Brewing the Perfect Cup of Coffee

It was Sanka for God's sake! What was wrong with a ten year old drinking coffee? I remember sitting in a restaurant with my mother and stepfather asking a waitress for Sanka, and explaining to my mother that I'd had it before and avoiding her disapproving stare. All I remember is that it was powdered and freeze dried and worst of all, decaf. I'm sorry to say that I do. Do you remember your first experience with coffee?

If I asked a girl out for a cup of coffee, it usually meant a Styrofoam cup at a Dunkin' Donuts or a Winchell's somewhere. Coffee; suffice it to say that there was no passion in my coffee. Mixing Tasters Choice in tepid tap water, graduating to Maxwell House and a Mr. My remaining experiences between ten and thirty five were noncommittal and mediocre to say the least.

Back then I was into science fiction and I remember vividly reading 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card while sipping some of the most wonderful coffee from a paper cup. There, I was able to sit in one of their comfortable armchairs, sit back, cross my legs and enjoy a cup of joe while reading a good book. Complete comfort. The most important thing to me was the feeling I got when I walked in there. It was a combination bookstore and coffee shop called the Upstart Crow in San Diego, California. Now that I remember well. Then I stepped into my first Specialty Coffee Shop.

sigh... then I left San Diego for Atlanta and it was back to Maxwell House and Sanka. I spent many a day off sitting in that shop in Seaport Village... Rich and smooth, I fell into it's flavor; jumped actually. Oh that coffee!

I was sent to their training center for intensive classes teaching not only how to promote the product, but how to differentiate the taste between two coffees and most importantly, how to brew the perfect cup of coffee! I was hired and that's where my obsession with coffee renewed itself. Then, simply because I was unemployed and late with the rent I walked into a local Starbucks and asked for an application.

The Fundamentals of Coffee

All coffee, no matter whether you get it from your local coffee shop or the supermarket has four basic fundamentals:

Proportion

Grind

Water

Freshness

Let's look at each of these one by one...

Proportion

The ratio between coffee and water is an important one. Anyone who's ever had coffee that's too weak or too strong knows what I'm talking about. When it comes to brewing the perfect cup of coffee, the proportion should be two tablespoons of ground coffee to every six ounces of water. No more no less. A lot of people try to stretch their coffee for two weeks or more without realizing what a sacrifice to the taste this is. Use too little coffee and it tastes weak. Use too much and it becomes bitter and you risk a terrible nights sleep.

The best way to measure two tablespoons is with a measuring scoop. There are scoops that are specifically measured for two tablespoons but if you don't have one made especially for coffee measuring then you can use a standard 18 cup measuring cup. If you don't have that you can use regular run of the mill tablespoons, but that method isn't as precise. If you want to purchase a coffee scoop, you can get one at a specialty coffee shop or online. Starbucks is a good place to get one.

Grind

The type of grind you use for your coffee depends upon what kind of coffee maker you brew your coffee in. If you use an espresso machine you use a fine grind. For automatic drip coffee makers (such as Mr. Coffee), you use a medium grind and you use a coarse grind for coffee presses (my preferred way of brewing). There are other grinds as well, just as there are other ways to brew coffee such as percolators and Turkish coffees.

If were going to talk about the way a coffee is ground, then we also have to talk about grinders. Basically there are two types of grinders: blade and burr Blade grinders have two blades that rotate at a high speed to grind your beans. The pros of this method is that blade grinders are affordable. The cons are that they generally break down quicker.

Burr grinders grind the beans between two textured plates and the grind is much more consistent than a blade grinder. Also, it's easier to adjust the grind with a burr grinder. To get an espresso grind with a blade grinder, you have to hold the grind button for x amount of seconds. A burr grinder allows you to turn a dial and voila! Your grind is done. Obviously, I prefer a burr grinder.

Water

It's pretty much a good idea to use fresh, clean water to brew your coffee. If at all possible, try not to use tap water; you should always use filtered or bottled water. Before you begin screaming at me that you don't have that kind of money, don't worry. Yes, using nothing but bottled water is not exactly cost effective but there are inexpensive water filters available to purchase. Water filtration pitchers are also a good way to get fresh water for brewing.

Your water should be heated to just below boiling, around 190 degrees. You don't want your water to be too hot. It could overheat the grounds and spoil the taste of your coffee.

Freshness

This is pretty obvious. Once a bag is opened, the freshness lasts about a week. After grinding, it lasts about two days. The best way to keep your beans and ground coffee fresher longer is to keep it in an airtight container like the one shown here. And never, ever freeze your coffee no matter what you've heard or read. Coffee that is frozen is a high risk for freezer burn and take it from one who has experienced the horror: freezer burnt coffee is not a great taste!

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and Happy Brewing! Well those are the basics.

Choose the Correct Coffee Machines

But I am not alone. As time goes by I am sure to gather more Coffee Making equipment as I am a self confessed coffee addict. One Coffee Machine that is out permanently and two Coffee Machines that like it in the cupboard! Personally I have three. Most kitchens will have some sort of Coffee Machines in them.

Then there are the new fangled pod coffee machines, which infuse hot water through coffee pods, and the top-notch espresso makers. You can still get the old-fashioned drip machines, but the even more old-fashioned presses and hand brew machines are back in style. Not only do you have to choose among the dozens of franchise coffee shops, coffee types, espresso, cappuccino, and all other kinds of java, you also have to worry about what kind of coffee machines to work with. Nowadays, coffee is all the rage.

Honest! You may have to clean the filters after each use, but this little bit of extra work is well worth it. Permanent filters make sure that the flavor molecules from the coffee grinds pass through into the water, but more importantly, the permanent filters do this without adding unwanted flavors. The key to these machines is using a gold, nylon, or other type of permanent filters. They use a method of brewing that can create the most delicious coffee. Drip coffee machines, though, are still one of the easiest types to use for beginners and coffee aficionados alike.

If you absolutely have to use paper filters try rinsing them with hot water first as this helps to wash away some of the after taste. They impart an aftertaste into the finished product, and they absorb some of the special flavor molecules and aromatic oils from your coffee beans, which are what gives your cup of joe its tantalizing taste. What is wrong with paper filters for coffee machines?

This means water temperatures that are between 195 degrees and 205 degrees to ensure the best flavor extraction from the coffee grounds. Be sure to only add the right temperature water to the mix. When using drip coffee machines, stick with medium to fine grinds of coffee.

And if you want to follow the most expert rules for using drip coffee machines, you should remove the grounds from the filter before the last couple of drops of water have filtered through. This prevents your coffee from being over-extracted and overly bitter. One last thing. Before you serve this delicious coffee to yourself or to a guest, stir it.

From one coffee addict to the like minded, enjoy! So go choose a coffee machine that will suit you and enjoy your morning pick-you-up or sip your mellow afternoon cup-a-joe!

The Types of Coffee Machines

Each has its own special features and most are available in a wide variety of colors, finishes, size and price. When you are craving a delicious, smooth, rich cup of "Joe", you may want to research and take note of all of the different types of coffee machines on the market today.

Whether you need a coffee maker that produces one cup, or 20 cups and more, there are many machines to pick from. There's actually even machines that are combination; they posses both grinder and coffee making capabilities! These machines will either be hot or cold brew coffee makers. There are many types of coffee machines, including: automatic, French press, stove top, espresso, vacuum and the pod.

They can be found to be made of a durable plastic or stainless steel and they usually contain a shatterproof glass carafe. These makers are offered in many colors, including: black, red, white and just about every other color you could want. Many companies manufacture machines used for making coffee, including: Bodum, Bosch, Bunn, Capresso, KitchenAid, Mr.Coffee, Jura, Saeco, Rancilio and Santos.

Coffee machines can also vary in price, depending on your preference and functionality it will need to perform. The features offered include: electric timers, filters, frothing systems, thermal glass carafe, water reservoir, lighted on/off switch, digital/programmable, warming plate (some are metal and some are porcelain) and thermostat.

There are so many different coffee machines out there, you should have no trouble finding one that will be perfect for your home or office! Once you decide your price range, make a list of the features you are looking for. One thing is for sure, when you are craving a great cup of coffee, espresso or cappuccino, you will want to put some thought into the type of machine you will need.

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.

braun coffee the history of braun and their dripolator coffee maker

Designed for commercial use, it changed the way people looked at making a cup of coffee. In 1963, the Braun company had come out with one of the world's first commercially available dripolator machines, the Braun Coffee Maker. Later versions of percolator machines were electric, and could be plugged directly into a socket. From home to commercial use, perking coffee was the only way to get a cup of joe. Before the Braun Coffee Maker, people used a stove top percolator machine to brew their coffee. From there, one simply had to plug in the machine and turn it on. Instead of having to perk coffee, people were able to fill up a separate water reservoir, put coffee grounds into a filter and put the filter into a basket. The difference between percolators and dripolators is what changed the world of coffee as Americans knew it. The water would then heat up in the water reservoir and drip onto the freshly ground coffee. As it made the journey through the grounds, the water would turn into coffee, much like one would brew a cup of tea. By the time the hot water made its way through the coffee grounds and dripped into the empty pot below, it was a perfect cup of coffee. The filter kept the grounds from mixing in with the actual coffee, and a new way to complete a daily task was born. While the Braun Coffee Maker was the first one on the market for commercial use, it wasn't the first one to hit the kitchen counter of the average American citizen. Pitched by former baseball player Joe DiMaggio, the machine became wildly popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Coffee was on store shelves. In 1972, Mr. Coffee did for home use. What the Braun Coffee Maker did for commercial use, Mr.

Designed for commercial use, it changed the way people looked at making a cup of coffee. In 1963, the Braun company had come out with one of the world's first commercially available dripolator machines, the Braun Coffee Maker.Later versions of percolator machines were electric, and could be plugged directly into a socket. From home to commercial use, perking coffee was the only way to get a cup of joe. Before the Braun Coffee Maker, people used a stove top percolator machine to brew their coffee.From there, one simply had to plug in the machine and turn it on. Instead of having to perk coffee, people were able to fill up a separate water reservoir, put coffee grounds into a filter and put the filter into a basket. The difference between percolators and dripolators is what changed the world of coffee as Americans knew it.Pitched by former baseball player Joe DiMaggio, the machine became wildly popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Coffee was on store shelves. In 1972, Mr. Coffee did for home use. What the Braun Coffee Maker did for commercial use, Mr.

gourmet coffee my everyday whats yours

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

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

points to look for when buying a coffee maker

To make good coffee every day you need to keep some key factors in mind and cost isn't the only one. The only way you can make sure that first and second cup of java is perfect is by purchasing a good quality coffee maker in the first place. Chances are your answer is a nice, hot cup of Joe. What is the first thing you think of when you first wake up in the morning? Your coffee maker is the most important thing to you in the morning? There are some basic features to look for when choosing a coffee maker and some luxury features that may give you a better tasting cup of coffee The majority of coffee makers are generally quite good and you will notice no difference in the taste of your coffee from one brand to another. If you are going to spend money on your favorite coffee, you will want to make sure the coffee maker you choose is of good quality and has the features you want. Choosing a good coffee maker is not a decision to be taken for granted. Timers allow you to interrupt the brewing process, if you can’t wait for that first cup in the morning. Timers allow you to interrupt the brewing process, if you can’t wait for that first cup in the morning. Timers allow you to program the machine to start brewing before you wake up in the morning. Many models offer pause and pour features that allow you to interrupt the brewing process, if you can’t wait for that first cup in the morning. The Bunn coffee makers are very reliable machines that brew a cup in about three minutes. The grounds are placed in the filter and the dripping water extracts the flavor. Drip machines work by heating the water and then dripping it through the grounds. If you like to try a wide variety of coffee types, you may want a standard machine. Most flavored grounds are made for traditional pots. A standard machine is preferred by people who like the taste of weaker coffee. Your basic decision here is if you want traditional coffee or a specialty drink. This depends on what kind of drinks you want to prepare. The first step in choosing the right one is deciding what type you want. Here are some important buying tips which you must consider before buying it: You must also check coffee makers against digital features. A good coffee maker would come with a digital display panel attached with a timer and auto off mechanism. This feature is very beneficial for home use as auto off would let you pay attention to other things in home, while you are making coffee. 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. An efficient water filtering equipment happens to be an integral part of superior quality coffee makers. Its presence ensures that your coffee won't get a bad flavor due to excess iron and other unwanted content of water. You may also look for a coffee maker that offers you a bean grinder that is integrated with the machine. These grinders grind only few beans to give needed amount of coffee. This feature results in a flavor that carries tinge of freshness with itself. 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. So, buy a coffee maker with latest features to enjoy the coffee with finest flavors in no time.

To make good coffee every day you need to keep some key factors in mind and cost isn't the only one. The only way you can make sure that first and second cup of java is perfect is by purchasing a good quality coffee maker in the first place. Chances are your answer is a nice, hot cup of Joe. What is the first thing you think of when you first wake up in the morning? What is the first thing you think of when you first wake up in the morning? What is the most important thing to you in the morning? Your coffee maker is the most important small appliance in your kitchen, if you or your spouse is a coffee lover.There are some basic features to look for when choosing a coffee maker and some luxury features that may give you a better tasting cup of coffee The majority of coffee makers are generally quite good and you will notice no difference in the taste of your coffee from one brand to another. If you are going to spend money on your favorite coffee, you will want to make sure the coffee maker you choose is of good quality and has the features you want. Choosing a good coffee maker is not a decision to be taken for granted.Timers allow you to Timers allow you to interrupt the brewing process, if you can’t wait for that first cup in the morning. Timers allow you to program the machine to start brewing before you wake up in the morning. Timers allow you to program the machine to start brewing before you wake up in the morning. Many models offer pause and pour features that allow you to program the machine to start brewing before you wake up in the morning. The Bunn coffee makers are very reliable machines that brew a cup in about three minutes. The grounds are placed in the filter and the dripping water extracts the flavor. Drip machines work by heating the water and then dripping it through the grounds. If you like to try a wide variety of coffee types, you may want a standard machine. Most flavored grounds are made for traditional pots. A standard machine is preferred by people who like the taste of weaker coffee. Your basic decision here is if you want traditional coffee or a specialty drink. This depends on what kind of drinks you want to prepare. The first step in choosing the right one is deciding what type you want.So, buy a coffee maker with latest features to enjoy the coffee with finest flavors in no time.