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

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Gourmet Coffee – You Can't Resist The Second Cup

Could you ever resist the craving to have a second cup of that beautiful, strongly aromatic and lazily steaming cup of coffee? Perhaps no one can do it. A passionate Gourmet's delight, freshly brewed, thick and dark brown and irresistible coffee just brightens up your day like no other drink or anything else can do.

Why Is Gourmet Coffee So Special

One might be tempted to ask why gourmet coffee is so special. Well, here is the answer. For starters, gourmet coffee is always made by high quality fresh Arabica coffee beans which are always hand picked unlike other commercial coffees which are mostly machine graded. Hand picking of coffee beans eliminate chances for dirt such as twigs, leaves etc to sneak in and spoil your coffee.

Secondly, gourmet coffee beans are specially treated with oils after roasting which enhances its flavor to no end. The oil used for coffee bean treatment is a blend of many natural oils which do not have their adverse effect on the shelf life or stability of the ground powder unlike synthetic oils. The oils are so mixed that their characteristic flavors neutralize each other.

You can have different tailor made roast for your gourmet coffee. Deep roasted beans some what loose their natural aroma and this is why you feel the ‘roasted flavor' when drinking it. Rather you would prefer a lighter roasting which retains its entire natural aroma.

Arabica coffee beans are ground to the exact perfection of fineness to get its best taste. But generally a finer grind results in a full-bodied cup of coffee, but as many would like it, coarser grinds are preferred to make coffee with coarse filters.

Finer grinds are preferred by those who like espresso but true lovers of gourmet coffee will almost invariably go with the coarse ground coffee powder as boiled water takes its own sweet time to pull out the flavor completely, especially in drip type filters.

Arabica coffee beans are never stored in warehouses as they are dispatched quickly after harvesting. It is the same story after roasting and grinding them, too. The beans from Arabica trees are, by nature, tastier than Robusta, another cheaper variety.

To its credit, Robusta coffee bean offers you higher caffeine content along with that characteristic acidic taste. Another little known fact is some marketers mix a small percentage of Robusta with gourmet coffee beans.

NamSing Then is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his other websites Coffee Resources , Coffee Grinder and Tea Resources

Coffee Resources Coffee Grinder Tea Resources

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

La Minita Coffee - It's in the Green Beans

La Minita; Spanish for "The Little Gold Mine" says it all. La Minita is arguably the best coffee in the world and is sipped by the who's who in the specialty coffee industry as well as by those of us who have access to it in our businesses. Similar to the wine industry, the best coffees are not always the most expensive. There are many factors involved in determining the final price of a coffee, unfortunately the quality of the bean is only one of them.

La Minita comes from the Tarrazu region of Costa Rica in Central America. This region has long been known for it's quality coffee and remains one of the finest growing regions in the world. The La Minita Estate is located at the pinnacle of this region on a spur between two rivers 5700 feet above sea level. The farm actually has several "Micro Climates" within the farm which effect the crop in different ways. The meticulous way in which coffee is grown, pruned, fertilized, shaded, and weeded all add to the final product. Long before "Organic" was popular, this farm was using machetes to cut back weeds rather than chemicals. Long before "fair trade" was popular this farm was treating it's employees with respect, providing dental and medical resources right on the farm, paying above local scale, providing household items at below cost prices, and encouraged a coffee workers association to promote fair, safe and equitable conditions.

When the "new crop" is in, samples are taken from each of the micro growing regions on the farm and cupped to determine the years mix. The pickers start at daybreak and finish picking about noon. The days harvest is measured from each picker then at a central pick up point and again at the mill. Every La Minita coffee bean arrives at the mill the same day it is picked which is essential in producing the world's best coffee. The milling process is more meticulous than other mills and the beans are watched at each stage of the preparation. When they have reached the point where most beans would be bagged up and exported, LaMinita enters its final stage. Every bean is looked at by trained coffee sorters who go over and over the beans removing any bean that may taint the final cup.

Unlike the other "exotic" coffees of the world, La Minita is in this category for one reason: QUALITY! I once spent a few days with a farmer from Jamaica who wanted to increase his crop. When he was told how to make his coffee better, he replied: "I can sell every bean I can grow for $17.00 a pound; all I want to do is get more production". Unfortunately this is often the case in the exotics. Jamaican Blue Mountain, Hawaiian Kona and other exotics demand high prices but way too often do not deliver the cup. LaMinita sells for far less than Jamaican and Kona and is always a superb coffee at a reasonable price. Visit the La Minita web site at: www.laminita.com .

www.laminita.com

This article is written by Jim Cameron without the permission of La Minita and expresses only the opinions of the Author on what he believes to be the best value coffee in the world. To purchase this coffee green to roast at home, contact: http://www.u-roast-em.com . To purchase this coffee roasted, contact your local coffee roaster or coffee shop.

http://www.u-roast-em.com

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Brewing a Perfect Cup of Coffee

Brewing a great cup of coffee depends on a number of things such as the quality of the coffee bean, the quality of the water being used, the type of brewing you are doing in order to make the best coffee possible.

Of course if the grind is too large and the water passes very quickly (like using French press grind in an espresso maker), very little of the caffeine and flavours extracted and will have poor flavour. If coffee is left contacting water for too long for its grind size, unwanted extracts emerge and make the coffee taste bitter. A French press coffee maker can take as much as 4 minutes and uses an extremely coarse grind. Espresso coffee is only exposed to water for 20-40 seconds and as a result is made using extremely fine grind coffee. This means that smaller coffee grinds need less contact with the water, and coarser grinds need longer contact. Generally speaking, the 'soaking' time relates directly to how coarse the coffee is ground.

Metal filters are also more environmentally friendly than the paper alternative. They also do not alter the taste of the coffee flavour, and some people claim they can taste the paper in the final coffee. They have very fine weave and filter out the coffee grinds very well. Metal filters are normally made from stainless steel or gold plated mesh. However they can absorb some of the coffee flavour, and some people claim they can taste the paper in the final coffee. Paper filters are quite good. Paper filters are the most common, but many people are also using metal varieties. Paper filters are the most common, but many people are also using metal varieties. Not only do they keep the grind out of your cup, but they also control how fast the water passes over the grinds. Of course filters play an important role in managing the balance between over and under brewing your coffee.

A decent quality metal filter will last years and save money in the end. Cheap filters often clog or not allow the coffee to brew properly. Whichever you choose, be sure to buy decent quality.

Start with fresh beans and good clean water and then match your brewing style to the proper grind and then mess around with the exact proportions and pretty soon your be brewing killer coffee every time. Brewing a great cup takes a little more understanding, but isn't any harder. Brewing a cup of coffee is not that hard.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Mocha Coffee: Learn About the Source and Try Our Recipes for Making Great Mochas

Depending on how we look at it, mocha coffee may be the tall drink made of coffee, cocoa and milk, often served with cream or, on the other hand mocha coffee may refer to the source.

Grown along steep terraced hillsides at an altitude of anywhere from 3,000 to 7,000 feet, the harvested fruit is a small, hard coffee bean. No doubt about it, for one reason or another, it is know the world over. Some connoisseurs consider the Yemeni beans the best that money can buy. Yemen is the source of true Mocha coffee.

No doubt about it, authentic Mocha coffee is a pleasure to drink. Due to the harsh hot dry climate, the coffee beans are as unique as its distinct taste. From the varieties available Mocha Sanani and Mocha Mattari are considered the finest. The name itself originates from the Yemeni port town on the Red Sea.

So, whilst many people may not be totally familiar with the origins of Mocha coffee, I think most people have heard about or tried and fallen in love with the drink.

Make your own Mocha coffee and enjoy the unique flavor and aroma

Make your own Mocha coffee and enjoy the unique flavor and aroma

Mocha coffee is really easy to make and we are pleased to offer a couple of recipes to get you on your way. Basically all you need to do is add cocoa, sugar and milk to hot coffee, perhaps experiment with some other tastes and drink. Others prefer to actually mix the cocoa, sugar, milk and coffee in a saucepan and heat until it starts to simmer.

At this point, try adding a little vanilla extract. Pout into cups or glasses and top with whipped cream and cinnamon. The taste will surprise you, you will find the flavor wonderfully rich and very aromatic. In order to make things a little easier, these are the list of ingredients for two servings.

  • 2 cups of coffee
  • 1/3 cup of cocoa
  • 2 cups of milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of whipping cream
  • dash of cinnamon
  • 2 cups of coffee
  • 1/3 cup of cocoa
  • 2 cups of milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of whipping cream
  • dash of cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup of cocoa
  • 2 cups of milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of whipping cream
  • dash of cinnamon
  • 2 cups of milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of whipping cream
  • dash of cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of whipping cream
  • dash of cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup of whipping cream
  • dash of cinnamon
  • dash of cinnamon
  • Prepare the ingredients as mentioned above and the results will be a fantastic Mocha coffee that will put any coffee house's version to shame.

    Saturday, December 20, 2008

    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.

    Sunday, December 14, 2008

    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

    Wednesday, December 10, 2008

    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!

    Monday, November 24, 2008

    The Art of Coffee Making

    There are specific and significant components to making good coffee, and to all coffee lovers out there, this should be taken seriously. Okay, it's just coffee, but people, Americans especially, are drinking a lot of it, so why not brew coffee to the best of its potential? People all over the world are simply doing it wrong! The steps to brewing a better cup of coffee are so simple that there's no reason why you shouldn't try them out and see if you're satisfied with the results. All you have to lose is one pot of coffee, and that's only if you decide you don't like it and end up pouring it down the drain.

    The factors of coffee making that you need to consider are the grind of your beans versus the type of coffee maker you are using, the water, the measurements of coffee versus measurements of water, and the freshness of your coffee bean. You may wonder what could be so important about any of these things, but they are simply the fundamentals of coffee making.

    What type of coffee maker you are using will determine how coarse or fine your grind needs to be. The coarsest grind is used with French presses, and the finest grind is used with espresso makers. When grinding your coffee, simply follow the guide on the grinder or in the manual, or ask someone who would know how coarse or fine of a grind you need for your specific coffee maker.

    Since brewed coffee is 98% water, then you should use clean and fresh purified water. Also, the water should be no less than 190 degrees and no more than 205 degrees for the brewing. Between those temperatures, the water will better extract the full flavor of the bean. Water that is too hot will result in coffee that has a burnt taste.

    It is very important that you accurately measure the amount of coffee and water that you use. Normally you can be sure to do this correctly by simply reading the directions on your container of coffee. Generally, though, good coffee is brewed with two tablespoons of coffee per every six ounces of water. If this produces coffee that is too strong for your liking, then the best thing to do is add hot water (between 190-205 degrees) after it is brewed. This way you maintain the invigorating flavor, but at a milder strength.

    The last, but not least, important factor to brewing great coffee is the freshness of your coffee bean. Grinding your beans right before you brew them truly helps make a fresher cup of coffee. Even if you don't do that, though, you can keep your coffee fresher by storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.

    Maybe you didn't know that your coffee could taste better, but now you do. If coffee is what you wake up to every morning, or if you drink it throughout the day, you owe it to yourself to make it as good as it can be.

    John Gibb is the owner of coffee making sources , For more information on how to make coffee check out http://www.cofeemaking-sources.info

    coffee making sources http://www.cofeemaking-sources.info

    Wednesday, November 19, 2008

    The Types of Gourmet Coffee

    Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or just need your morning pick me up, there's nothing to tempt the palate quite like a hot mug of smooth gourmet coffee! These improvements allow gourmet coffee drinkers the chance to choose between many different grades and flavors of the coffee. Since it's first induction as the world's most popular beverage, coffee has gone through many changes and upgrades.

    Each process will bring about the shared result of removing all of the fruit from the seed. There are a couple of different ways to extract the seed; wet process and dry process. The coffee bean is not really a bean; they are actually the seeds of a cherry that are found on a coffee tree. To fully appreciate a cup of hot gourmet flavored coffee, you should take a minute to inform yourself with the basics of gourmet coffee.

    Those that enjoy this type of coffee will also tell you that gourmet coffee has a much better smell and more desirable flavors than Robusta. It has50% of the caffeine of Robusta and has the best taste. gourmet) coffee is the best grade of coffee. Arabica (a.k.a. Robusta coffee makes up the coffee that has the most caffeine, at the cheapest price. There are two types of coffee: Arabica and Robusta.

    Basically, if there is any flavor that you are partial to, you will be able to find. Gourmet coffee is available in many of your favorite flavors, including: almond, amaretto, Irish crème, French vanilla, Swiss mocha, vanilla, chocolate, mint, peppermint, pumpkin spice and just about anything else you can imagine!

    Arabica coffee ranks very high among the Specialty Coffee Association of America, which pretty much sets the standards applied to all gourmet coffee drinks. If you have a sensitive stomach, you can even find gourmet coffee that is low in acid, making it a little more gentle. There are gourmet flavored coffees that are caffeinated and those that are decaffeinated.

    Though this type of coffee may be a bit more pricey than the Robusta, it's the only choice for true coffee lovers! They are also offered at many different prices, depending on your personal preference. The gourmet coffee beans are offered in a variety of different serving sizes. Many coffee making companies offer a gourmet style drink, including: Gevalia, Green Mountain, San Giorgio, San Francisco Bay, Kona and Javalution.

    Friday, October 31, 2008

    The True Concept of a Coffee Specialty Shop

    Gourmet coffee comes in all shapes, sizes, tastes, smells, and price ranges. It may seem obvious that the higher the price, the better the quality. However, this is not always the case when considering gourmet coffee. Who decides the best gourmet or specialty coffee is the coffee drinker: you. Tastes and styles differ form one person to the other. In addition, tastes and styles are not dependent on the price tag of the coffee. Coffee specialty shops offer the coffee drinker a chance to experience all qualities, styles, and tastes of gourmet coffee through a trial and error method. This proven trial and error method allows even the fussiest of coffee drinkers to choose a gourmet specialty coffee that is perfect for his or her lifestyle.

    Coffee specialty shops are often a franchise business owned by major corporations. However, many of these fine specialty coffee shops are privately owned and ran by smaller groups of people. The benefits of both the corporation and the small business are completely different. I know I enjoy the small business coffee specialty shop mush more than the larger franchise. Customer service, quality, and down-home comfort all while enjoying that awesome cup of gourmet Java. Larger franchises have the advantage of having conformity of coffee tastes from one location to the other, even from one country to the other. Whatever your choice, coffee specialty shops offer all coffee drinkers a truly different coffee experience.

    As with all specialty coffee, specially grown gourmet coffee beans are used to create a uniquely flavored coffee bean. Only the finest of gourmet coffee beans are used in the process of creating the most exceptional specialty coffees. The components of the soil creates the coffee bean used by specialty coffee shops around the world. Of course, coffee shops also sell the roasted coffee bean by the pound to loyal customers. Exposing the gourmet coffee beans to the public allow coffee drinkers to build loyalty and ultimately to buy only that specific gourmet coffee bean.

    Many specialty coffees are infused with additional flavors to better please the coffee drinker. These additional coffee flavorings add a whole new element to gourmet coffee beans. Not only do these flavorings add a new taste, but these flavored coffee beans also add a whole new robust aroma. The two qualities together make an idealistic opportunity for coffee retailers to present their loyal customers with new and often improved qualities of coffee beans. Coffee retailers are always ready to find new ways to provide high quality to loyal customers as well as new coffee drinkers.

    Gourmet specialty coffee shops reach out to their customers. Offering gourmet specialty coffees that carry the coffee shop's company label gets potential coffee drinkers to trust that coffee shop. Building trust is important in the coffee industry. When dealing with customers willing to spend $18 billion annually on coffee and coffee products, the coffee retailers are more than willing to customize coffee and coffee products for their customers.

    Tana has been an avid coffee and tea drinker her whole life. She has tried more than 100 different varieties of coffee and tea. At her site, Tana reveals to you her delicious secret blends of coffee and tea that she has experienced through her years. To learn more about premium gourmet coffee visit http://www.thelittleteahouse.com

    premium gourmet coffee http://www.thelittleteahouse.com

    Saturday, October 18, 2008

    Coffee Health - New Antioxidant On The Block

    An extract of green coffee beans has been found to have a stronger antioxidant effect than established antioxidants like green tea and grape seed extract. Green coffee beans have supplied a new player in the antioxidant arena.

    Compared to green tea and grape seed extract, green coffee bean extract is twice as effective in absorbing oxygen free radicals. Chlorogenic acid also helps regulate metabolism. It neutralizes free radicals, and addresses the problem of hydroxyl radicals, both of which can lead to cellular degeneration if left unchecked. The active constituent in coffee that is responsible for its many health benefits is a compound called chlorogenic acid.

    Along with its diterpene relative kahweol, cafestol increases concentrations of the 'bad' cholesterol, LDL, to levels that over a lifetime might increase the risk of coronary heart disease by as much as 20% These diterpenes also had an effect on the levels of liver enzymes were much lower than those with liver disease. One of the advantages of using the green coffee bean extract contains no cafestol, which is a diterpene.

    And levels of these diterpenes in instant coffee are low. The coffee filter removed the offending diterpenes. As a side note on the health effect of the diterpenes found in regular coffee, it was found that by simply drinking filter coffee, none of these effects on cholesterol levels or the liver took place.

    Other benefits of green coffee bean extract include an increase in the effectiveness of pain killers, especially for migraine medications; a reduction in the risk of diabetes; and assisting the body burn a higher proportion of lipids (fats) compared to carbohydrates, which could help with muscle fatigue for athletes and bodybuilders.

    Interestingly, on the subject of caffeine and liver disease, further studies have indicated it may in fact support liver health for some people. Those who were at high risk of developing liver disease due to drinking too much alcohol were found less likely to suffer liver damage if they drank more than two cups of coffee or tea a day. This was a population based study, not a clinical trial, and so is not conclusive on the subject. But it does offer some promising information. Those drinking in excess of two cups or more a day were half as likely to develop liver disease compared to those drinking less than one cup a day. Researchers do not know what caused this protective effect.

    One of the criticisms of coffee in regards to health is that it leaches calcium from the bones. But this effect has been found to be overemphasized, at least in children. And adults who consume a diet with sufficient levels of calcium will be protected from the small amount of calcium that is lost due to coffee consumption.

    So the old axiom that caffeine can stunt a child's growth is a myth. It was based on the fact that in older studies, caffeine was associated with low bone mass because those studies were done on elderly people who both drank a lot of coffee and had diets that were low in calcium. Recent studies in the US followed 80 teenagers over 6 years, and found no difference in the bone density of those with a high level of caffeine in their diet, compared to those teenagers who had little caffeine. Other studies determined that the amount of calcium lost from bones is small and can be balanced by having sufficient calcium in your diet.

    http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=643516&m;=1FSND06&idP;=2&c;=qgtqmovbyiaxdub http://www.sciencenews.org/pages/sn_arch/11_30_96/food.htm References: Australian Healthy Food Magazine, January.

    Thursday, October 16, 2008

    Pure Kona Coffee

    The elevation ranges from 500 to 3000 feet. It is situated between two volcanoes, Hualalai and Manua Loa. This area is approximately one mile wide by thirty miles long. It is grown on the dark volcanic lava rock slopes of Kona which is located on the west side of the Big Island. Pure Kona Coffee is gourmet coffee grown only on the Island of Hawaii.

    The sunny mornings, cloud-covered rainy afternoons and mild nights create an ideal growing condition for the best Kona coffee. Special care is taken throughout the process of creating the Kona coffee bean. The unique island microclimate distinguishes pure Kona coffee from all others.

    This allows the Kona coffee bean to mature slowly and flourish. The trees thrive in the fertile volcanic soil and natural shade provided by the mango and macadamia nut trees.

    Roasting is referred to as an "art form" by many in the trade. A good roasting process can make a big difference in taste. It is sun dried and then roasted depending on desired results. Kona coffee is hand picked, pulped, dried and hulled then sorted by size and shape.

    Just after roasting the oxidation process begins and coffee is at its freshest. Flavored coffee is usually sprayed immediately after roasting for the best absorption of flavor. Medium roasts include Vienna. Dark roasts are typically French Roast, Italian, or Expresso.

    Kona coffee is grown and processed with attention to every detail creating an end result of extraordinary coffee, delicate yet rich in flavor and aroma. This quality has made pure Kona coffee one of the most highly famous and valued coffees in the world.

    All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2005 Perfect Coffees.com.

    Saturday, October 11, 2008

    blue mountain jamaican coffee

    Besides making incredible brewed coffee, the Blue Mountain coffee comes from the mountains of Jamaica.  Blue Mountain coffee comes from the mountains of Jamaica.  Blue Mountain coffee bean is used as a base for the famous Tia Maria coffee liqueur. Over time, it has become the most expensive coffee in the world, and the most sought after. Besides making incredible brewed coffee, the Blue Mountain coffee is known for its mildness and a distinct lack of bitterness. Over time, it has become the most expensive coffee in the world, and the most sought after. Blue Mountain coffee comes from the mountains of Jamaica.  Blue Mountain coffee is known for its mildness and a distinct lack of bitterness. Coffee beans were first brought to Jamaica in 1728 by the Governor, Sir Nicholas Lawes. The soil is rich and drains well… an ideal situation in which to grow coffee. Rising to an impressive height of 7,402 feet, the climate is cool and misty, and gets a lot of rainfall. The Blue Mountains of Jamaica are located between Kingston and Port Maria. Before exporting, the coffee is checked for appearance, and some is taste tested to insure quality. Aging improves consistency among the beans. Only a very few countries besides Jamaica allow the coffee beans to age at least six weeks. Next, the beans go through a sorting process. The beans are then dried and cured for at least twenty weeks. Once the beans are harvested, they are pulped and washed. As with other varieties of coffee around the world, there are several different grades of Blue Mountain coffee. For Grade 1, which is the best quality, 96% of the beans must fit a 17/20 screen size. No more than 2% of the coffee beans can have significant defects. For Grade 2, 96% of the beans must fit a 16/17 screen size. No more than 2% of the beans may have any significant defects. There is also a Grade 3, a Blue Mountain peaberry, and a Blue Mountain Triage, which is a combination of the top three grades. There is quite a lot of interesting trivia about Blue Mountain coffee. Many commercial coffee blends add a bit of Blue Mountain coffee to enrich the quality of their blend. Due to the strength of the Blue Mountain coffee beans, more cups of coffee can be made for the money. And even James Bond loves Blue Mountain coffee. The author of the James Bond series, Ian Fleming, lived in Jamaica for a part of every year. In his book, “Live and Let Die,” he has James Bond sitting to breakfast declaring, “Blue Mountain coffee, the most delicious in the world…” In 1988, Jamaica lost a great deal of its coffee industry, due to damage from Hurricane Gilbert. It is just recently that production has been restored to previous levels for this unique coffee. They invest a lot into the coffee industry, and they import approximately 80% of the Blue Mountain coffee is sweet, smooth and mellow… all in all, an excellent cup of coffee. Out of all the coffee lovers in the world, Japan is the largest importer of Blue Mountain coffee.

    Besides making incredible brewed coffee, the Blue Mountain coffee bean is used as a base for the famous Tia Maria coffee liqueur. Over time, it has become the most expensive coffee in the world, and the most sought after. Besides making incredible brewed coffee, the Blue Mountain coffee is known for its mildness and a distinct lack of bitterness. Over time, it has become the most expensive coffee in the world, and the most sought after. Besides making incredible brewed coffee, the Blue Mountain coffee is known for its mildness and a distinct lack of bitterness. Over time, it has become the most expensive coffee in the world, and the most sought after. Besides making incredible brewed coffee, the Blue Mountain coffee is known for its mildness and a distinct lack of bitterness. Over time, it has become the most expensive coffee in the world, and the most sought after. Blue Mountain coffee is known for its mildness and a distinct lack of bitterness.Coffee beans were first brought to Jamaica in 1728 by the Governor, Sir Nicholas Lawes. The soil is rich and drains well… an ideal situation in which to grow coffee. Rising to an impressive height of 7,402 feet, the climate is cool and misty, and gets a lot of rainfall. The Blue Mountains of Jamaica are located between Kingston and Port Maria.Before exporting, the coffee is checked for appearance, and some is taste tested to insure quality. Aging improves consistency among the beans. Only a very few countries besides Jamaica allow the coffee beans to age at least six weeks. Next, the beans go through a sorting process. The beans are then dried and cured for at least twenty weeks. Once the beans are harvested, they are pulped and washed.They invest a lot into the coffee industry, and they import approximately 80% of the Blue Mountain coffee is sweet, smooth and mellow… all in all, an excellent cup of coffee. Out of all the coffee lovers in the world, Japan is the largest importer of Blue Mountain coffee.

    Friday, September 26, 2008

    gourmet coffee my everyday whats yours

    I know, I understand, but I really can't resist the incredible taste of coffee. Lots of friends tell me this is no good, yeah... Before work, during work and after work. Well, I drink coffee everyday. Some intro and history here... Where does this amazing small black pee from? This is the coffee bean. On the rising hills of Columbia, the fastest growing cash crop in the country is cultivated. The seeds of this shrub, which belongs to the Madder family, are called coffee, as is the beverage made from them, produced by passing boiled water through a filter containing ground roasted coffee beans. It can be consumed warm or cold and in any of the following styles: instant, filter, cappuccino, espresso (so strong you are only allowed 5ml at any one time, and it must be served in a steel reinforced cup), mocha, latte, or any combination of these with the word 'double' attached somewhere. Some drink their coffee with cream and sugar, others with milk and sugar; but purists claim the only way to drink a cup of 'Joe' is black... with or without sugar. Columbia is not the only country to produce fine grains of ambrosia. The hands-down best producer of coffee may be Puerto Rico. Yucua is the name of the plant. It is grown on the mountains of the rainforest on the beautiful island. Rare and expensive, this is the coffee of choice not just for Puerto Ricans, but also for the Vatican... and the Pope knows his coffee! So here're some Coffee Facts * Coffee beans grow on small trees. * It takes the annual yield of one tree to produce one pound of roasted beans. * Coffee beans are grown in subtropical regions around the world. * The biggest growers are Brazil and Columbia. * Commercial coffee crops are of two main types: Robustas and Arabicas. * Robusta coffee has twice as much caffeine as Arabica. * Arabica beans produce a smoother flavor and are the main constituent of most high-quality coffees. * It takes about 40 beans to make an espresso. * Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee beans are the most expensive in the world. * Coffee beans of several types are roasted together to produce appealing flavors.

    I know, I understand, but I really can't resist the incredible taste of coffee. Lots of friends tell me this is no good, yeah... Before work, during work and after work. Well, I drink coffee everyday.Some intro and history here... Where does this amazing small black pee from?This is the coffee bean. On the rising hills of Columbia, the fastest growing cash crop in the country is cultivated.* Coffee beans of several types are roasted together to produce appealing flavors.

    Wednesday, September 24, 2008

    history of the coffee bean

    And to many of us - it's simply what we need to get us started in the morning. Coffee today is produced in over 50 countries and is the second most valuable export after oil. Whether you call it java, mud or a shot in the arm, an estimated 2 billion cups are consumed every day around the world - making coffee the most popular drink in the world. Shepherds consumed the coffee by grounding the beans and mixing them with animal fat. One legend has it that a goat herder in Ethiopia observed his goats eating coffee berries and he decided to taste them himself - noting the stimulating effect. Coffee is older than most people think - archaeological evidence suggests that humans were enjoying the taste of the coffee berry around a hundred thousand years ago. Arabia controlled the coffee trade for many centuries as they introduced a law that prohibited the exporting of beans that could germinate. By around 600 AD, the coffee bean on plantations - they called their new concoction qahwa meaning "that which prevents sleep". Despite this restriction, the coffee bean somehow found its way throughout the Middle East - to Persia (now Iran), Egypt and parts of Northern Africa. Coffee beans also found their way to the Mysore area of India - where descendants of those original plants flourished until the early 20th century. In many cases, the beans were literally smuggled out of Arabia. At first, coffee was not enjoyed for its taste, but more as a supplement or source of nutrition. When the coffee bean found its way to Turkey, the Turks began to drink it for its flavor - frequently adding such things as cinnamon or anise. The Turks were also the first to roast the beans over fires and boil the crushed beans in water. And what is generally considered to be the world's first coffee shop was opened in Istanbul - known as Constantinople at the time - in the 15th century. The Dutch were the first to transport and cultivate coffee beans on a commercial basis. With coffee beans smuggled out of Arabia, they established plantations in Ceylon and one of their colonies - Java. Today, Indonesia is the world's third largest producer of coffee. The coffee bean was introduced to Europe during the 17th century. At one point, the beverage was more popular than tea in England and was used as an antidote to the widespread alcoholism of the time. Coffee houses sprang up in such places as Vienna, Paris and London, frequented by the wealthy and fashionable. The Austrians are credited with the practice of adding milk and sugar to coffee. In France, Louis XIV built greenhouses to protect his precious coffee beans from frost. And in the New World, coffee was also a popular drink - the newly formed American colonies declared coffee to be the national drink. Not everybody approved; the Catholics declared coffee should be banned - despite the Pope confessing to being an avid coffee drinker. Today, there are actually more than 60 varieties of coffee in the world, although the beans used for coffee are one of two types - Robusta and Arabica. Around 75% of coffee beans produced are Arabica and are cultivated in Brazil and Central America. Robusta beans produce a stronger blend of coffee and are cultivated in parts of Asia and Africa as well as Brazil. Chances are high that your coffee beans come from Brazil, the world's largest producer of coffee. Brazil produces almost 30% of the world's coffee and also has some of the most advanced processing techniques in the world. In 2006, the gross value of coffee production in Brazil was almost 5 billion dollars and the industry employs several million workers. Coffee isn't usually associated with Asia, but several Asian countries have started to cultivate the coffee bean. In recent years, Vietnam has become a large producer and some of the African coffee producing countries still produce excellent coffee - in particular Kenya and Tanzania Some countries have also started to cultivate specialized coffee beans - Kenya produces a fruity coffee and Indonesia produces the Kopi Luwak - a coffee bean that has been passed through the digestive system of a civet. And Ethiopia - where the coffee bean was perhaps first discovered - is home to a bean that produces a coffee flavored with chocolate, ginger and orange. So whether you prefer your coffee beans with milk, with sugar, strong or with no caffeine - take a moment and enjoy a cup of the world's most popular drink.

    And to many of us - it's simply what we need to get us started in the morning. Coffee today is produced in over 50 countries and is the second most valuable export after oil. Whether you call it java, mud or a shot in the arm, an estimated 2 billion cups are consumed every day around the world - making coffee the most popular drink in the world.Shepherds consumed the coffee by grounding the beans and mixing them with animal fat. One legend has it that a goat herder in Ethiopia observed his goats eating coffee berries and he decided to taste them himself - noting the stimulating effect. Coffee is older than most people think - archaeological evidence suggests that humans were enjoying the taste of the coffee berry around a hundred thousand years ago.Arabia controlled the coffee trade for many centuries as they introduced a law that prohibited the exporting of beans that could germinate. By around 600 AD, the coffee bean on plantations - they called their new concoction qahwa meaning "that which prevents sleep".So whether you prefer your coffee beans with milk, with sugar, strong or with no caffeine - take a moment and enjoy a cup of the world's most popular drink.

    Sunday, September 21, 2008

    4 different coffee brewing methods

    Here we explore the four most popular Coffee Brewing Methods: Espresso, French Press, Drip Filtration and Mokta or Stovetop method. Coffee Brewing Methods range from popular Espresso or French Press methods to lesser used methods like Turkish. Espresso The water then finds a path through the coffee grind it is referred to as the 'shot being pulled' through the group. The pressurized infusion process ensures that the water stays in contact with the coffee grounds long enough to draw out much of the coffee ground flavor. Super hot, pressurized water is forced through fine ground, tightly packed coffee. Probably the most popular of the Coffee Brewing Methods in recent times is making an Espresso using a machine. Using a course grind will still produce a good coffee, but it will taste more like a coffee produced using a Drip Filter coffee brewing method rather than true Espresso coffee. And if you didn't catch it when I started talking about Espresso, use a fine grind. Oils break down with time, and so a rich crema will be produced using fresh beans. This is produced by the pressurizing process and the oils of the coffee bean. Crema is the hazelnut foam that sits on the surface of the coffee. The sign of a good espresso, using fresh coffee beans, is the richness of the crema. French Press One of the simplest of all Coffee Brewing Methods is the French Press or Plunger. This is probably the easiest way to make great coffee! The French Press works by directly mixing ground coffee with near boiling water. The coffee flavors get drawn out into the water and then the press or plunger is depressed, separating the exhausted coffee grind from the brew. While the process has a similar taste to the Drip Filtration style, the French Press can extract more flavor from the coffee grind by extending the brewing time. Manual infusion requires you to get your timing right. If you let the brewing process run too long you may end up with a bitter coffee. Conversely, if you brew too quickly you will have a weak tasting coffee. One more point, use a course grind. You don't want fine ground coffee escaping through the metal filter and into the brew. A dusty cup of coffee is not an experience worth having. Drip Filtration
    Let's start with the Drip Filtration style. Drip Filtration is probably the most popular method of all. The Drip Filtration machine works by spraying hot water across ground coffee that is held in a conical shaped filter. The hot water then slowly moves through the ground coffee. Once the water reaches the bottom of the conical filter, it drips into a container beneath it. The most widely used conical filters are made of paper, while expensive stainless steel or gold conical filters are also available. When buying paper filters, be sure to use oxygen bleached paper. Chemically treated papers may affect the taste of your coffee. Another point to be aware of with paper filters is that you may also have some of the flavorful coffee oils trapped by the paper filter. It is the oils that produce the rich crema when you make an espresso. The grind is also important with Drip Filtration. If the grind is too fine, you may clog the pores of your filter. You can avoid this by using a course grind (read about grinding here). Finally, if you do not expect to drink the full pot of coffee, either by yourself (all that caffeine....) or with friends, beware the constantly heated coffee. It loses its flavor and may even become bitter. And the golden rule....never reheat coffee.
    Mokta Pot/Stovetop The Moka Pot style is also known as a Stovetop coffee pot. Moka pot's come in several sizes including 2, 4 or 6 cup capacities. The Moka Pot a simple 3 piece pot. The water reservoir is at the base, with a coffee basket in the middle and the brewed coffee ends up in the top.
    The coffee brewing method is very simple. The pot is placed on a stove top which heats the water in the lower reservoir. As the water reaches boiling point, the steam rises and the water starts to push upward through the coffee grounds. This continues to travel up the central funnel and seeps into the top chamber where it comes to rest. The process finishes when the coffee stops moving into the top chamber. This should only take a few minutes to brew depending on the cup size of the Moka pot.

    The grind should be a fine grind, similar or finer to that used in an Espresso machine. If you want to fill the coffee basket the way traditional Italian drinkers do, then heap the coffee grounds high in the coffee basket and screw the two pieces together. Don't worry about compacting the coffee. When the top half of the pot is screwed on, the grounds will be compacted by the filter screen. You should end up with a dry, compacted puck of coffee grounds at the end of brewing.

    So there you have it. The four most popular Coffee Brewing Methods.

    Here we explore the four most popular Coffee Brewing Methods: Espresso, French Press, Drip Filtration and Mokta or Stovetop method. Coffee Brewing Methods range from popular Espresso or French Press methods to lesser used methods like Turkish.EspressoWhen the water finds a path through the coffee grind it is referred to as the 'shot being pulled' through the group. And the coffee commences to pour into your cup. The water then finds a path through the coffee grounds. The pressurized infusion process ensures that the water stays in contact with the coffee grounds long enough to draw out much of the coffee ground flavor. Super hot, pressurized water is forced through fine ground, tightly packed coffee. Probably the most popular of the Coffee Brewing Methods in recent times is making an Espresso using a machine.Using a course grind will still produce a good coffee, but it will taste more like a coffee produced using a Drip Filter coffee brewing method rather than true Espresso coffee. And if you didn't catch it when I started talking about Espresso, use a fine grind. Oils break down with time, and so a rich crema will be produced using fresh beans. This is produced by the pressurizing process and the oils of the coffee bean. Crema is the hazelnut foam that sits on the surface of the coffee. The sign of a good espresso, using fresh coffee beans, is the richness of the crema. French Press Drip Filtration



    Mokta Pot/Stovetop








    Thursday, September 4, 2008

    coffee for a better life

    Everything else is decadence. To understand coffee, one must understand the core value of tea: that the brewed leaf itself is the only healthful component. The fact stands that tea can only be as beneficial as its preparation, which in some cases may have as much sugar as a can of soda. Tea, its main rival, seems to offer a bounty of better health benefits; a drink for the New Agers and those who want to escape the decadence of the brown, caffeinated drink. Coffee, a drink cherished by many; a drink avoided by others. The bean is the important part. But all of this remains unchanged from tea. Along with cream, sugar waters down the benefits of coffee, where it turns the brew into drinkable candy. And then the all-consuming vice: sugar. Espresso machines, for example, produce a highly concentrated form of ordinary coffee. But the culture of coffee, like the tao of tea, contains a lot of excess trimmings. To that, the coffee bean itself contains a number of benefits to health. A daily cup poses no threat to the average person. Symptoms like these may sound off-putting, but they exist only in the long run for an abusive drinker. And depending on the brew, coffee contains acids that have been linked to stomach ulcers. Coffee is rich in the B vitamin niacin, it in turn restricts the body from other vitamins. But such an alternative could downplay the positive affects of the drink. To those sensitive to caffeine, the obvious alternative can be found in decaffeinated coffee. Serving size also comes into play. Different kinds of coffee (all prepared differently) will yield varied levels of caffeine content. Caffeine can wreak havoc on the nervous system, but that does not make it synonymous with coffee. The pressurized water in an espresso will not keep out most of the volatile acids, The pressurized water in an espresso will not keep out most of the volatile fatty acids in the brew (though some claim it helps the coffee to taste better). The use of a French press, with its lack of a filter, will keep the acids in the brew (though some claim it helps the coffee to taste better). The use of a French press, with its lack of a filter, will keep the acids in the bean. The use of a French press, with its lack of a filter, will keep the acids in the bean. The use of a French press, with its lack of a filter, will keep the acids in the bean. The use of a French press, with its lack of a filter, will keep the acids in the bean. The use of a French press, with its lack of a filter, will keep the acids in the bean. The standard method used by drip machines yield a good amount of caffeine and the filter traps out most of the volatile fatty acids in the bean. And a cup can be prepared several ways.

    Everything else is decadence. To understand coffee, one must understand the core value of tea: that the brewed leaf itself is the only healthful component. The fact stands that tea can only be as beneficial as its preparation, which in some cases may have as much sugar as a can of soda. Tea, its main rival, seems to offer a bounty of better health benefits; a drink for the New Agers and those who want to escape the decadence of the brown, caffeinated drink. Coffee, a drink cherished by many; a drink avoided by others.The bean is the important part. But all of this remains unchanged from tea. Along with cream, sugar waters down the benefits of coffee, where it turns the brew into drinkable candy. And then the all-consuming vice: sugar. Espresso machines, for example, produce a highly concentrated form of ordinary coffee. But the culture of coffee, like the tao of tea, contains a lot of excess trimmings. To that, the coffee bean itself contains a number of benefits to health.A daily cup poses no threat to the average person. Symptoms like these may sound off-putting, but they exist only in the long run for an abusive drinker. And depending on the brew, coffee contains acids that have been linked to stomach ulcers. Coffee is rich in the B vitamin niacin, it in turn restricts the body from other vitamins. But such an alternative could downplay the positive affects of the drink. To those sensitive to caffeine, the obvious alternative can be found in decaffeinated coffee. Serving size also comes into play. Different kinds of coffee (all prepared differently) will yield varied levels of caffeine content. Caffeine can wreak havoc on the nervous system, but that does not make it synonymous with coffee.This along with less cream and less sugar, can make for a risk-free casual cup of coffee. Compared to their quality cousins, instant coffee should satisfy the balanced drinker. All told, for those who refuse to switch to decaffeinated, instant coffee granules contain less caffeine and fatty acids. The pressurized water in an espresso will not keep out most of the volatile acids, and it will also increase the caffeine content. The pressurized water in an espresso will not keep out most of the volatile fatty acids in the brew (though some claim it helps the coffee to taste better). The standard method used by drip machines yield a good amount of caffeine and the filter traps out most of the volatile fatty acids in the brew (though some claim it helps the coffee to taste better). And a cup can be prepared several ways.

    Monday, September 1, 2008

    the columbian coffee bean

    Nowadays there simply is no better place on earth to plant and grow coffee than the coffee beans harvested in the country of Columbia. Although coffee's birthplace of origin is officially Africa other countries have tried and succeeded to make better coffee. As Starbuck's grew they decided it was to their advantage to purchase the entire coffee plantations and grow their own coffee rather than purchase their coffee through a middle-man supplier. Today the trade of the Columbian coffee bean between these to continents exceeds more than 11 million bags per with the popular Starbuck's franchise being one of its major clients. First started in the early 1,800's, Columbian coffee soon found it's way into the cups of citizens of the United States and Europe. Large metropolitan areas of Medellin, Armenia and Columbia's capital of Bogota are close by and provide the needed labor to work these plantations. The central and eastern regions of Columbia are where most of the coffee plantations reside. The trees grow in the mountains under the shade of the banana and rubber trees and get just the right amount of soil nutrients and sunshine. The Coffea Arabic Tree produces the delicious Columbian coffee bean. The Coffea Arabic Tree takes about four to five years to reach the right maturity level to produce high quality Columbian coffee beans. In the fields farmers practice the dry process to produce their finished coffee product. Once the coffee bean is harvested it is soaked in cold water for twenty-four hours, very similar to the time used to ferment wine. Not until the coffee beans are carefully packaged for shipment all over the world to your favorite coffee shop or supermarket for you to purchase and enjoy. Of course not all coffee beans are created equal and some do not pass the rigorous standards put in place by coffee plantation farmers.

    Nowadays there simply is no better place on earth to plant and grow coffee than the coffee beans harvested in the country of Columbia. Although coffee's birthplace of origin is officially Africa other countries have tried and succeeded to make better coffee.As Starbuck's grew they decided it was to their advantage to purchase the entire coffee plantations and grow their own coffee rather than purchase their coffee through a middle-man supplier. Today the trade of the Columbian coffee bean between these to continents exceeds more than 11 million bags per with the popular Starbuck's franchise being one of its major clients. First started in the early 1,800's, Columbian coffee soon found it's way into the cups of citizens of the United States and Europe.Large metropolitan areas of Medellin, Armenia and Columbia's capital of Bogota are close by and provide the needed labor to work these plantations. The central and eastern regions of Columbia are where most of the coffee plantations reside. The trees grow in the mountains under the shade of the banana and rubber trees and get just the right amount of soil nutrients and sunshine. The Coffea Arabic Tree produces the delicious Columbian coffee bean.Of course not all coffee beans are carefully packaged for shipment all over the world to your favorite coffee shop or supermarket for you to purchase and enjoy.

    Saturday, August 30, 2008

    coffee shop culture in singapore and malaysia a different art of coffee drinking

    Before there are Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaves, most people in the region of Singapore and Malaysia know only kopi, a Baba Malay language for coffee.  Kopi is basically robusta coffee.  Espresso and cappuccino are extravagant coffee in the early days, meant for the rich, and only available in hotels.

    Today, a cup of kopi is only between 70 and 90 Singapore cents.

    Latte or long black is unknown in local coffee stalls and kopi tiam.  Tiam means shop in Hokkien, a Chinese dialect.  Instead it is commonly called kopi, kopi-o, and kopi-c.

    Kopi is not brewed in coffee maker, but steep in a tall metal pot with a long spout with a cotton coffee filter, a long cone bag, within.  Milk and sugar are not served separately on the table.  When you order your kopi, you have coffee with condensed milk, a sweetener, and sugar, already added.

    Kopi-o is black coffee, with sugar added.  O sounds like black in Hokkien.

    Instead of condensed milk, Carnation evaporated milk is added to kopi-c, with sugar.  The c stands for Carnation, a brand, even though some have replaced it with other brands.

    Most of the early kopi tiam are started by Chinese who are Hainanese.  Today their lingo still stays.  Ask for kopi-c siu tai, it is coffee with evaporated milk and less sugar in the cup.  More sugar, ka tai.  But for no sugar, it is kosong, a Malay word which means nothing.

    Sarabat stalls are coffee stalls run by Indians and Malays.  They are famous for their teh tarik.  Teh means tea, and tarik means pull back.  A cup of tea with milk and sugar added is then juggled between two cups at an altitude.  The original purpose is to lower the temperature of very hot tea for easy drinking on a hot day, for the climate in Singapore and Malaysia most of the year is of summer.  However, the action has also produced a foamy top for the tea, much like cappuccino.  This spurs the creation of kopiccino, using the same method but instead of tea, it is coffee.

    Many migrants came from China in the old days.  Chinese meal will always have a cup of Chinese tea besides their food.  It is not surprising to find in the local coffee shop and food court, too, that coffee and tea are usually ordered together with meals, much like having a cup of Chinese tea, or ice water in western meal.  But for some, hot kopi is still best reserved after a meal.

    Nevertheless, for those who still crave for a piece of cheese cake with gourmet coffee, it is still Starbucks, hotels, or café.  For others with a budget, Ikea offers value for money for a cup of brewed coffee with cheese cake.

    Any opportunities to travel to Singapore and Malaysia, kopi with roti kaya is a must.  Roti is bread in Malay, and kaya is a coconut egg jam.

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