Gourmet Coffee Habit Costing Consumers as Much as $1,500 Yearly

A recent Washington Post article discussed Seattle law students spending money from their student loans for Starbucks coffee across the street from the Seattle University School of Law. Gourmet coffee consumers rarely consider the cost of their daily coffee in terms of the expense to brew premium whole bean coffee at home (50 cents to 75 cents) with prices of a pound of gourmet coffee beans versus a two or three cup a day ($4.50 to $6.00) coffee drinking habit when purchased at premium coffee houses.

An online calculator has been posted for those interested in calculating their caffeine expenses at: http://www.hughchou.org/calc/coffee.cgi That borrowed money takes years to repay and many students don't do the math to see that study time with 2-3 cups of coffee at Starbucks over 4 years can cost them significant sums - as much as $4500 in principle, interest and fees on their student loan - over the course of their education. She points out that students are spending education loans on luxuries like latte instead of necessities like a loaf of bread. Erika Lim, director of career services at the law school has launched a campaign to reduce coffee consumption by students attending the university on student loan money.

But smart gourmet coffee consumers have long known that premium coffee brewed at home costs just 12 cents or so per cup, depending on preferences for coffee strength. Gourmet Coffee drinkers have become accustomed to paying $2 or more per cup for fresh brewed coffees at Premium coffee houses - and many sources are predicting those prices may increase to as much as $4 per cup soon due to expected increases in green coffee prices.

A pound of gourmet beans! Starbucks recommends double that amount for stronger coffees at 2 tablespoons per 6 ounce cup. Many coffee producers recommend starting with 1 tablespoon of fresh ground gourmet coffee beans per standard 6 ounce cup of water.

So if you have expensive tastes and want a 12 ounce mug of the rarest and most expensive coffee on the planet, you still need only pay what some premium coffee houses charge for a latte ($3.50) for that rare privilege. So if you have expensive tastes and want a 12 ounce mug of the rarest and most expensive coffee sold, the exotic Kopi Luwak, at $175 per pound, is still less than $1.75 per 6 ounce cup when brewed at home! Even the rarest and most expensive coffee sold, the exotic Kopi Luwak, at $175 per pound, is still less than $1.75 per 6 ounce cup when brewed at home! Prices of premium gourmet coffee beans range between $10 and $18 per pound, making a cup of home-brewed gourmet coffee, made fresh to your liking, cost only between .10 cents and .25 cents per cup or between $1.00 and $2.00 per pot of coffee!

When consumers learn that they can purchase gourmet whole bean coffee for between $10 to $18 per pound, then fresh grind and brew at home for significantly less than gourmet coffee companies charge, many see home brewing premium gourmet coffee as luxurious treat. Purchasing a thermos or a large travel mug to take coffee with them from home makes drinking rich, fresh roasted coffee a possibility for about one-seventh the cost of buying that coffee from expensive and crowded coffee shops.

Many so-called premium coffee houses keep their coffee heated on warmers after brewing, but this practice causes the flavor to turn bitter after less than an hour of warming. It is actually more likely you will get a rich flavorful cup of coffee from an insulated thermos or insulated type pump containers. Reheating coffee can destroy the flavor of good gourmet coffee - just as quickly as extensive warming.

Coffee purists prefer to make individual cups with a coffee press, fresh grinding beans for each cup and drinking the entire amount brewed before it turns cold to get the maximum enjoyment from their beans. Microwave a good cup of coffee that has gone cold and you'll see how much better it is freshly brewed. Using good clean, fresh water is essential since coffee is 99% water and bad tasting tap water can quickly ruin even the best fresh ground beans.

You can enjoy great gourmet coffee more and pay less for the privilege by starting with whole beans and grinding them yourself with a $20 coffee grinder. Make only what you can drink or carry with you in a nice thermos or travel mug instead of reheating coffee later. Use good tasting water and keep your brewing equipment clean to prevent the rancid bitterness that can come from previous grounds in crevices.

You can brew at home with fine gourmet coffee beans, fresh ground and brewed in a French press coffee maker, carry a fancy thermos of great coffee to work or school and enjoy the best coffee available for far less money than you would spend at crowded and expensive premium coffee house.

© Copyright 2005 http://www.TastesofTheWorld.net

"If you are happy tell a friend if you are not tell us" Rare Gourmet Coffee is their business so they make shopping with them risk free. Written by Mike Banks Valentine for Tastes of The World coffee company, focusing on specialty gourmet coffees which are not readily available in the United States.

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

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

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

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

Regular coffee drinks:

Regular coffee drinks:

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

Now for the gourmet coffees:

Now for the gourmet coffees:

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

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

Gourmet Coffee Stops Decrease Gas Mileage;Home Brewed Premium Coffee Reduce Traffic Congestion

Department of Transportation as the basis for her provocative conclusions. Nancy McGuckin, a travel behavior analyst, studied a report called "National Household Travel Survey" by the U.S. A researcher has stirred up the commuter coffee mug with the suggestion that morning rush hour traffic is worsened by stops for daily morning gourmet coffee at Starbucks and other premium coffee houses.

It has long been known that frequent starting and stopping during a commute drastically reduces fuel economy due to the need to rev up the car engine that the most fuel is wasted.

This behavior is exactly what is required when visiting congested shopping areas on the way to work, find a parking space, (where gourmet coffee shops are often located) stop the engine, return to the car with coffee in hand, restart the engine and make your way back to the highway and finally to work.

This is because people divert from the shortest and fastest route, to one that leads them past the coffee house or dry cleaners. Although not limiting this research finding only to trips to coffee houses, the research suggests that running additional errands in the morning on the way to work has contributed to traffic congestion and increased gridlock. McGuckin, the travel analyst, dubbed her discovery, "The Starbucks Effect" because during the period she studied, Starbucks added over 4000 new locations (1995 - 2001).

The shorter route between home and business office would be much more direct and require fewer bursts of acceleration, engine starts and stops and less frequent visits to crowded shopping areas, which require commuters to search for parking, with trips around the block to find spaces or idling the engine waiting for others to leave spaces nearer the coffee house.

Burning small amounts of extra fuel during those waits over and over each day adds up to very significant wasted fuel and lowered mileage over time. Wear and tear on engines increases as this behavior continues, and becomes habitual.

The cost of gourmet coffee at premium coffee houses is also as much as six or seven times the cost of home brewed coffee from premium fresh ground whole bean blends. Coffee houses have either a "house blend" or "featured" blend on brew and you get whatever they have chosen for you. Then your only choice is to elbow your way through the crowds and merge back into the city gridlock to get to work, further slowing traffic and decreasing gas mileage.

A Washington Post article by Catherine Shaver, discusses the commuter study and quotes Alan E. Pisarsky, Author of "Commuting in America" as saying, "It's more of a problem from a traffic point of view than from anything else."

Increasing the number of stops in the trip decreases gas mileage and stress levels, while brewing coffee at home can actually save you gas over a relatively short period of time. Taking fresh brewed coffee from home could actually reduce stress and wear and tear on the car. When brewing your own gourmet coffee blend at home, you have a choice of fresh ground coffee beans from fine Italian Espressos to the rare and exotic Indonesian Kopi Luwak.

Commuters can consider making gourmet coffee drinks at home before departing for work and enjoy it at home while spending quality time with the family or take it along in a commuter coffee travel mug. You'll save money by paying less than .30 cents per cup for your favorite gourmet coffee made from fresh ground beans, as well as help to reduce gridlock and increase mileage by taking the fastest route to work instead of detouring to the coffee shop.

Copyright © 2005 http://TastesOfTheWorld.net

About Coffee

Even today there is controversy surrounding coffee as to whether it is good for the health or not and a new study seems to be published each week either defending or condemning this drink. At first coffee beans were sold by pharmacists and then by coffee houses which became popular for revolution and enlightened thinking. As coffee traveled from Constantinople to Venice and then to Vienna and other European capitals it was banned repeatedly. Here coffee was widely consumed by the populous but condemned by the Islamic leaders because of its supposed intoxicating effects. The coffee plant was first cultivated commercially in the Arab world in the fifteenth century.

Robusta beans have twice the caffeine of Arabica beans but less flavor. The Arabica beans are named for the Arabs who first grew them and are the better of the two. Commercial coffee beans belong to two main groups, Arabica and robusta. When picked coffee beans are green and do not acquire the familiar brown color and intoxicating aroma until they are roasted.

On the other hand most coffee beans sold in coffee specialty shops are Arabica. Supermarket coffee blends are usually made up of mostly Robusta beans with a few Arabica to add some flavor.

Today the word Mocha has come to mean a flavor combination of coffee and chocolate, but actually has nothing to do with Mocha beans which are rare and expensive. Named after the Yemeni Port from which the coffee was once shipped to the rest of the world. The prized of these are the true Mochas. Africa, the birthplace of coffee still grow coffee with wild flowers that coffee lovers prize. But there is a small amount grown in the Hawaiian Islands and some in Yemen on the Red Sea. Africa, Indonesia and Central and South America are the three main regions where coffee is grown.

This coffee is almost impossible to find in America as the Japanese buy almost all the tiny annual production and if it can be found it is extremely expensive. Coffee produced in Central America (particularly Guatemala and Costa Rica) are of real interest to coffee connoisseurs because many of the beans from these regions offer the balance and smoothness that made Jamaica's Blue Mountain coffee legendary. Many good coffees also come from the island of Papua New Guinea. Indonesian coffees are popular for their body and earthy flavor. Another favorite, Africa Coffee is from Kenya, a country that produces many superlative beans.

One third of the coffee drunk worldwide is grown in Brazil but almost none of it is of any interest to coffee connoisseurs.

Colombia has put money and research into its coffee industry but unfortunately its beans are rarely exceptional.

If you prefer a flavored coffee a better idea is to brew good coffee from unflavored beans and dose it modestly with one or more of the flavoring essences that can be purchased at many gourmet shops. If these flavored beans are ground at home they will impart their flavors, possibly forever, on to your grinder and brewing apparatus. The flavored coffees that are becoming increasingly popular are usually based on bland, mediocre beans that are stirred with chemical flavoring essences after roasting.

Coffee in Today's Culture.

Coffee plays an significant function in today's culture. From the coffee houses of the 16th century, to the current day cafes, coffee has impacted the way of life of people from all walks of life.

From a cultural point of view, coffee houses mainly function as centers of social interaction: the coffeehouse provides social members with a spot to gather together, chat, write, read, entertain one another, or pass the time, whether individually or in little groups.

A coffee house shares some of the characteristics of a saloon and some of the characteristics of a eating place. Coffee houses serve up coffee and tea, as well as light foodstuff. Food choices range from pastries and muffins to soups and sandwiches. In some countries, cafes more intimately bear a resemblance to restaurants, offering a range of hot meals, and perhaps being licensed to serve up alcohol.

Some shops are minute cafes that specialise in coffee-to-go for rushed travelers, who may visit these on their way to jobs as a stand-in for breakfast. Some offer other services, such as wireless internet access which has carried over to stores that supply internet service lacking any coffee for their customers.

In some countries, notably in northern Europe, coffee parties are a well-liked type of entertaining. As well as coffee, the host or hostess at the coffee social gathering in addition serves cake and pastries, every now and then homemade.

For more information about coffee please visit Full City Coffee.com.

Full City Coffee.com.

coffee gifts the ultimate guide to giving coffee gifts

More practically, they're excellent presents for people who you don't know very well, or even for generic gift exchange events. Coffee gifts are great to give to the person who has everything. At some point in time, coffee shops started focusing on selling something other than a hot cup of espresso and moved into the world of merchandising. These days, you can't walk into a coffee shop without seeing hundreds of coffee accessories. Because Starbucks has such a clever marketing scheme, their prices are significantly higher than the market average. While there is a Starbucks on every corner (more than 13,000 in the world), you're going to pay a bit more there than at your local mom and pop shop. Nobody does this better than Starbucks. As a result, if you're looking for an affordable coffee gift of mugs, espresso machines or coffee beans, you may want to steer clear of the green logo. While coffee houses are fantastic places to get specialty beans and teas, if you're going to buy somebody an actual coffee maker you may want to look elsewhere. Department and specialty stores are best for larger item purchases, and you'll save a lot of money if you go to one of those. Coffee houses thrive on impulse buys for those looking for coffee gifts. It's best to be smart about the situation and split up your purchases. For example, go buy the cappuccino maker at the department store, where you'll save up to 30 percent. Then, head over to your local coffee shop and purchase the coffee gifts that you're looking for. Fill up a basket with chocolate covered espresso beans and a bag of fresh coffee. They can be used at any time toward just about any purchase, and they're as easy to use as cash. When in doubt, gift cards make excellent coffee gifts.

More practically, they're excellent presents for people who you don't know very well, or even for generic gift exchange events. Coffee gifts are great to give to the person who has everything.At some point in time, coffee shops started focusing on selling something other than a hot cup of espresso and moved into the world of merchandising. These days, you can't walk into a coffee shop without seeing hundreds of coffee accessories.Because Starbucks has such a clever marketing scheme, their prices are significantly higher than the market average. While there is a Starbucks on every corner (more than 13,000 in the world), you're going to pay a bit more there than at your local mom and pop shop. Nobody does this better than Starbucks.They can be used at any time toward just about any purchase, and they're as easy to use as cash. When in doubt, gift cards make excellent coffee gifts.

is coffee an old drink for older people

office while working and yes even while walking the dog. They drink on the way to work, the Dr. Multi tasking has effected coffee as people get more and more coffee to go. Store brand coffees have fallen while quick fix coffee houses are on the rise. While coffee consumption is up by 9% from 2001 most of the rise comes from people on the go. It appears 74% of folks over sixty are having their daily brew. “I just have to have my morning shot of caffeine.� claims Dora Mc Fadden of Vista California. Today's young crowd is opting for their quick fix, from such brands as: “Fire Power�, “XO�, “Roaring Lion�, “Four� and “Game Juice� which has more appeal to the youth in name alone. But coffee is being challenged by the energy drink people. For some people drinking coffee is literally an eye opening experience. It seems coffee drinkers look forward to the quick fix more than the taste. Ingredients such as: Taurine, ginseng, guarana, and good old caffeine provide a high jolt of energy quicker with less long lasting effects. Younger folks are looking for more bang for the buck and are finding it in energy drinks. According to statistics, the younger (18-24 year old crowd has turned their attention toward energy drinks as only 37% indulge in coffee as their favored drink. That's a stark difference from the the 40-59 year-old crowd where 60% prefer hot coffee. The National Coffee Association (believe or not there is a coffee association) has come up with these figures as a testimony to American's love for its' dark liquor. Even though energy drinks will become more popular; Coffee will continue to be America's most favored hot drink. Where is the future of coffee?

office while working and yes even while walking the dog. They drink on the way to work, the Dr. Multi tasking has effected coffee as people get more and more coffee to go. Store brand coffees have fallen while quick fix coffee houses are on the rise. While coffee consumption is up by 9% from 2001 most of the rise comes from people on the go. It appears 74% of folks over sixty are having their daily brew.“I just have to have my morning shot of caffeine.� claims Dora Mc Fadden of Vista California.Today's young crowd is opting for their quick fix, from such brands as: “Fire Power�, “XO�, “Roaring Lion�, “Four� and “Game Juice� which has more appeal to the youth in name alone. But coffee is being challenged by the energy drink people. For some people drinking coffee is literally an eye opening experience. It seems coffee drinkers look forward to the quick fix more than the taste.Even though energy drinks will become more popular; Coffee will continue to be America's most favored hot drink. Where is the future of coffee?

what is cappuccino

The main difference between the two is that a caffe latte has twice the amount of milk (usually whole milk, but one can order it with 2 percent or even skim) and no milk foam. Many people confuse this coffee drink with a caffe latte, another form of Italian coffee found at most coffee houses in America. What is cappuccino? Paper and glass cups tend to allow the heat to seep out faster. Additionally, the porcelain acts as another heat retainer. Served traditionally in a porcelain cup, the foam acts as an insulator and keeps the drink hotter longer. The milk foam that floats on top of a cappuccino is what distinguishes it from most other coffee drinks, in fact. If the texture and temperature of the milk is wrong, the drink won't be as good as it should be. The barista then steams the milk, which is the second most important ingredient. A cappuccino starts out with a shot of espresso. When the milk is properly steamed, it will be velvety and sweet. The barista will then float one centimeter of the foamed milk on top of the espresso. If one prefers their cappuccino to have more or less milk, the order would be for a wet or dry cappuccino, respectively. Until the mid 1990s, Americans didn't really enjoy cappuccino. Whether it was because people didn't know what the drink was or because it wasn't quite cool enough to drink isn't known. However, when upscale coffee houses started sprouting up en masse, more and more people began ordering the beverage. Hopefully, now that you've learned the question to "what is cappuccino", you'll be able to impress your friends with the new found knowledge. Typically speaking, Italians exclusively drink them in the morning, although in other countries it is customary to drink them after dinner. Traditionally, cappuccinos in Italy are served with breakfast.

The main difference between the two is that a caffe latte has twice the amount of milk (usually whole milk, but one can order it with 2 percent or even skim) and no milk foam. Many people confuse this coffee drink with a caffe latte, another form of Italian coffee found at most coffee houses in America. What is cappuccino?Paper and glass cups tend to allow the heat to seep out faster. Additionally, the porcelain acts as another heat retainer. Served traditionally in a porcelain cup, the foam acts as an insulator and keeps the drink hotter longer. The milk foam that floats on top of a cappuccino is what distinguishes it from most other coffee drinks, in fact.If the texture and temperature of the milk is wrong, the drink won't be as good as it should be. The barista then steams the milk, which is the second most important ingredient. A cappuccino starts out with a shot of espresso.Hopefully, now that you've learned the question to "what is cappuccino", you'll be able to impress your friends with the new found knowledge. Typically speaking, Italians exclusively drink them in the morning, although in other countries it is customary to drink them after dinner. Traditionally, cappuccinos in Italy are served with breakfast.

coffee grinder espresso coffee machines

A coffee grinder is an essential piece of coffee processing equipment. Grinding the coffee beans is an important step in coffee making. The perfect grind will enable you to enjoy the best cup of stimulating coffee. Grinding of coffee beans should be done just before brewing is important for coffee making.

People who want the best flavor in their coffee use coffee grinders. Coffee grinders work so well because they unleash the bean oils and aromas right before you make a pot.

Coffee grinders were used commercially in the coffee houses that seemed to be sprouting up on every corner in town. The grinding blades could be brought closer together or further apart by tightening or loosening a screw. The innovation of the wall mount happened around this time to. While is seems like a small thing, the grinder no longer had to be held in your hand while you ground it.

Using a grinder helps to prevent the loss of some of the oil that provides the coffee with their flavor. If you were to drink ground coffee that has been open for sometime the intense flavor would be lost as the grounds have begun to lose the oil. But using an espresso coffee grinder prevents this from happening.

Coffee experts recommend adding two heaping tablespoons of whole beans to the grinder for every six ounces of water you plan to use. To be exact, you probably should measure out your water before you add it to the coffee maker if you are using a drip coffee maker.

There are so many Commercial coffee grinders on the market which ones are the best? UK based karas-coffee machine company are commercial coffee machine wholesale suppliers to some of the finest venues across the country. As well as supplying a wide range of coffee makers and espresso machines across the uk.

coffee grinder









Commercial coffee grinders Commercial coffee grinders

coffee machines utilizing todays technology for your favorite morning drink

Coffee machines have not only grown in popularity, but have become much more sophisticated that the early models of old. Today, you can program a coffee machine for early morning breakfast; utilize gourmet coffee machines to make a tasty cup of espresso or cappuccino; or use a simpler coffee machine wherein you can have a cup of java at any time of the day. Although percolators have almost been replaced by drip coffee machines, there are still individuals who utilize the former rather than the latter. and Scandinavia boast the highest amount of coffee usage. In fact, the U.S. It is currently estimated that there are over 100 million cups of coffee drunk every day. There may be a variety of reasons why some households still choose percolators over coffee machines. It may be that some drip coffee machines to not maintain heat as well; or perhaps automatic coffee machines turn off at a certain point; or there is a problem with the decanter; or it may be that having a percolated cup of coffee tastes somewhat better than that which comes from a coffee machine. Whatever the reason, today you can find coffee machines for a variety of households; from one cup to ten cups or more. In today’s economy, however, prices of food, milk, and especially coffee have risen. When you add to this the fact that many years ago drinking several cups of coffee was not considered a healthy part of one’s diet regimen; today the tide has turned once again and coffee is considered a good thing. Coffee machines brought the emergence of flavored coffees from around the world. Though quite high in cost, nonetheless, individuals flocked to these coffee houses to have a cup of this rich brew. At the same time, percolators and drip coffee machines would continue to be used in households. However, many of the well-known coffee houses who charged an exorbitant amount of money for a cup of coffee have now turned towards decreasing the cost due to an economic recession. Although individuals still choose to forgo making a cup of java at home and prefer, instead, to buy a cup of coffee on their way to work. Others, on the other hand, choose not to buy a can or bag of coffee but rather buy a cup at their local convenience store or coffee house. It seemed inevitable, then, that because there are millions of people who drink coffee that technology needed to take a giant leap forward in order to accommodate coffee drinkers at large and offer a coffee machine that could be programmed to do everything except serve. For those who still own percolators and who refuse to spend a handsome sum of money to purchase coffee machines, take heart. Percolators are still available, although you may need to research the internet to find them.

Coffee machines have not only grown in popularity, but have become much more sophisticated that the early models of old.Today, you can program a coffee machine for early morning breakfast; utilize gourmet coffee machines to make a tasty cup of espresso or cappuccino; or use a simpler coffee machine wherein you can have a cup of java at any time of the day.Although percolators have almost been replaced by drip coffee machines, there are still individuals who utilize the former rather than the latter. and Scandinavia boast the highest amount of coffee usage. In fact, the U.S. It is currently estimated that there are over 100 million cups of coffee drunk every day.

curious coffee facts coffee is the second most traded product after oil

Coffee is part of our daily lives and we definitely love it, but were things always like that? How popular was coffee during its first days in the Western world? Among the first coffee facts that have been preserved over the centuries it is impressive to know how it was banned from the Christian world as the devil's drink.

Coffee actually reached Europe as a result of the flourishing commerce the Venetians had with the Eastern countries, and they brought it from Constantinople where it was kept very high in esteem as being an incredibly tasty drink. Christian priests at the time argued against any positive coffee facts that it was a drink given to the infidels by Satan as a substitute for wine which had been forbidden to them.

Historic coffee facts indicate that it wasn't until the 16th century that this now so popular drink was blessed by the pope and commerce started to develop. At the end of the 1500s, Europe actually saw the creation of the first coffee houses, and the former banishing of this drink remained in the past and the subject of popular anecdotes.

Coffee facts show that presently this drink has gained such a great prominence that people are actually celebrating a special coffee day; moreover in terms of commercial importance we need to say that coffee is the second most traded product after oil. Among the many curious coffee facts we need to mention that there are hundreds of coffee varieties growing all over the world, nevertheless, only two are largely cultivated for economic purposes: Arabica and Robusta.

A fully-grown coffee tree will remain in production for up to forty years once it starts to produce coffee beans, not to mention that it only takes five years to become fertile. Though, Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world, there are plenty other geographical areas suitable for the cultivation of this very important tree: Java, Mexico, some Caribbean islands, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Tanzania, Kenya or Cameroon.

Among the most surprising coffee facts we should mention here, one is related to the increased flavor of the coffee beans that results from the roasting process. The secret behind the exquisite taste lies in the presence of sugar within the internal structure of coffee beans; during the roasting process, this sugar gets caramelized which intensifies the overall flavor and delights every coffee lover.

why some companies go for decorative and promotional coffee mugs

Are you touched by the coffee craze every morning? Do you feel completely awake only after taking a few sips of the warm, tasty, coffee you start your days with? Then, you are probably very much aware of the pleasure of using nice colorful coffee mugs either at home or at the office, and if they are personalized: that's even better! Though we are used to serving coffee from nice porcelain cups when we go to a pub or a restaurant, coffee mugs are the ones most suitable for home-use. People usually have one favorite coffee mug they like to drink from, and this small item is perfectly integrated in the morning routine.

Some coffee mugs can be personalized on purchase with full imprinting of funny messages, pictures, or even photos. Some people would rather drink their coffee at the office from a mug that reads their name; whereas at home, there is a certain feeling of coziness related to using a favorite mug. For people who want to surprise friends or family with an original gift, coffee mugs make excellent choices particularly since they can render a funny message under the form of a logo. Many souvenir shops also sell coffee mugs on Mother's day, Christmas or Easter Day with suggestive pictures for such times of the year.

Coffee mugs can also be used as promotional items for companies that organize advertising campaigns. There are stores who present good customers with such gifts around the holidays or during specific marketing promotions, as well as at charity events for instance. Such coffee mugs need to show the name of the company and the contact details, as well as a suggestive logo; furthermore, the color choice could be very important and most companies usually order such items made in the colors that characterize their business.

Furthermore, coffee houses and cafés sometimes use coffee mugs as decorative items on display; there are actually complete collections of such items arranged on shelves, thus creating a colorful and pleasant atmosphere. The most exquisite and expensive coffee mugs that you'll find in a souvenir shop for instance, are those that are hand-painted. They take a lot more time to make and they are usually unique, designed in local workshops or by people for whom hobby and job are one and the same; there will be nobody else drinking coffee from a mug identical to yours.

coffee houses little known facts that you probably didnt know about coffee houses

Besides serving food and beverages, coffee houses are great places to interact socially with other people, read, write, do homework or just pass time. Providing coffee, tea, light snacks and lunch type food they offer a great mishmash of both. Coffee houses, when you think about it, are very similar to bars and restaurants. People would go to them to drink coffee or tea, listen to music, play games like chess and backgammon and read. In fact, since the 16th century they've been prominent in the Middle East. While one would typically think that coffee houses started in Italy, but that isn't the case. Shortly thereafter, others started springing up in places like Cairo and Istanbul. In 1530, the first coffee house opened in Damascus. It wasn't until the 17th century that coffee first made an appearance in Europe. The first recorded coffee house in Italy opened shop in 1645. This was followed by the first coffee house in England, in Oxford, in 1650. After that, they spread like wildfire, hitting America in 1670 in Boston. Charles II wasn't a fan of coffee houses, and tried to discourage people in London from going to them by characterizing them as places where the disaffected met and spread scandalous reports concerning the conduct of His Majesty and his Ministers. Instead of keeping people away, people flocked to them. Coffee houses were open to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, and became associated with equality. That said, women weren't allowed into them. Also, many churches used them for outreach purposes, gaining membership and spreading the word of God. Bob Dylan got his start running the coffee house circuit, as did the Beats. In American coffee houses in the 1960s, musicians and poets had found a home. Later on, this obviously ceased to be the case.

Besides serving food and beverages, coffee houses are great places to interact socially with other people, read, write, do homework or just pass time. Providing coffee, tea, light snacks and lunch type food they offer a great mishmash of both. Coffee houses, when you think about it, are very similar to bars and restaurants.People would go to them to drink coffee or tea, listen to music, play games like chess and backgammon and read. In fact, since the 16th century they've been prominent in the Middle East. While one would typically think that coffee houses started in Italy, but that isn't the case.Shortly thereafter, others started springing up in places like Cairo and Istanbul. In 1530, the first coffee house opened in Damascus.Also, many churches used them for outreach purposes, gaining membership and spreading the word of God. Bob Dylan got his start running the coffee house circuit, as did the Beats. In American coffee houses in the 1960s, musicians and poets had found a home. Later on, this obviously ceased to be the case.