Showing posts with label coffee aroma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coffee aroma. Show all posts

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Which Coffee Maker? Grinding Out the Answer

Sure, the No, not how it was brewed but how it was that you are able to drink a cup of coffee. Sure, the coffee machine plays an important role in making your perfectly brewed cup of coffee, but just how did that coffee maker first come about, or how did the first person who ever sipped the first cup of coffee have you ever wondered how your cup of coffee have you ever wondered how your cup of coffee came about? No, not how it was brewed but how it was brewed but how it was that you are able to drink a cup of coffee. Sure, the coffee machine plays an important role in making your perfectly brewed cup of coffee, but just how did that coffee maker first come about, or how did the first person who ever sipped the first cup of coffee came about? No, not how it was that you are able to drink a cup of coffee. When you stop at the convenience store or at a local coffee shop for your morning cup of coffee have you ever wondered how your cup of coffee have you ever wondered how your cup of coffee came about?

I wonder what kind of coffee machine they have. Do you know they even drink coffee on the Space Shuttle? Well that is of no consequence because since that life altering decision man has been enjoying coffee in many different cultures, different countries and different places. One has to wonder why he himself decided to give the berries a try. Legend goes back to a lonely sheep herder in Ethiopia who noticed his sheep acting strangely every time they ate certain red berries from a certain bush.

Talking about grinding the beans there are also two types of coffee grinders; burr and blade grinders, both serve the purpose equally well, so the type of grinder you have does not affect your cup of coffee. Grinding your beans before you start percolating your coffee ensures you get the most out of the bean. Apparently the best part of the coffee bean is found deep within it therefore pre-ground, once the package is opened loses that rich coffee aroma. Coffee drinkers also advise against buying pre-ground coffee, pre-grinding diminishes the coffee flavor and aroma. The coffee drinker is in charge of the roasting level; medium or dark roast. Roasting machines allow coffee drinkers to buy premium coffee beans at discount prices and roast them at home. You can even roast your own coffee beans with the Home coffee roaster machines. Start with great coffee beans. Not necessarily.. The one million dollar question is exactly what makes a good cup of coffee?

Shopping for coffee makers

Remember to look online, you can find many discount coffee makers. How much you are willing to spend on seeking the perfect cup of coffee. Take into consideration how much and how often you drink coffee. Choose a coffee machine that suits your needs. There are filter coffee makers that make both cappuccino and filter coffee. There are three different types of coffee makers.

Whether you enjoy your coffee with or without cream or whether you enjoy a robust and flavorful cup of black coffee remember to thank that lowly sheep herder who took a risk and ate the first coffee bean.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

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.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

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.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Coffee Storage Myths; Freeze Your Fresh Roasted Coffee & Other Popular Misconceptions

It's now time to take matters into your own hands! You are financially outraged at the price of a single cup of designer coffee shop coffee. So you are finally fed up with that bland black liquid, you once called coffee, brewed from the finest can of generic supermarket grinds.

You splurge on several pounds of the finest fresh roasted Arabica bean coffee the world has to offer. Even the engineers at NASA would envy the bells and whistles on this baby. So you invest in the latest technologically advanced coffee maker, including your very own coffee bean grinder.

No more long lines and outrageous prices at the neighborhood café for you! You feel like a mad scientist as you adjust every bell and whistle on your space age coffee maker and you revel in this accomplishment as you finish your first cup of home brewed gourmet coffee. Your eyes widen at the site of all those shiny brown beans as you begin to grind your first pound of gourmet coffee. You pop open the vacuum-sealed bag and release that incredible fresh roasted coffee aroma.

Now it's time to store all those pounds of unopened packages of fresh roasted coffee beans and the unused portion of the black gold you have just ground. Then you remember what your mother told you; "Freeze the unopened beans & Refrigerate the freshly ground coffee".

"Freeze the unopened beans & Refrigerate the freshly ground coffee".

Having the best coffee beans available and using the most advanced coffee brewing equipment will do little to provide you with the best cup of coffee you desire if the beans are not treated correctly. At this point, it would be best if you just returned to the supermarket and purchase a stock of those generic grinds you had grown to loathe.

Looking at the facts, we learn that the natural enemies of fresh roasted coffee are light, heat and moisture. Storing your coffee away from them will keep it fresher longer. Therefore, an airtight container stored in a cool, dry, dark place is the best environment for your coffee.

But why not the freezer, It's cool & dark? This does make sense, but if it be the case, then why do we not find our supermarket coffee in the frozen food section?

But why not the freezer, It's cool & dark?

Here's why!

  • Coffee is Porous. It is exactly this feature that allows us to use oils and syrups to flavor coffee beans for those who enjoy gourmet flavored coffees. For this same reason, coffee can also absorb flavors and moisture from your freezer. The absorbed moisture will deteriorate the natural goodness of your coffee and your expensive gourmet coffee beans will taste like your freezer.
  • The coffee roasting process causes the beans to release their oils and essences in order to give the coffee its distinct flavor. This is the reason why your beans are shiny. These oils are more prominent on dark-roasted coffee and espresso beans and the reason why these coffees are so distinct in flavor. The process of freezing will break down these oils and destroy the natural coffee flavor. So unless you don't mind frozen fish flavored coffee, you should avoid using the freezer to store your gourmet coffee beans at all costs.

  • Coffee is Porous. It is exactly this feature that allows us to use oils and syrups to flavor coffee beans for those who enjoy gourmet flavored coffees. For this same reason, coffee can also absorb flavors and moisture from your freezer. The absorbed moisture will deteriorate the natural goodness of your coffee and your expensive gourmet coffee beans will taste like your freezer.
  • The coffee roasting process causes the beans to release their oils and essences in order to give the coffee its distinct flavor. This is the reason why your beans are shiny. These oils are more prominent on dark-roasted coffee and espresso beans and the reason why these coffees are so distinct in flavor. The process of freezing will break down these oils and destroy the natural coffee flavor. So unless you don't mind frozen fish flavored coffee, you should avoid using the freezer to store your gourmet coffee beans at all costs.
  • Coffee is Porous. It is exactly this feature that allows us to use oils and syrups to flavor coffee beans for those who enjoy gourmet flavored coffees. For this same reason, coffee can also absorb flavors and moisture from your freezer. The absorbed moisture will deteriorate the natural goodness of your coffee and your expensive gourmet coffee beans will taste like your freezer.
  • The coffee roasting process causes the beans to release their oils and essences in order to give the coffee its distinct flavor. This is the reason why your beans are shiny. These oils are more prominent on dark-roasted coffee and espresso beans and the reason why these coffees are so distinct in flavor. The process of freezing will break down these oils and destroy the natural coffee flavor. So unless you don't mind frozen fish flavored coffee, you should avoid using the freezer to store your gourmet coffee beans at all costs.
  • There are some exceptions to freezer storing your coffee, but you should proceed with caution! Fresh roasted coffee will remain fresh for approximately 2 weeks. If you have more than you can use in this 2 week period you can, and I shutter to say, freeze your coffee but you should follow these steps:

    • Apply the Freeze Once Rule. What this means is that once you take the beans out of the freezer, they should never go back in. The constant changes in temperature will wreak havoc on your coffee. The frozen moisture on your coffee will melt and be absorbed into the bean, destroying the coffee oils and allowing absorption of unwanted flavors. When you put it back into the freezer, you are repeating the process and destroying your expensive gourmet coffee
    • Keep moisture out! Remember, moisture is coffee's natural enemy. If you have a five-pound bag of coffee to store, divide it up into weekly portions. Wrap those portions up using sealable freezer bags and plastic wrap. If possible, suck out the excess air from the freezer bag using a straw or a vacuum sealer. Remove the weekly portion when you need it, and store it in an air-tight container in a dry place like your pantry. And remember, Do not put it back into the freezer!

    • Apply the Freeze Once Rule. What this means is that once you take the beans out of the freezer, they should never go back in. The constant changes in temperature will wreak havoc on your coffee. The frozen moisture on your coffee will melt and be absorbed into the bean, destroying the coffee oils and allowing absorption of unwanted flavors. When you put it back into the freezer, you are repeating the process and destroying your expensive gourmet coffee
    • Keep moisture out! Remember, moisture is coffee's natural enemy. If you have a five-pound bag of coffee to store, divide it up into weekly portions. Wrap those portions up using sealable freezer bags and plastic wrap. If possible, suck out the excess air from the freezer bag using a straw or a vacuum sealer. Remove the weekly portion when you need it, and store it in an air-tight container in a dry place like your pantry. And remember, Do not put it back into the freezer!
  • Apply the Freeze Once Rule. What this means is that once you take the beans out of the freezer, they should never go back in. The constant changes in temperature will wreak havoc on your coffee. The frozen moisture on your coffee will melt and be absorbed into the bean, destroying the coffee oils and allowing absorption of unwanted flavors. When you put it back into the freezer, you are repeating the process and destroying your expensive gourmet coffee
  • Keep moisture out! Remember, moisture is coffee's natural enemy. If you have a five-pound bag of coffee to store, divide it up into weekly portions. Wrap those portions up using sealable freezer bags and plastic wrap. If possible, suck out the excess air from the freezer bag using a straw or a vacuum sealer. Remove the weekly portion when you need it, and store it in an air-tight container in a dry place like your pantry. And remember, Do not put it back into the freezer!
  • So when is it best Refrigerate Coffee? Simply put, Never ever, unless you are conducting a science experiment on how long it takes to ruin perfectly good coffee. The fridge is one of the absolute worst places to put coffee. The reasons why not to freeze fresh roasted coffee also apply here.

    So when is it best Refrigerate Coffee?

    Other Popular Coffee Myths Exposed.

    • Grind all beans before storing Absolutely wrong!. Grinding the coffee breaks up the beans and their oils, exposes the beans to air, and makes the coffee go stale a lot faster, no matter how you store it. This especially holds true for flavored coffees! For the best tasting coffee, you should buy your beans whole and store them in a sealed container in a dark place. Grind right before serving!
    • Vacuum-sealed packaging equals fresh coffee. Again, absolutely wrong. The coffee roasting process causes the coffee beans to release a gas by-product, specifically carbon dioxide. This gas release process continues for several days after roasting. In order to be vacuum sealed, the coffee has to first release all its CO² or it will burst the bag, which means that it must sit around for several days before it can be packaged and shipped. This sitting around begins to rob the coffee of its freshness. Vacuum sealing is best for pre-ground coffee, which we already know is not going to taste as good as fresh-ground coffee. The best method for packaging and shipping is in valve-sealed bags. The valve allows the carbon dioxide gasses and moisture to escape but doesn't allow oxygen or moisture in. Therefore, the fresh roasted coffee beans can be packaged and shipped immediately after roasting, ensuring the coffee's freshness and taste.

    Other Popular Coffee Myths Exposed.
    • Grind all beans before storing Absolutely wrong!. Grinding the coffee breaks up the beans and their oils, exposes the beans to air, and makes the coffee go stale a lot faster, no matter how you store it. This especially holds true for flavored coffees! For the best tasting coffee, you should buy your beans whole and store them in a sealed container in a dark place. Grind right before serving!
    • Vacuum-sealed packaging equals fresh coffee. Again, absolutely wrong. The coffee roasting process causes the coffee beans to release a gas by-product, specifically carbon dioxide. This gas release process continues for several days after roasting. In order to be vacuum sealed, the coffee has to first release all its CO² or it will burst the bag, which means that it must sit around for several days before it can be packaged and shipped. This sitting around begins to rob the coffee of its freshness. Vacuum sealing is best for pre-ground coffee, which we already know is not going to taste as good as fresh-ground coffee. The best method for packaging and shipping is in valve-sealed bags. The valve allows the carbon dioxide gasses and moisture to escape but doesn't allow oxygen or moisture in. Therefore, the fresh roasted coffee beans can be packaged and shipped immediately after roasting, ensuring the coffee's freshness and taste.
  • Grind all beans before storing Absolutely wrong!. Grinding the coffee breaks up the beans and their oils, exposes the beans to air, and makes the coffee go stale a lot faster, no matter how you store it. This especially holds true for flavored coffees! For the best tasting coffee, you should buy your beans whole and store them in a sealed container in a dark place. Grind right before serving!
  • Vacuum-sealed packaging equals fresh coffee. Again, absolutely wrong. The coffee roasting process causes the coffee beans to release a gas by-product, specifically carbon dioxide. This gas release process continues for several days after roasting. In order to be vacuum sealed, the coffee has to first release all its CO² or it will burst the bag, which means that it must sit around for several days before it can be packaged and shipped. This sitting around begins to rob the coffee of its freshness. Vacuum sealing is best for pre-ground coffee, which we already know is not going to taste as good as fresh-ground coffee. The best method for packaging and shipping is in valve-sealed bags. The valve allows the carbon dioxide gasses and moisture to escape but doesn't allow oxygen or moisture in. Therefore, the fresh roasted coffee beans can be packaged and shipped immediately after roasting, ensuring the coffee's freshness and taste.
  • A quick review for storing your gourmet coffee

    • Buy fresh roasted, whole bean coffee directly from a coffee roaster if possible
    • Look for valve-sealed bags, not vacuum-sealed
    • Store your coffee beans in a sealed container in a dark place
    • Grind your beans just before brewing
    • Enjoy!

    A quick review for storing your gourmet coffee
    • Buy fresh roasted, whole bean coffee directly from a coffee roaster if possible
    • Look for valve-sealed bags, not vacuum-sealed
    • Store your coffee beans in a sealed container in a dark place
    • Grind your beans just before brewing
    • Enjoy!
  • Buy fresh roasted, whole bean coffee directly from a coffee roaster if possible
  • Look for valve-sealed bags, not vacuum-sealed
  • Store your coffee beans in a sealed container in a dark place
  • Grind your beans just before brewing
  • Enjoy!
  • Sunday, October 5, 2008

    gourmet coffee what makes it so special

    From the time it was first uncovered, coffee has been one of the most popular drinks around the globe, mainly for it's aromatic flavour and invigorating qualities. From mild Italian espresso to thick strong Turkish coffee, the choice of flavour was pretty much still coffee with milk and sugar. Until recent times, coffee suppliers offered few alternatives other than your usual, short black, long black, latte, cappuccino, vienna and further choices among these. No longer are gourmet coffees only reserved for a rare treat, but an increasing number of people keep gourmet coffees on their shelves for any occasion. Coffee now comes in just about any flavour, strength or combination to please even the most fastidious consumer. But today's coffee connoiseur has become far more sophisticated. So How do we Define Gourmet Coffee Anyway? Gourmet coffee is simply regular coffee to which has been added compatible flavours that actually enhance its coffee aroma and taste. The basic coffee taste, texture, aroma and pick-me-up effect is still present, but now includes a hint of, let's say, mint, caramel, bacon, vanilla, chocolate or any other tantalizing possibility. Add to that, the subtle variations in flavour and texture of coffee beans from selected areas of the planet with varying climates and elevation and you have the ideal combination for gourmet coffee. This is what gives gourmet coffee its unique quality. Most of us have at some time enjoyed a nice cup of coffee with something to nibble. It may be choc-mint buscuits, cheesecake, nuts, savoury snacks, pizza or any other imaginable delight. With a gourmet coffee, you can feel like you're enjoying both, without actually consuming the food. Where Can I Purchase Gourmet Coffee? Gourmet coffee is available in most grocery stores but the most convenient way to access a wider selection, is to buy online. Numerous gourmet coffee websites are waiting for you to order from their extensive range. Gourmet coffee has become a sought after gift idea. They're great for housewarming parties and are the perfect business gift. Many online suppliers, such as Boca Java, offer gift arrangements which include not only the coffee, but also accessories to add to the appeal. The definition of gourmet is a fine food or drink that has been approved by a recognized authority to be excellent. Today, the coffee industry is becoming more like the wine industry, where experts put their credibility on the line to evaluate quality. Bottom line is, if they say it's good, it must be good. Gourmet coffee has earned its name. One of the most highly priced gourmet coffees, is Jamaican Blue Mountain, mainly because it is so rare due to the effect of uncertain weather conditions on the crops. Its beans are not only used for brewed coffee, but are also the flavor base for the famous Tia Maria coffee liqueur. Most online suppliers of any standing will include Jamaican Blue Mountain on their menu. The term "gourmet coffee" not only refers to just the coffee itself, but includes all of the aspects, activities, techniques and experience that produces that kind of coffee. From the selection of the beans, the masterful roast, adding unique flavour... to the final product. Gourmet coffee is the result of a complete and specialised process. Can you smell the aroma now?

    From the time it was first uncovered, coffee has been one of the most popular drinks around the globe, mainly for it's aromatic flavour and invigorating qualities.From mild Italian espresso to thick strong Turkish coffee, the choice of flavour was pretty much still coffee with milk and sugar. Until recent times, coffee suppliers offered few alternatives other than your usual, short black, long black, latte, cappuccino, vienna and further choices among these.No longer are gourmet coffees only reserved for a rare treat, but an increasing number of people keep gourmet coffees on their shelves for any occasion. Coffee now comes in just about any flavour, strength or combination to please even the most fastidious consumer. But today's coffee connoiseur has become far more sophisticated.Can you smell the aroma now?

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