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

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Gevalia Coffee Maker for the Perfect Coffee Cup

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

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

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

'Gevalia Coffee Maker'

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

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

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

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

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

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

'How to Brew your Gevalia Coffee'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Why Connoisseurs Choose A Burr Coffee Grinder

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bo Collins

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

Gourmet Coffee Beans best coffee bean roaster

Saturday, November 1, 2008

The Joys of Home Coffee

For those who have not jumped onto the home coffee brewing and roasting phenomena, what are you waiting for! There is no simpler joy in life than being able to control and enjoy the quality of your coffee and sharing it with friends and family.

One thing you will quickly realize is simply how much fun you will have by the simplicity of roasting coffee at home. And the rewards are just the tip of the iceberg. When you have all the processes at your fingertips, you can witness with your very own eyes the crackling of the coffee beans as well as it roasting.

You think you will only have fun once you can take your first sip? Not at all! During the roasting process you will be entranced by a rich and splendid fragrance that will fill your house! It's advisable to be near an open window or have a stove hood and oven fan for darker roasting methods. Also the darker the roast, the more fragrant and swelling the aroma will be so be prepared for that!

Conversely with lighter roasts you will still experience a great aroma filling the air, but not quite laid on as thick as with the darker roasts.

Commercial espresso machine analogous offerings and services are found at the author's site.

Commercial espresso machine analogous offerings and services

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Folgers Coffee Pods: Great Way To Get Your Coffee Fix

What a better way to start the day than with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Want a quick, no-mess way to enjoy your favorite coffee before you have to rush out the door?

Folgers coffee pods bring the taste of classic coffeehouse coffee and a very easy way to brew java to the comfort of your own home. Coffee pods are quickly becoming the hottest new method for home coffee brewing, and Folgers coffee pods are leading the way.

It's also no coincidence that this system makes consistently a top-notch, single serving of coffee in under a minute. It's also no coincidence that this technique is the one that most leading coffeehouses use the most. It's also no coincidence that this technique is the one that most leading coffeehouses use the most. It's also no coincidence that this technique is the one that most leading coffeehouses use the most. It's also no coincidence that this technique is the one that most leading coffeehouses use the most. It's also no coincidence that this technique is the one that most leading coffeehouses use the most. It's no coincidence that this technique is the one that most leading coffeehouses use the most. This technology is an exclusive system that forces hot water through the ground beans at an extremely high pressure. It is an amazing technology that allows you to take the self-contained, individual Folgers coffee pods and turn them into a delicious pot of coffee that you'll be proud to share with your houseguests.

Choose a light breakfast blend, an afternoon pick me up strength, or the toe clenching, rocket fuel variety of brew. Pick from a cup size, for instance, of seven ounces, nine ounces, or 14 ounces. The Folgers coffee pods system also allows you the chance to customize the size of your cup of joe, as well as the strength of your brew.

Plus, a single cup of coffee means you won't have the face the problem of wasting an entire pot of coffee. The coffee pods are easy to clean up after, leaving no messy coffee grounds, soggy filters, or dirty baskets. It gives you a freshness every time you make java, which would only be attainable normally if you opened a can of coffee each time you brewed. What's more, the Folgers coffee pods system makes it easy to brew a precisely measured portion of coffee.

You can buy Folgers coffee pods in a variety of flavors, such as mild, medium, and dark, along with regular and decaffeinated varieties. Folgers also has its most popular roast blends, like Classic Roast, Classic Decaf, 100% Columbian, and French Vanilla. In the future, you may also be able to purchase pods that make cappuccinos, lattes, and many other hot beverages. Forget about the future for now, though. Jump on this delicious opportunity now, in the present.

A simple search on the web or in your favorite grocery or specialty shop will bring up plenty of great options to choose from, with more new ones coming all the time. Of course, Folgers isnt the only company producing coffee pods now.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Roast Your Own Coffee Beans With A Home Coffee Roaster

To a coffee lover, there's nothing like the smell of roasting coffee beans. To be honest, the average coffee drinker feels more than willing to leave the roasting of the coffee beans to the staff of their local coffee house or their preferred coffee producer. Of course, roasting one's own coffee beans has not been an option until recently with the creation of the smaller computer driven roasters. Commercial coffee roasters are not as user friendly as these newer roasters, and they come with a hefty price tag. Add to this the difficult process of roasting to insure that the beans retain their flavor, and it is no wonder that people are not lining up to roast their own coffee.

So the question is who needs a coffee roaster?

Well, there are the coffee enthusiasts who are just as in interested in all aspects of making that perfect cup of coffee as they are in drinking the perfect cup. If you are this person, then these new, smaller, computerized coffee roasters would be a perfect addition to your home. Now you can not only choose the type of bean for brewing, but can determine the right roast to obtain just the flavor you desire. The household coffee roaster makes it easier to control the amount of heat applied to the beans, and the length of roasting time.

Buyers beware though. This is still an arduous process that can leave even the most robust bean devoid of flavor. However, with a little practice and know how, anyone who considers coffee brewing not just something that they do as a morning ritual, but rather as a hobby, can take this one step further and create their own roast.

Though these roasters are not as complicated as their commercial counterparts, roasting coffee beans is time consuming, thus is still not for everyone. For those of us who are happy with the brand of coffee we purchase already roasted and ready for grinding and brewing, we can still head on over to our local supermarket or gourmet coffee house. The perfect cup of coffee can still be created without having to involve ourselves in the entire process. However, it is nice to know that there are options out there for people looking for something more than just a quick cup of Joe.

If you find yourself concerned about having the perfect bean for brewing, and would enjoy getting more involved, then owning your own roaster is defiantly the way to go. Lower cost and smaller sizes make it easier than ever to bring roasting to any home that desires it. Not only will you be able to enjoy drinking your coffee but creating it as well.

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

flavored coffee http://www.gourmetespressoandcoffee.com

Thursday, October 9, 2008

what to look for when buying a coffee maker

That said, not all cups of coffee are created equal; choosing the right coffee maker can make all the difference between an outstanding cup and one that's just alright. Coffee provides the caffeine that some people need to wake up in the morning or to get that extra boost as the day goes on, and research has shown that the antioxidants in coffee may have a variety of health benefits as well. Coffee has become a mainstay of their morning routine. For many people, the day doesn't officially start until that first pot is brewing. While any coffee maker may be capable of making a good cup of coffee, there are some features that you can look for to help your coffee brew right, stay fresh, and taste delicious. So how do you know that you're getting the coffee maker that will best meet your needs and serve up the coffee of your dreams? Essential Features Digital Timer - Though it's reached the point that it's almost difficult to find a coffee maker without some sort of digital timer, you should make sure that the coffee maker the night before you can actually save time in the mornings by having your coffee start brewing just before you wake up. Construction - Stop and take a look at the model of coffee maker that you're considering buying. See how well it's constructed, how easy it is to use, and whether the coffee pot is reinforced or is simply glass. Reinforced coffee pots act like a thermos, keeping your coffee hot and fresh for much longer. Pause and Serve - This is one of the most useful features that your coffee maker can have if you need a pot of coffee. Instead of having to wait for the pot to finish brewing or trying to swap out your cup and the pot (and spilling coffee everywhere), the act of removing the pot closes a valve on the maker and lets you pour yourself a cup before resuming your brew. Optional but Useful Features Water Filter - An optional feature that's becoming more common in coffee makers, having an in-line water filter can really improve the taste of your coffee by making sure that there aren't any impurities in the water you brew with. Keep in mind that this adds a little bit of extra maintenance to your coffee maker as well… you'll need to change the filters regularly. Variable Temperature - Even the cheapest coffee maker heats water up enough to brew with, but if you have a variable temperature gauge you can actually tweak your brewing temperature to suit your tastes. This feature isn't essential, however, so if there's a significant price difference between two coffee makers with this as the only difference, don't feel bad if you choose the one without. Locking Lids - A useful feature that generally comes with coffee makers that use reinforced pots; a locking lid enables you to screw a lid directly onto the pot which makes it easy to take coffee to a neighbors or other destination. Locking lids are often designed so that you can't have both a basket in and a lid on; this way you won't accidentally start brewing when the pot is closed. Other Considerations Drip Type - Most coffee makers that you'll buy will be of the automatic drip variety… this way you don't have to do anything except fill the basket, pour in water, and start the brewing cycle. Be aware that other types of coffee makers do exist, though, including manual drip, percolators, and press pots. Capacity - Sometimes you might only want a little coffee, and sometimes you might want a lot. Stop to think about exactly how much coffee you're likely to need, and make sure that the coffee maker that you choose can handle that amount. If you drink a lot of coffee, you don't want a small coffee maker. Look for coffee makers that feature a variable capacity, so that you can make as much or as little as you need.
Filter Type - When it comes to filters, there are 3 options that you should consider. You can find coffee makers that use the standard paper filters, metal permanent filters, and even "pods" which are pre-packaged coffee discs complete with their own filter. Metal filters generally produce a better taste and are compatible with makers that use paper filters, while pods require that the maker is specifically designed for them.

However, you can usually save some money by buying a separate grinder, so it's a good idea to explore that option as well. Grinder - Fresh-ground coffee tastes better, and some coffee makers have a coffee grinder built in.

That said, not all cups of coffee are created equal; choosing the right coffee maker can make all the difference between an outstanding cup and one that's just alright. Coffee provides the caffeine that some people need to wake up in the morning or to get that extra boost as the day goes on, and research has shown that the antioxidants in coffee may have a variety of health benefits as well. Coffee has become a mainstay of their morning routine. For many people, the day doesn't officially start until that first pot is brewing.While any coffee maker may be capable of making a good cup of coffee, there are some features that you can look for to help your coffee brew right, stay fresh, and taste delicious. So how do you know that you're getting the coffee maker that will best meet your needs and serve up the coffee of your dreams?Essential FeaturesDigital Timer - Though it's reached the point that it's almost difficult to find a coffee maker without some sort of digital timer, you should make sure that the coffee maker the night before you can actually save time in the mornings by having your coffee start brewing just before you wake up. Optional but Useful Features Other Considerations


However, you can usually save some money by buying a separate grinder, so it's a good idea to explore that option as well. Grinder - Fresh-ground coffee tastes better, and some coffee makers have a coffee grinder built in.

Friday, October 3, 2008

coffee makers the wonderful coffee brewing machines

This process of making coffee is called automatic dip brew. The water is heated up to its boiling point, and then directed into the funnel. Cold water is poured into a separate chamber of the device. The funnel in turn is set over a ceramic or glass coffee pot. In most common appliances, coffee grounds are placed in a metal or paper filter which is located inside the funnel of the appliance. A coffee maker is a kitchen appliance, which is used to brew coffee. This process infuses an acceptable amount of flavor into the brewing solution. In these devices, gravity pressure is used to bring the water in contact with the coffee grounds for a sufficient amount of time. Percolators were first introduced in the mid-nineteenth century. Vacuum coffee brewer, drip coffee maker and percolators are some of the highly successful variants of coffee brewers that are widely available in the markets these days. Vacuum coffee brewer, drip coffee maker and percolators are some of the highly successful variants of coffee makers are sold into the markets under different brand names. Several variants of coffee makers are sold into the markets under different brand names. The electric coffee makers met the standards of temperature and coffee brewing time for the first time in history. The electric coffee makers during second half of the twentieth century. Invention of safe & secured electric fuses and heating elements popularised the use of electric coffee makers during second half of the twentieth century. The electrification of homes during the twentieth century helped in simplifying the working of percolators to a great extent and made them ubiquitous in American homes. Vacuum coffee makers were first introduced around 1915. Pyrex globes were used in the appliances for the first time instead of the glass ones. It solved the problem of fragility of these devices to a great extent and also helped in making them a commercially viable option. The devices' sleek forms and simple functionality got popular appeal among the masses. "Mr. Coffee," the first automatic drip brew coffee maker was introduced to the public in 1972. The device combined aspects of both the drip brew process and the percolating process. Since then, the shape and size of these appliances have changed to a large extent. A range of light weight and compact coffee makers are available in markets the world over these days.

This process of making coffee is called automatic dip brew. The water is heated up to its boiling point, and then directed into the funnel. Cold water is poured into a separate chamber of the device. The funnel in turn is set over a ceramic or glass coffee pot. In most common appliances, coffee grounds are placed in a metal or paper filter which is located inside the funnel of the appliance. A coffee maker is a kitchen appliance, which is used to brew coffee.This process infuses an acceptable amount of flavor into the brewing solution. In these devices, gravity pressure is used to bring the water in contact with the coffee grounds for a sufficient amount of time. Percolators were first introduced in the mid-nineteenth century. Several variants of coffee brewers that are widely available in the markets these days.The electric coffee makers met the standards of temperature and coffee brewing time for the first time in history. Invention of safe & secured electric fuses and heating elements popularised the use of electric coffee makers during second half of the twentieth century. The electrification of homes during the twentieth century helped in simplifying the working of percolators to a great extent and made them ubiquitous in American homes.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

top keurig accessories

Unlike many of the other single cup systems that use ‘pods' - little more than drip coffee makers designed to make one cup of coffee at a time - the K-cup system uses a patented K-cup that is essentially a tiny coffee brewer complete with filter and basket in a convenient, disposable packet. Keurig's K-cup system is easily the most popular out of the new line of single cup brewers. If you go by the growing sales of such top of the line single cup brewing systems as Keurig, single cup coffee brewing systems have taken the home market by storm.With all that, what else could you possibly want? The Keurig system offers variety, convenience and great flavor. With dozens of Green Mountain Coffee blends available in K-cups, Keurig offers many more choices in pre-packaged cups than most other single cup brewing systems. The biggest draw for many who've chosen Keurig is the variety of coffees available in K-cups. What makes Keurig so much more popular than other brands?Here are some of the best and most useful accessories to use with your Keurig single cup system. That is just one of the great accessories that are designed to complement your Keurig single cup brewing system. How about a nifty carousel to keep those K-cups neat, organized and easy to reach? K-cup Storage and Display K-cup Storage and Display No more rummaging in the cabinet or the box, trying to find the right blend when you have one of these tasteful, decorative K-cup holders. Keurig offers three different options for storing and displaying your selection of K-cups. K-cup Carousel K-cup Carousel K-cup Rack K-cup Rack The My K-cup The My K-cup Perfect Pod Holsters Perfect Pod Holsters The Official Keurig Travel Mug The Official Keurig Travel Mug



Charcoal Filter Charcoal Filter

You can purchase additional charcoal filters through the Keurig web site to keep your coffee tasting great. The B100 Keurig Brewer features an optional water filter.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

coffee maker glossary

Some of the terms that are frequently used are as follows: Coffee has its own language . Auto Frother: used to automatically froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes Automatic Drip Coffee Maker: a machine used to automatically heat water and filter through coffee. Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker: as the name itself says this is an espresso machine having controllable, programmable coffee dosing. Bean to Cup: Machines having Bean To Cup will usually have the capacity to do everything from grinding the beans to filling a cup with coffee. Boiler: It is the steam machine inside coffee maker. These large boilers are usually more powerful and produce more hot water for beverages. Boiler Element: It is an element that heats boilers in electric espresso coffee makers. Cappuccino: A beverage based on Italian espresso. Cup Warmer: Here the cups are placed for warming. It is a metal portion at the top of the espresso coffee maker. Dosing: it is the amount of grams or brewed coffee per cup. Drip Tray: it is the part of espresso coffee maker where the coffee cup sits for filling. Espresso: it is a rich Italian black coffee preceded with speciality coffees. Filter Basket: A filter made up of metal where grounds are placed for brewing. Filtered Method: the process of seperating coffee from water. French Press: A cylindrical coffee maker in which ground coffee is steeped then filtered. Coffee grounds are pushed to the bottom of the pot with the plunger. Coffee stays in the top of the pot. Fully Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker: machines which helps in automatically managing the brewing process. Grind: the process of preparing coffee beans for coffee brewing is called Grinding. Group: The part of Espresso coffee maker used to brew coffee. Group Handle: Portion of espresso coffee maker used to hold the filter basket that ground coffee goes into. Heat Exchanger: helps in heating water for coffee without taking water from the boiler. Hopper: This is the portion of grinder that holds coffee beans. Knock-out Box: It is a container used to remove the used coffee grounds from group handle. Latte: A beverage that is prepared on mixing one quarter coffee, three quarters of steamed, hot milk with little froth. Mocha: This is the term used to describe a hot beverage made from espresso, chocolate and milk. Moka Pot: Classic Italian espresso-maker used on top of the stove. Percolator: A type of coffee maker that runs water continuously through the coffee grounds to make coffee. Pour/Pour Speed/Pour Time: It is defined as the amount of time required to pour coffee from group into cup. Should be 25 to 30 seconds for espresso. Pump: This is the device that moves water through the coffee maker. Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker: machine without pre-set dosing capability. Steam Arm/Wand: metal tube delivering steam to froth milk. Super Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker: the brewing process from coffee bean to fresh cup of coffee in addition to other features such as a water filter is being automatically managed by this machine. Tamping: process of pressing ground coffee into filter basket. Vacuum coffee maker: machine using vacuum process to make coffee. Traditional espresso coffee maker: a traditional way of preparing coffee without using bean to cup automated model. Water Filter: filters dirts from water for better coffee taste. Water Font: nozzle used to dispense water from machine boiler. Water Softener: This is a must have for anyone using hard water as it filters lime and minerals from water, preventing build up of scales in the coffee maker.

Some of the terms that are frequently used are as follows: Coffee has its own language .Auto Frother: used to automatically froth milk for cappuccinos and lattesAutomatic Drip Coffee Maker: a machine used to automatically heat water and filter through coffee.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

a brief overview of gourmet coffee

Gourmet coffee may have once only been served in the finest dining establishments and found being served mostly in the homes of the upper class, but gourmet coffee is widely available and affordable to a variety of people and is found in a variety of people and is found in a variety of people and is found in a variety of settings today. Coffee is a beverage that has been available in cheap, regular and gourmet versions for a long time and the consumption rate of coffee among people from around the world continues to increase every year. Gourmet foods and drinks have long been associated as the regular fare for the rich and famous who can afford the higher pricing that often accompanies many of these finer food and beverage versions. The word Gourmet is used to refer to the fancier grade, cut, or quality of many of the foods and beverages we consume. Packaged coffee beans that have not been ground can be purchased in stores and ground using the grinding mills that are made available in most of the stores selling them, but also with grinding machines in the home. Some people prefer to grind their own coffee beans before brewing them for coffee. Finally, the coffee beans are grinded down into a fine consistency that is commonly known as coffee grounds, and packaged and shipped to destinations around the world where consumers can buy and brew coffee grounds to make coffee in commercial, hospitality, institutional, and residential settings. The beans are then roasted to various degrees which cause them to change physically and in the tastes they produce. It is the coffee beans that remain after the processing and drying of the coffee berries. After ripening, coffee berries are harvested, and then undergo a processing which also includes drying them. Coffee is made from coffee beans which are found within the berries that develop and ripen on a number of smaller evergreen bush plant species known as the Coffea plant. Gourmet coffee is made from the top tier arabica coffee beans that are considered to be Gourmet, and thereby from which gourmet coffee is derived. The two most commercially grown species of the coffea plant that produce the coffee beans used to make the coffee that the world's population consumes, are Robusta and Arabica. Coffee bean grounds and coffee beans that have not been grinded down need to be stored in air-tight containers and kept cool in order to protect them from losing their flavor. The containers that coffee is typically sold in are not the most ideal for storing coffee for a long period of time. When you arrive home after purchasing coffee grounds at the store, consider transferring the fresh coffee grounds to appropriate storage containers to extend its shelf life and full flavor. Coffee can be brewed in many ways such as boiling, pressuring, and steeping. Most of us brew our coffee using automatic coffee brewing machines and percolators which use gravity to pull hot water through coffee grounds where the hot water mixed with the oils and essences of the coffee grounds empties into a liquid holding container below. Filters are used to keep coffee granules from being emptied into the carafe or liquid holding container from which the brewed coffee can then be served from because most people do not want to drink the coffee granules. Coffee granules can be very bitter once the flavor able oils and essences have been removed through the brewing process. Plants and flowers love coffee grounds though for anybody who is looking for a greener alternative of what to do with coffee grounds after brewing instead of just throwing them in the trash. However, brewing gourmet coffee at home is usually much cheaper, and you can add what you want to your coffee to satisfy your refined, gourmet tastes. Big name coffee chains sell a wide variety of gourmet coffee with different tasty additions and flavors to appeal to gourmet coffee lovers. While many others want to enhance their gourmet coffee and drinking experience with tasty additions like milk that is whipped into a froth, sweeteners, and mixing in other flavors like chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and mint, to name just a few. While many others want to enhance their gourmet coffee black, without adding anything like milk, creamer, sugar or other sweeteners or flavorings, to their coffee. Some people are quite content with drinking their gourmet coffee black, without adding anything like milk, creamer, sugar or other sweeteners or flavorings, to their coffee. Of course, Gourmet coffee beans are only the beginning to creating a truly gourmet coffee experience for many gourmet coffee drinkers.

Gourmet coffee may have once only been served in the finest dining establishments and found being served mostly in the homes of the upper class, but gourmet coffee is widely available and affordable to a variety of settings today. Coffee is a beverage that has been available in cheap, regular and gourmet versions for a long time and the consumption rate of coffee among people from around the world continues to increase every year. Gourmet foods and drinks have long been associated as the regular fare for the rich and famous who can afford the higher pricing that often accompanies many of these finer food and beverage versions. The word Gourmet is used to refer to the fancier grade, cut, or quality of many of the foods and beverages we consume.Finally, the coffee beans that have not been ground can be purchased in stores and ground using the grinding mills that are made available in most of the stores selling them, but also with grinding machines in the home. The beans are then roasted to various degrees which cause them to change physically and in the tastes they produce. Packaged coffee beans that remain after the processing and drying of the coffee berries. Some people prefer to grind their own coffee beans before brewing them for coffee. It is the coffee beans are grinded down into a fine consistency that is commonly known as coffee grounds, and packaged and shipped to destinations around the world where consumers can buy and brew coffee grounds to make coffee in commercial, hospitality, institutional, and residential settings. After ripening, coffee berries are harvested, and then undergo a processing which also includes drying them. Coffee is made from coffee beans which are found within the berries that develop and ripen on a number of smaller evergreen bush plant species known as the Coffea plant.These top tier arabica coffee beans that are considered to be Gourmet, and thereby from which gourmet coffee is derived. These top tier arabica coffea plants grown at lower altitudes are still noted among consumers as having richer flavors than the flavors produced by Robusta coffee beans, but it is only the top tier coffee beans from the arabica coffea plant. Gourmet coffee is made from the top tier coffee beans from the arabica coffea plant. The two most commercially grown species of the coffea plant that produce the coffee beans used to make the coffee that the world's population consumes, are Robusta and Arabica.However, brewing gourmet coffee at home is usually much cheaper, and you can add what you want to your coffee to satisfy your refined, gourmet tastes. Big name coffee chains sell a wide variety of gourmet coffee with different tasty additions and flavors to appeal to gourmet coffee lovers. While many others want to enhance their gourmet coffee and drinking experience with tasty additions like milk that is whipped into a froth, sweeteners, and mixing in other flavors like chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and mint, to name just a few. While many others want to enhance their gourmet coffee black, without adding anything like milk, creamer, sugar or other sweeteners or flavorings, to their coffee. Some people are quite content with drinking their gourmet coffee black, without adding anything like milk, creamer, sugar or other sweeteners or flavorings, to their coffee. Of course, Gourmet coffee beans are only the beginning to creating a truly gourmet coffee experience for many gourmet coffee drinkers.

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 18, 2008

an introduction to kcups and keurig coffee products

In answering that question, the fine folks at Keurig made coffee history with one of the most versatile and innovative coffee systems on the market today. As single cup coffee system stemmed from an age-old question: why do we brew coffee a pot at a time when we drink it a cup at a time?

What makes Keurig so different?

What makes Keurig so different?

No dripping filters, no coffee grounds mess to deal with. Just eject the k-cup and toss it away. Cleanup is just as easy. You just pop the cup into place, press a button, and in a minute or less you will have one perfectly brewed cup of coffee, ready to drink. Every individual K-cup is its own drip coffee brewer, complete with filter. Unlike other single-cup brewing systems, Keurig doesn't just package coffee in a little disc.

Today, Keurig offers nearly 200 coffee and other beverages for use with its K-cup system. The hard work in the early years paid off. From the very start, Keurig solicited the top gourmet coffee roasters from around the world and offered them a chance to be in on their revolutionary coffee concept. While the easy cleanup and easy learning curve for the Keurig brewing process is nice, the real value of choosing Keurig over any other single-cup brewing system is the amazing variety of coffee and coffee products that are available in K-cups.

K-cup varieties for the home or office

K-cup varieties for the home or office

Do you have a favorite brand of gourmet coffee? Chances are that you can get it in K-cups. Keurig has partnered with a diverse group of gourmet coffee roasters and name brands to offer the widest variety of coffees for any single-serve coffee system. Perhaps the best-known of the companies that package their own coffee for Keurig is Green Mountain Roasters, a socially conscious roasting company that imports the finest coffees from all over the world. Among the other specialty coffee roasters and distributors that package their coffee in K-cups for Keurig are Newman's Own Organics, Diedrich, Emeril, Gloria Jean, Caribou, Timothy's, Tully's and Van Houtte. Each of them sells multiple roasts and blends through K-cups, though not necessarily every one of the blends that they make. There is quite a selection, though. Green Mountain alone offers over thirty of their specialty coffees in k-cups, including specialty signature blends like Wild Blueberry.

More than just coffee

More than just coffee

Keurig does not confine you to making just coffee in you Keurig maker. They also offer a variety of teas, including Celestial Seasonings, Twinings and Bigelow teas, and gourmet chocolate drinks like Ghirardelli, Timothy's and Green Mountain.

Keurig Brewers

Keurig Brewers

Keurig originally made coffee makers only for businesses and large offices. In fact, most people's first experience with K-cups was at their doctor's or dentist's office. For the past several years, Keurig has also made coffee brewers for the home market. There are currently three models available for the home market, ranging in price from $99 to $199. Keurig still makes their brewers for the small and large office, but they are only available through local distributors. There are Keurig brewers designed for small and large offices, and specifically for the hospitality industry. The hotel Keurig brewers are designed for single suite use, hospitality suite and coffee service use, depending on the level of use that you expect to get from your brewer.

Other Coffee Accessories and Gifts from Keurig

Other Coffee Accessories and Gifts from Keurig

Using the My k-cup is as easy as using a regular filter cup with a standard coffee maker, but you are still brewing only one cup at a time in the exclusive patented brewer, so you get all the flavor and convenience - with your own favorite coffee. Using the My k-cup is as easy as using a regular filter cup with a standard coffee maker, but you are still brewing only one cup at a time in the exclusive patented brewer, so you get all the flavor and convenience - with your own favorite gourmet coffee - or save money by buying whatever is on sale at the supermarket and making your own. With My K-cup, you can make your own K-cup assembly using your own favorite gourmet coffee - or save money by buying whatever is on sale at the supermarket and making your own. If you are not satisfied with the variety of k-cups available, Keurig also sells My K-cup for specific models of their home brewer.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

choosing a coffee maker that fits your lifestyle

Techniques for brewing coffee range from the practical to the artful. When purchasing a coffee maker for your home, you'll want to select a machine that matches your own coffee brewing style.

Is drinking coffee a languid morning ritual or something you do on-the-go? Do you prefer an uncomplicated cup of black coffee or an espresso with a light crema layer? To help you decide on the ideal brewer for your lifestyle, here is a rundown of popular coffee machines, from single cup Keurig coffee makers to the more elaborate espresso makers:

Keurig coffee makers

Drip Coffee Maker

Drip Coffee Maker

You can't get more traditional in your approach to coffee brewing than by using a drip coffee maker. Introduced for home use in the 1970s, these machines work by letting water pass through coffee grounds held in a paper filter or plastic filter. The clear, light-bodied coffee then collects in a brew pot.

Drip coffee machines range in size, but typically brew eight to twelve cups at a time. Many models have a heating element which keeps the pot warm. Coffee left sitting in the heated pot for too long may develop a burnt or bitter taste.

Benefits: Ease of use. Brew multiple cups in a single pot.

Drawbacks: Moderate brewing time. Need to clean up used grounds and coffee pot.

Single Cup Coffee Maker

Single Cup Coffee Maker

Single cup coffee machines are among the newest trends in coffee brewing. These machines use individual portion packs of coffee to brew one cup at a time. Simply fill the water reservoir, pop a portion pack of your favorite coffee in the holding chamber, and press the brew button. In under a minute, you'll have a fresh cup of gourmet coffee.

While the most common type of portion pack is the coffee pod – a paper filter containing coffee grounds – some brands of single cup coffee maker call for the use of their own proprietary portion packs. For instance, single cup brewing systems from Keurig use K Cups and those from Tassimo use T-Discs.

Prices for single cup coffee makers range from less than $50 to more than $300, depending on the size and model. Many models can brew tea and hot cocoa as well as coffee. Some high-end models are capable of producing coffee with a crèma layer. A single cup coffee maker is a great choice for someone who's always on the go.

Benefits: Quick brewing time. Minimal clean up.

Drawbacks: With the exception of some high-end models that take loose ground coffee, you must use portion packs.

Percolator

Percolator

Coffee percolators are a type of drip brew coffee maker. Highly popular in the early twentieth century, percolators have resurfaced as a nostalgia item in many homes.

What distinguishes percolators from standard drip brewers is the way water moves through the percolator chambers – boiling first in the lower chamber, bubbling up through a vertical tube, then percolating down through the coffee grounds before re-circulating. This process gives percolated coffee a unique taste. If heated for too long after the percolating process completes, the coffee may develop a bitter taste.

Benefits: Characteristic "perking" action. Non-electric and electric versions available.

Drawbacks: Slow brewing time. Diminishes natural flavor of coffee beans.

Espresso Machine

Espresso Machine

Espresso machines offer coffee with a more European flair. The machines operate by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans. This process results in espresso's characteristic crema layer. Espresso typically has a thicker consistency than drip brewed coffee and contains more sediment from the coffee grounds.

The flavor of espresso is much more concentrated than drip brewed coffee, making it the perfect base for lattes, mochas, macchiato, and cappuccinos when mixed with varying amounts of frothed milk. While espresso is higher by volume in caffeine than drip brewed coffee, the customary small serving size means that most espresso drinks contain less caffeine than a mug of coffee. This is a true luxury item.

Benefits: Trendy. Quick brewing time. Produces a variety of espresso drinks.

Drawbacks: More complicated to operate. Espresso flavor degrades quickly after brewing.

Remember, not all coffee makers are created equal. Once you've decided which type of coffee machine best suits your lifestyle, making a purchase becomes a matter of deciding your price range and desired features. It helps to read consumer reviews posted on the Internet before choosing a particular model. If you take your time and research all the options, you're sure to find a coffee maker that will perk up your mornings for years to come.

About CoffeeCow

About CoffeeCow

CoffeeCow.com goes to great lengths to provide the highest quality products, the fastest service, and the deepest discount prices you will find on Keurig K-Cups , coffee pods, and a wide selection of related coffee supplies. Developed by coffee professionals with over 35 years of experience in fulfilling any coffee service need, CoffeeCow offers all the coffee conveniences for your home or office. Visit http://www.coffeecow.com for more information.

Keurig K-Cups http://www.coffeecow.com

Saturday, August 23, 2008

espresso coffee how to make it

Espresso (or) Caffè Espresso is a popular coffee beverage enjoyed by millions of people and is hugely popular in Europe as well as in North America, Australia and New Zealand. Most of us are very much aware of an Espresso but very few of us know what it exactly is or how it is prepared?

So where did it all start?

A guy named Luigi Bezzera from Italy invented the Espresso drink in 1903. He was basically frustrated with the time it took to make a decent cup of coffee and wanted to find a way to brew it much quicker. He attempted to increase the applied pressure during the coffee brewing process and thereby reduced the overall preparation time. As expected the coffee drink was prepared much quicker and it infact tasted even better. This drink soon came to be called the now hugely popular "Espresso".

How Is Espresso Made?

To make a delicious cup of creamy Espresso you basically need three things

1. A Good Espresso Machine
2. High Quality Coffee beans
3. Some Water


When the brewing process begins pressurized water at about 85°C - 95°C is forced into the ground coffee kept in the filter. If the water if forced at a temperature lower than the recommended range, the Espresso produced will turn sour and if it is forced at a higher temperature it will turn bitter. So one should be careful that the water is forced at the ideal temperature range. A High quality Espresso machine will control the temperature of the forced water effectively and maintain it at the ideal temperature. The entire brewing process will finally produce a rich, creamy, reddish brown like syrup which is your "Espresso" . Freshly brewed Espresso should be served immediately or else it will degrade due to cooling and oxidation. To enjoy a delicious cup of creamy Espresso it is recommended to consume it within 2 to 3 minutes from the time of serving. Another popular misconception is that only a specific bean or roast can be used to produce authentic Espresso coffee. This is absolutely not true as any bean or roast can be used.

Variations Of Espresso

There are over 15 variations of Espresso produced such as Americano, Black eye, Capuccino, Cubano, Doppio, Caffè Latte, Caffè Macchiato, Mocha, Red Eye, Long Black, Lungo, Ristretto, Flat White, Corretto etc.Each of these variations are produced by altering the proportion and temperature of Milk and Water added and by adding various ingredients such as Chocolate, Gelato, Cinnamon, Caramel and even Brandy.

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Espresso

So where did it all start?

Luigi Bezzera

How Is Espresso Made?



1. A Good Espresso Machine
2. High Quality Coffee beans
3. Some Water




85°C - 95°C "Espresso" immediately 2 to 3 minutes

Variations Of Espresso



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