.

Extracts of Rhodiola Rosea enhances the transport of serotonin precursors, tryptophan, and 5-hydroxytryptophan into the brain. Serotonin is a widely studied brain neurotransmitter chemical involved in many functions. Unbalanced serotonin has been linked to various abnormal mental states such as clinical depression. Russian scientists have used Rhodiola alone or in combination with antidepressants to boost one's mental state.

When green tea and Rhodiola Rosea are combined with Rhizome Curculiginis and Lion's Tail Grass, not only a product that can lift both physical and mental energy is born, but also is born an extremely healthy group of antioxidants in a single formula.

When this formulation works in one's body, one will not feel the jittery caused by cigarette, coffee or ephedra. It works quietly, providing more oxygen to the brain, making one alert and intrinsically energetic. One shall experience such energy lifting in less than 30 minutes after taking a fast release capsule.

Among other sites where such product are offered, one can refer to the DynaForce TLC sold at www.HolisticTLC.com

By James Well.

For other health and research information, Email: jameswell@gmail.com

He directs a research lab facility among other projects. James Well consults to nutrition industry, specializing in Diet, Energy, Libido and Diabetes care and other related holistic products.

History of the Coffee and Espresso Machine

Without these machines, we probably wouldn't see such a large population that can easily and affordably prepare these common drinks. We are all aware of the fact that coffee and espresso machines, themselves. A large percentage of the population loves to drink both gourmet coffee and espresso drinks.

Where did the coffee maker come from?

The first method of bean preparation was to roast the beans on an open fire and then added to boiling water for consumption. Though the Coffee bean originated in Africa, it quickly spread to neighboring countries, like Arabia and Egypt. Since the days of the early Egyptians, coffee has been a staple beverage for most people.

Fermented in much the same as grapes, coffee was a source of energy and warmth for most, but some drank it because they loved the taste, too. It is believed that coffee was probably considered a type of wine and used to barter and trade.

The coffee machine was actually a product that had just as many patents by women as men, that was practically unheard of at that time! The machine was constantly modified by coffee drinkers. Laurens came up with the first coffee-making machine in 1818. A man by the name of Mr.

Through the years, the coffee machine has become a reliable, dependable and easy to use product. In the 1960's, the first filter machines were invented and the modifications have improved even more since then. Coffee making machines began as crude looking inventions, but have evolved into many different styles, making it possible for a Governor and a Harley biker to own the same style! Found in just about every home, the coffee machine is made by many manufacturers, including: Braun, Senseo, Kitchenaid, Krups and Pod.

Where did the espresso machine come from?

Discovered by a goat herder and developed by a tired, hungry traveler, the espresso drink has provided many with the extra energy they may need. The goat herder noticed the goats acting like they had an extreme boost of energy. As he searched for his heard, he noticed they were snacking on a red berry growing from shrubs. Curious, he ate a berry and felt as if he had suddenly gained more energy as a result. At the same time, a tired, hungry traveler witnesses the occurrences and jumped at the chance to try it for himself. Having the same reactions as the herder and goats, he knew that they were on to something. He took some berries and began to add them to drinks for those in his hometown, as the drink seemed to be a good source of energy. The idea took off from there!

The first espresso maker is said to have originated in Italy in 1901, by Italian manufacturing company owner, Lugia Bezzer. He was simply looking for a way to help speed up his employee's coffee breaks. He figured out that if pressure was applied in the brewing process, the drink could be made in a lot less time. Nicknamed "The fast coffee machine", the espresso machine patent was sold in 1905. The new owner, Desidero Pavoni developed an espresso machine that used a piston pump to force water through a tube and into the coffee.

Modifications on the espresso machine has come a long way!

Weight Loss and Coffee: Is Your Favorite Cup of Coffee Making You Gain Weight?

The sizes vary from 10 to 32 ounces and are often prepared with milk, cream, hydrogenated oils, fats, added sugars, and syrups in addition to the coffee making them much higher in calories than you might expect. Whether you live in a small city or large metropolitan area, you will find coffee shops on every corner and often in your workplace makes it more convenient than eating breakfast. There is no shortage of coffee houses in the U.S.

To top that off, the sugar and caffeine combination can end up stimulating your appetite leading Plus the sugar consumption can lead to blood sugar surges that can cause the body to store more calories as fat. Plus the sugar consumption can lead to a gradual weight gain over time averaging about 20 pounds per year. Plus the sugar consumption can lead to a gradual weight gain over time averaging about 20 pounds per year. Plus the sugar consumption can lead to a gradual weight gain over time averaging about 20 pounds per year. This kind of calorie increase can lead to a gradual weight gain over time averaging about 20 pounds per year. The researchers found that the gourmet coffee drinkers had a 206 calorie increase in a typical day and a 32 gram higher sugar intake than the non-gourmet coffee drinkers. The researchers found that the gourmet coffee consumption of 165 women attending Simmons College in Boston, MA. The researchers found that the gourmet coffee consumption of 165 women attending Simmons College in Boston, MA. A recent study analyzed the gourmet coffee consumption of 165 women attending Simmons College in Boston, MA. How is the advent of gourmet coffee affecting weight?

The recommendation for sugar consumption is 12 teaspoons or less per day. Oh, and just for reference, 250 extra calories per day will lead to a ½ pound weight increase in a year. Here is a list to give you an idea. Wonder how many calories and sugar grams are in your favorite drinks?

Regular coffee drinks:

Regular coffee drinks:

Medium brewed coffee - 10 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15 calories, 0 grams sugar Medium Caffe Americano - 15

Now for the gourmet coffees:

Now for the gourmet coffees:

Medium Caffe Latte - 260 calories, 19 grams sugar (5 tsp) Medium Caffe Mocha - 400 calories, 33 grams sugar (8 tsp) Medium Caramel Apple Cider - 410 calories, 68 grams sugar (17 tsp) Medium Caramel Macchiato - 310 calories, 34 grams sugar (9 tsp) Medium Hot Chocolate - 350 calories, 40 grams sugar (10 tsp) Medium White Chocolate Mocha - 510 calories, 55 grams of sugar (14 tsp)

If you are trying to manage you weight then it is best to keep gourmet coffee drinks to a once in awhile treat rather than an every day habit. Gourmet coffee drinks are good, but the reality is they are equivalent to eating a dessert. There is no doubt about it.

Coffee Couture: International Flavors

How many countries can you name where you can get coffee beans flavors and blends? The history of coffee takes us to many lands, beginning with Arabic origins and being spread throughout the world to remote regions such as Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Yemen, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, India, Sumatra, Java, New Guinea, Hawaii, Vietnam, and more!

When you take a sip of coffee at your local coffee, do you ever wonder about the story of the coffee that sits in your cup. Perhaps there are real eye-opening stories involving courageous heroes, as well as nasty villains in the process of brewing a simple innocuous looking cup of coffee. All to be able to satisfy our thirst for this dark gold around the world.

Coffee truly is a global icon, something brings us together and allows people to learn from each other from every walk of life. There is a brilliance in taking a sip of your coffee innocently and quietly in your own corner of the world, and perhaps a glimmer of a smile will creep onto your face knowing that although you are sitting in one part of the world, the coffee connects you to the rest of it.

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Coffee Or Sleep? What's Better For Work Productivity?

Which of the following provides greater value:

3.5 hours of productive work 4 hours of unproductive work 2. 1.

If you are like most people you would choose the second option, 3.5 hours of productive work.

Catching an employee sleeping is normally a cause for immediate dismissal. After lunch naps have been stigmatized as a sign of weakness and energy is a sign of strength. Most work places do not provide the facilities to take a nap. But how do you sleep if you're at work? To be productive you need to get enough sleep.

So instead of having a cup of coffee when you feel fatigued after lunch, a short nap instead would do wonders. But, recent scientific studies have shown that we tend to feel sleepy between the hours of 2 pm and 4 pm and that a 15 to 30 minute "power nap" can increase our energy, alertness, and productivity.

For employers, providing facilities for afternoon naps or "mini siestas" will increase your employees' productivity, make them healthier, more alert, and happier. It is a win-win situation for all parties involved.

Lack of sleep is a major problem in today's society. The health risks are extensive. Among other things, lack of sleep increases stress; stress can increase blood pressure, heart disease, migraines, eczema, psoriasis, and can cause sexual problems. An unhealthy employee is a bad employee.

So, if you are a manager or business leader what do you do? Provide napping facilities for your employees and watch your company's productivity soar. Forget about the coffee machines; provide a few beds. Don't be afraid of change. Do what's right. You might lose 20 minutes of actual work time but the after nap time will be so much more productive that you won't even notice.

Take a 15 to 30 minute nap and the remaining 3.5 hours will be more productive. 4 hours of work time left after lunch.

The Truth About My Grandaddy's Coffee

And I'm sure we drove him nuts, as well. Granddaddy worked at night as a security guard, so it was no trouble at all for him to let us go nut! When I was six years old, my granddaddy would take me and my twin brother to work with him.

We had the best granddaddy in the world, just as long as we didn't tell mom, he would let us swear, we could talk about sex, or anything else that we wanted to talk about, and the one thing that mom would have went crazy if she knew that he let us, DRINK COFFEE!

It really isn't as bad for you as you think. I drink for different reasons, now. But, back then, I drank coffee because grown-ups drank it and mom would not let us drink it because it wasn't good for us. And still every time I take a drink of coffee, I think about those special times. My granddaddy introduced me to the greatest drink ever. That started a fire that still burns today.

I've done a lot of research on coffee, and drinking it is not as bad for you, at all, much to my surprise.

Its true. you would think I was crazy, right? what would you say if I told you there was a natural elixir that could lower your risk of diabetes, colon cancer, or Parkinson's disease?

Researchers from Harvard University followed data on more than 126,000 people for 18 years, and what they found would surprise the heck out of you. The research found that drinking one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce diabetes by single digits. But, drinking six or more cups of coffee per day slashed men's risks by 54% and more than 30% in women. The more coffee you drink, the better it is for you.

Here's something else that you may not know. In males, drinking sperm stronger. The studies show that coffee consumption makes sperm swim faster and swim a longer distance. Coffee has actually been linked with infertility. This is a misconception.

Here are a few more points that I've found very interesting for you to read. Like both black and green tea, coffee contains antioxidants, wichcan help the cell mutation which may lead to cancer.

Surprisingly- given that coffee may be a migraine trigger- the caffeine may cure headaches. It is one of the ingredients in some pills because it increases the power of aspirin and other painkillers by as much as 40%.

Coffee consumption is also a brain stimulant. As coffee is a stimulant, it can help in concentration. Last year Dr Chiara Trombetti, of the humanities Gavazzeni institute in Italy, went as far as suggesting that a morning cup of milky coffee can get sleepy school children off to a good start. However, that is unlikely to be echoed by nutritionists here, who recommended sufficient sleep and good diet as better ways to cope with the mental demands of the brain.

Coffee even promotes liver health! Though doctors cannot explain the link, but studies have shown that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop liver disease, including Cirrhosis of the liver.

Coffee consumption even decreases the need for surgery on gallstones. Women are twice as likely as men to develop gallstones. In one study, women who drank four cups of coffee each day were 25% less likely to need surgery for gallstones than women who weren't coffee drinkers.

Coffee consumption may actually be good for the skin. Caffeine appeared to improve micro-circulation when applied to the skin in one study, making cellulite look better.

Now, I'm sure my Granddaddy didn't take all this information into consideration when he chose to be a coffee drinker. In fact I know he didn't, he chose coffee because he liked it, but he's almost 90 years old now, and I would like to think that his excessive coffee consumption had a little to do with him still being around, but in any case, I'm still glad he is.

Thank you for reading, and may GOD bless you always, and in always. As always, I hope you found this article both informative and entertaining.

Modern Coffee Tables Are Often Misunderstood

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The actual function of the coffee table has not really changed all that much since its creation. Coffee tables were actually imported by the West and first used as garden tables for drinking tea or coffee outdoors. Then, the coffee table moved indoors began to serve as a rather low piece of furniture could be used to entertain guests or simply read the newspaper in front of with a nice cup of coffee resting comfortably on a coaster.

Today, as has always been the case with this very traditional and ubiquitous piece of furniture, the classic but modern coffee table is a place where friends and family gather. However, modern coffee tables are still necessary but just not in the morning as was traditionally the case in generations past. Mornings are typically reserved for either catching up on much-needed sleep or simply getting ready to start the day. There is precious little need for the formality of sitting down in front of the sofa and drinking coffee when there is barely time to make a cup to go.

Evenings, however, are another story and that is when the modern coffee table may be better known as a cocktail table. Precisely like any traditional coffee table, a cocktail table is set low to the ground and generally placed in front of a sofa or seating area. However, there are some cocktail tables that feature removable benches and other features compatible with game tables.

The difference is subtle, but a cocktail table is not designed specifically for gaming of any kind and tends to be a little more formal. Game tables often have features like built-in boards or places specifically designed to hold chess pieces and similar objects.

Modern coffee tables, however, often get overlooked by some online shoppers who think they are shopping for a cocktail table because they happen not to drink coffee. However, by expanding their shopping search to include artistic modern coffee tables, a person would have a greater selection of contemporary but artistic tables that could perfectly complement any home décor.

So, if you are shopping for a cocktail table because you want a piece of low piece of furniture around the sofa where you can entertain guests in the evening—try expanding your keyword search to include quality modern coffee tables—you will improve your selection and in many cases save money! A coffee table may be a traditional piece of furniture but it has been adapted to contemporary needs and design tastes. Quality-made and artistic modern coffee tables can serve in the save capacity as a cocktail table while possibly saving money and giving you more choices.

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How To Master Your French Press - Plunger Pot Coffee Maker

This will separate your finished coffee away from the grounds by pressing all the grounds to the bottom of the pot. Then you gently press the plunger lid down allowing it to pass through the suspended coffee. You should then allow the coffee to steep for about four to six minutes. The plunger cover is then replaced on the beaker. The French press method is pre-warming the glass beaker with hot water, adding your preferred amount of coffee in the beaker, then adding some slightly cooled boiling water. The French press method is pre-warming the glass beaker with hot water, adding your preferred amount of coffee in the beaker, then adding some slightly cooled boiling water, will create a great blend of aroma and flavor.

Advantages | Disadvantages of your French press

Also there is no paper filter to take away some of the coffee oils - which will help save your delicate aroma. Grounds in this process (steeping) are just under the boiling point, which means no extra boiling or burning which will save the dark, delightful flavor and coffee aroma - with no bitterness. The stop time is less, application of pressure is slight, water is hotter, and the ratio of water to coffee is greater. Advantages: Using this technique gives the richest body of coffee (excluding Espresso).

And if you do not use the medium to coarse grind, you may have sediment at the bottom of our cup. If your coffee beans are ground too fine, it will be harder to press down the plunger lid because of the increased surface tension. Disadvantages: The cooling down of the coffee before the steeping pressure has finished.

Bonus | Using the French press as a foamer to make froth.

Pump the plunger in the pot for a few minutes and the milk will expand to three to four times its volume creating froth for your cappuccino and latte. Pour the milk into a rinsed plunger pot. Do not overheat; just heat it enough that you cannot put your finger into it. Heat a cup of milk (using non-fat has best results) on the stove or in the microwave.

Have You Tried Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee

Oh what a flavor! Oh what an aroma! I believe what she says is true, as I remember as a child being awaken by its pleasant aroma. My mother likes to say, "You can stay from miles, yes miles, and smell the Blue Mountain Coffee aroma". Known worldwide for it's outstanding aroma and flavor. For years I have enjoyed the pleasure of Blue Mountain Coffee.

This coffee is guaranteed to be 100% true Jamaican Blue. Only fifteen percent of the coffee grown in Jamaica is authentic Blue Mountain Coffee. Amongst the thick forest, the rainfall, and the mountain's mist, makes it perfect for the growth of the world's finest coffee. Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee Beans, its name derived from where it's grown on Jamaica's Blue Mountain, which stands approximately 7400 ft high.

You've got to try it. This has been one of Jamaica's best selling souvenirs (if you want to call it that). How can one resist having this coffee?

You have never experienced coffee, until you sip on a cup of blue mountain coffee with coconut cream. Uhm, Good, right? How's that? You may like it. Try using coconut cream. After it has been brewed and you have poured a cup, instead of using the creamer and sweetener, try something a little different. When your order arrives, go ahead and start brewing a pot. First order Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee.

Why Shade Grown Espresso Coffee Are The Best

With coffee's growing popularity, the demand for coffee beans has increased. Most of the coffee consumed worldwide is grown on large farms, otherwise known as plantations, where the land has been cleared for rows and rows of coffee plants. These plants, like other crops, are grown and ripened under the warmth of the sun. However, for those who prefer the bold flavor of espresso and other gourmet coffee drinks, the sun ripened beans are just not suitable. Shade grown espresso coffee beans which take longer to mature seem to be the answer to this problem.

Coffees grown in different parts of the world have different flavors, and there are about 800 different components to coffee that has an effect on the taste of the finished product, plus sun ripened coffee beans or cherries tend to be bitterer than shade ripened cherries. Espresso shade grown coffee has a flavor that is both full and dark but smooth. Also, this type of coffee blends better with other ingredients, making it the perfect base for lattes and cappuccinos.

Not only does shade grown coffee have a better flavor, but it is also a more ecologically sound choice. Since most of the land used for the large coffee growers is tropical forest, clearing these lands takes away a vital component in maintaining earth's perfect atmospheric balance. The tropical forests take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen needed to sustain life on this planet. Many argue that by depleting this resource we are contributing to the rise of global warming.

Since there is no need to clear the land when growing shade ripened coffee plants, they become part of the forest. They provide shelter for smaller animals, such as birds and other tiny creatures. Not to mention, since larger plantations do not find this type of coffee crop economically viable, shade grown plants are normally raised on smaller family owned farms. These farmers are able to sell their crops to companies through Fair Trade sources, thus obtaining proper pricing so that they are able to provide proper support for their families. This helps to boost the economy of an underdeveloped area.

Another thing to consider is that shade ripened cherries are organically grown, which means that no chemicals were used during the farming process. This is important because fertilizers and pesticides like DDT, which is banned in the US, are still being used on most of the larger plantations located outside this country. Fertilizer and pesticides like DDT have been linked to cancer, birth defects and other health problems.

So the next time you select coffee for your espresso, or even morning cup of regular Joe, try to remember to look for shade grown espresso coffee beans. You are guaranteed to get a better cup of coffee every time. Also, you are making a healthier choice, one without toxic chemicals that can have lasting effects for years to come.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as coffee beverage at http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com

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