Coffee Bean Roaster

The flavor and freshness of coffee is at its best when it is roasted in small batches at home. The coffee bean roaster is fast becoming a "must have" in today's kitchens.

It spells disaster for specialty coffee beans creating stale, flavorless coffee. Roasted coffee is very susceptible to oxygen damage when it sits on store shelves and in café bins for days or weeks at a time.

It is the beginning of a new era in coffee history and a major step in the return of great tasting coffee. Today, the coffee bean roaster is a coffee enthusiasts dream, bringing the freshness and quality of roasting fresh gourmet coffee at home.

Once you experience the flavor of fresh gourmet coffee like this you'll want to share it with everyone you know. You'll be surprised to learn how easy and fast it is to roast your own specialty coffee beans at home.

There are basically two types of home coffee bean roasters: fluid bed roasters and electric, radiant heat drum roasters.

Fluid bed roasters work like hot air popcorn poppers. They have a glass-roasting chamber so you can watch as the coffee beans are roasted and stop at the desired roast. These are good for beginners and a great way to get started in home roasting.

The radiant heat drum roaster is more like the professional coffee roasters use. These do not allow you to watch as the beans are roasted so you have to roast by smell or sound.

How about having a roasting party with friends or the family? Home roasting is a lot of fun. You can try some of the best coffees in the world and roast them just the way you like them. What's even more fun and tasty is creating your own custom blends.

So if you haven't tried home roasting, get ready for an amazing treat. Your coffee drinking experience will never be the same once you taste the fresh gourmet coffee you made with your home coffee bean roaster. "Enjoy"

All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2005 Perfect Coffees.com.

Have a Taste of Jamaica's Blue Mountain Coffee

A cup of good coffee on the breakfast table is always a great way to welcome the morning. Since its inception centuries ago, coffee has become the most popular beverage and the world's most traded and sought-after commodities.

Over the years, many coffee variants have originated from different places, which paved the way for gourmet coffee to have a niche in the world market.

Aside from the basic Robusta and Arabica variants, there are other rare coffee variants which gained a good following from coffee aficionados.

First, there is the Civet coffee or Kopi Luwak, which is made from coffee berries which were eaten and excreted by the common Palm Civet. This rare process takes place only in countries like the Philippines, Sumatra, Java, Indonesia, Vietnam and India, making Civet coffee one of the more expensive variants.

Kona coffee from Hawaii, Turkish, Colombian and Maraba coffee are some other premium variants which have become popular for coffee drinkers the world over.

'Jamaica's Blue Mountains'

The island nation of Jamaica, situated within the Caribbean Sea, has more than just gorgeous beaches to offer.

The amazing Blue Mountains are located at the eastern side of Jamaica, and this is where the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is grown.

Blue Mountains is a Jamaican region where there is a wide range of hills with an almost permanent mist covering the hills giving it a bluish hue, thus the name.

This mountain range boasts of a National Park with lush rainforests and rich vegetation. It is also home to hundreds of plants and animal species unique to the region.

The upper slopes and the summit are strictly preserved as a forest. The lower slopes, with its rich, fertile soil and ideal climate, serve as the perfect setting for coffee cherries to be grown and harvested from the Blue Mountains.

'Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee: A Taste of Heaven on Earth'

Most coffee plants rely on the climate of the region where they are planted, and this produces the distinctive flavor found in the coffee cherries.

In the Blue Mountains, the tallest mountain range in the island of Jamaica, the following factors contribute to the unique flavor of the coffee:

- the hot climate - the altitude of the lower mountain peaks where the coffee plants are grown and harvested - plenty of rainfall to water the coffee plants - the rich and fertile soil of the mountains where the plants are grown

The Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is considered to be the world's finest and rarest coffee variant. Words cannot describe the taste of this premier coffee blend.

A 100% Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee has this distinctively rich taste and aroma. Compared to other coffee variants, this has a milder flavor which is less bitter yet a little sweet, giving it that smooth, clean taste.

Because of the high quality expected of this coffee variant, the island country of Jamaica built the Jamaican Coffee Industry Board to maintain the world-class quality of every coffee bean produced in the island.

The tedious and time-consuming labor of coffee growers in planting, harvesting and processing the Blue Mountain coffee is truly amazing.

The Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is indeed a world-class variant that coffee enthusiasts around the world can sip and enjoy - up to the last drop.

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

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee http://www.hotcoffeeplus.com/

Coffee Club Membership Is A Joy For Coffee Lovers

Automatic shipment is very convenient, especially if you like your coffee first thing in the morning because this means you will never run out when you need it the most. This is a great way to taste new coffees, sample different varieties, find a brew that you really like and ultimately avoid a trip to the store to buy your favorite coffee. Each month, you will get a shipment of coffee delivered direct to your door. Reward yourself or your friends and relatives with coffee clubs by joining up and saving loads. Coffee club membership is a joy for coffee lovers The coffee club concept is relatively new but is taking the world by storm.

Usually it is one pound per month, but you can order more if you desire. Amounts vary from company to company also. Depending on the club, it could be your favorite flavor, or a different flavor every month. With flavors you can choose what coffee you want delivered each month, or allow the company to surprise you. Most clubs offer a coffee of the month and/or your choice of flavors. Clubs are now springing up all over America and different clubs have different offerings so it is easy to find one that suits you.

In addition to coffee, gourmet coffee clubs sometimes include extras like coffee mugs or books with coffee recipes in them. If the company has a sale or special offering, generally the club members will be the first to hear about it through the newsletter. When you join one of these clubs, you are also usually entitled to a members-only discount. Some clubs even offer newsletter subscriptions with informative articles about the month's featured coffee as well as coffee recipes and helpful hints about coffee making and removing coffee stains.

This is more work for the club but at the end of the day is done to induce you to buy more coffee. The choices are endless and are designed to cater specifically for each person's tastes. You can usually choose the length of your club membership, from three to twelve months, whether you want whole beans or ground, the type of grind you would like and finally, you can choose flavored or regular, caffeinated or decaf coffee. With clubs, the membership terms are usually fairy flexible.

If you Your recipient will like the convenience of having the coffee delivered on schedule, without having to reorder all the time. This is one gift that transcends borders. Most people appreciate a good cup of coffee; it is enjoyed around the world. you are looking for a unique business gift, think about giving a coffee club subscription. Gourmet coffee clubs make a great gift idea for holidays, birthdays, or as thank you gifts. This is where you purchase a subscription for a coffee of the month club, and your recipient gets coffee delivered to them each month. you are looking for a unique business gift, think about giving a coffee club membership. Gourmet coffee clubs make a great gift idea for holidays, birthdays, or as thank you gifts. This is where you purchase a subscription for a coffee of the month club, and your recipient gets coffee delivered to them each month. you are looking for a unique business gift, think about giving a coffee club membership. Gourmet coffee clubs make a great gift idea for holidays, birthdays, or as thank you gifts. An idea for a coffee of the month club, and your recipient gets coffee delivered to them each month.

Looking for information about Coffee?

History of the Coffee and Espresso Machine

Without these machines, we probably wouldn't see such a large population that can easily and affordably prepare these common drinks. We are all aware of the fact that coffee and espresso machines, themselves. A large percentage of the population loves to drink both gourmet coffee and espresso drinks.

Where did the coffee maker come from?

The first method of bean preparation was to roast the beans on an open fire and then added to boiling water for consumption. Though the Coffee bean originated in Africa, it quickly spread to neighboring countries, like Arabia and Egypt. Since the days of the early Egyptians, coffee has been a staple beverage for most people.

Fermented in much the same as grapes, coffee was a source of energy and warmth for most, but some drank it because they loved the taste, too. It is believed that coffee was probably considered a type of wine and used to barter and trade.

The coffee machine was actually a product that had just as many patents by women as men, that was practically unheard of at that time! The machine was constantly modified by coffee drinkers. Laurens came up with the first coffee-making machine in 1818. A man by the name of Mr.

Through the years, the coffee machine has become a reliable, dependable and easy to use product. In the 1960's, the first filter machines were invented and the modifications have improved even more since then. Coffee making machines began as crude looking inventions, but have evolved into many different styles, making it possible for a Governor and a Harley biker to own the same style! Found in just about every home, the coffee machine is made by many manufacturers, including: Braun, Senseo, Kitchenaid, Krups and Pod.

Where did the espresso machine come from?

Discovered by a goat herder and developed by a tired, hungry traveler, the espresso drink has provided many with the extra energy they may need. The goat herder noticed the goats acting like they had an extreme boost of energy. As he searched for his heard, he noticed they were snacking on a red berry growing from shrubs. Curious, he ate a berry and felt as if he had suddenly gained more energy as a result. At the same time, a tired, hungry traveler witnesses the occurrences and jumped at the chance to try it for himself. Having the same reactions as the herder and goats, he knew that they were on to something. He took some berries and began to add them to drinks for those in his hometown, as the drink seemed to be a good source of energy. The idea took off from there!

The first espresso maker is said to have originated in Italy in 1901, by Italian manufacturing company owner, Lugia Bezzer. He was simply looking for a way to help speed up his employee's coffee breaks. He figured out that if pressure was applied in the brewing process, the drink could be made in a lot less time. Nicknamed "The fast coffee machine", the espresso machine patent was sold in 1905. The new owner, Desidero Pavoni developed an espresso machine that used a piston pump to force water through a tube and into the coffee.

Modifications on the espresso machine has come a long way!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's why!

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

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

Coffee is Porous. It is exactly this feature that allows us to use oils and syrups to flavor coffee beans for those who enjoy gourmet flavored coffees. For this same reason, coffee can also absorb flavors and moisture from your freezer. The absorbed moisture will deteriorate the natural goodness of your coffee and your expensive gourmet coffee beans will taste like your freezer.

The coffee roasting process causes the beans to release their oils and essences in order to give the coffee its distinct flavor. This is the reason why your beans are shiny. These oils are more prominent on dark-roasted coffee and espresso beans and the reason why these coffees are so distinct in flavor. The process of freezing will break down these oils and destroy the natural coffee flavor. So unless you don't mind frozen fish flavored coffee, you should avoid using the freezer to store your gourmet coffee beans at all costs.

There are some exceptions to freezer storing your coffee, but you should proceed with caution! Fresh roasted coffee will remain fresh for approximately 2 weeks. If you have more than you can use in this 2 week period you can, and I shutter to say, freeze your coffee but you should follow these steps:

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

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

Apply the Freeze Once Rule. What this means is that once you take the beans out of the freezer, they should never go back in. The constant changes in temperature will wreak havoc on your coffee. The frozen moisture on your coffee will melt and be absorbed into the bean, destroying the coffee oils and allowing absorption of unwanted flavors. When you put it back into the freezer, you are repeating the process and destroying your expensive gourmet coffee

Keep moisture out! Remember, moisture is coffee's natural enemy. If you have a five-pound bag of coffee to store, divide it up into weekly portions. Wrap those portions up using sealable freezer bags and plastic wrap. If possible, suck out the excess air from the freezer bag using a straw or a vacuum sealer. Remove the weekly portion when you need it, and store it in an air-tight container in a dry place like your pantry. And remember, Do not put it back into the freezer!

So when is it best Refrigerate Coffee? Simply put, Never ever, unless you are conducting a science experiment on how long it takes to ruin perfectly good coffee. The fridge is one of the absolute worst places to put coffee. The reasons why not to freeze fresh roasted coffee also apply here.

So when is it best Refrigerate Coffee?

Other Popular Coffee Myths Exposed.

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

Other Popular Coffee Myths Exposed.

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

Grind all beans before storing Absolutely wrong!. Grinding the coffee breaks up the beans and their oils, exposes the beans to air, and makes the coffee go stale a lot faster, no matter how you store it. This especially holds true for flavored coffees! For the best tasting coffee, you should buy your beans whole and store them in a sealed container in a dark place. Grind right before serving!

Vacuum-sealed packaging equals fresh coffee. Again, absolutely wrong. The coffee roasting process causes the coffee beans to release a gas by-product, specifically carbon dioxide. This gas release process continues for several days after roasting. In order to be vacuum sealed, the coffee has to first release all its CO² or it will burst the bag, which means that it must sit around for several days before it can be packaged and shipped. This sitting around begins to rob the coffee of its freshness. Vacuum sealing is best for pre-ground coffee, which we already know is not going to taste as good as fresh-ground coffee. The best method for packaging and shipping is in valve-sealed bags. The valve allows the carbon dioxide gasses and moisture to escape but doesn't allow oxygen or moisture in. Therefore, the fresh roasted coffee beans can be packaged and shipped immediately after roasting, ensuring the coffee's freshness and taste.

A quick review for storing your gourmet coffee

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

A quick review for storing your gourmet coffee

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

Buy fresh roasted, whole bean coffee directly from a coffee roaster if possible

Look for valve-sealed bags, not vacuum-sealed

Store your coffee beans in a sealed container in a dark place

Grind your beans just before brewing

Enjoy!

How To Enjoy Delicious Quality Gourmet Coffee At Home

Coffee is a favorite beverage around the world. Morning, noon, or night a fresh cup of coffee is satisfying. In recent years we have been introduced to a wide array of coffees include gourmet. Gourmet coffee is considered gourmet because it is freshly ground from the coffee beans. Learning to make a great cup of gourmet coffee at home is deeply satisfying and simple as long as you keep in mind a few simple tips.

For the best flavor you should purchase whole coffee beans from specialty shops only. Although larger grocery stores are starting to carry coffee beans, the specialty shops beans tend to be fresher and therefore have more flavors.

When you grind your coffee beans only grind enough for current needs. This will keep the coffee fresh longer. If you don't have a grinder and buy the ground coffee, keep it in an airtight container. I t is important to close the bag or container tightly to keep the aroma in the coffee. Keep the coffee in a cool dry place, if you keep it in the refrigerator or freezer keeps it away from foods which produce a strong odor. The flavors may mix making the coffee bitter tasting. Try to use you coffee up in a few days to two weeks since coffee loses flavor quickly.

Water from the tap is fine although some people swear by fresh bottled spring water. No matter which type of water you choose, always use the coldest water possible. Water contains more oxygen the colder it is making the coffee richer and more flavorful. Do not use distilled water as it produces a flat cup of coffee.

Measuring your coffee is more a matter of taste than anything else. Generally it is recommended 1 teaspoon of coffee for every six ounces of water. Don't trust the measurements on your coffeemaker. Measure out the water to get the best tasting gourmet coffee.

When brewing, the best cup of gourmet coffee is brewed using the manual drip method, a French press pot, or a vacuum pot. Traditional drip pots do an okay job but vary greatly from each other. Some of the best coffeepots are quite expensive but well worth the money. Your coffee should only be kept warm on the burner for twenty minutes, after that it will become bitter. You should brew your coffee no more than five minutes before you plan to drink it, after that transfer the coffee to a thermos or carafe.

Drinking gourmet coffee black will preserve the most flavor. Using creamer in your coffee will produce a richer creamier taste. Skim milk will not change the taste much unless you add a lot, therefore is not recommended. If you would like to add sugar raw sugar will add sweeter flavor than white. For artificial sweeteners Splenda is recommended as other sweeteners will add a bitter taste to your coffee.

Making a gourmet cup of coffee at home is pleasing and easy to do. The flavor and aroma will satisfy you as well as stepping into your favorite specialty shop. Enjoy your gourmet coffee to the fullest by following these tips!

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Delicious Gourmet Gifts at http://www.deliciousgourmetgifts.com

Delicious Gourmet Gifts http://www.deliciousgourmetgifts.com

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

Pure Kona Coffee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why You Should Buy Fair Trade Coffee

And many of us think nothing of spending four or five dollars at Starbucks for a gourmet espresso, latte or cappuccino. Here in the West we are massive consumers of coffee.

Most of these farmers are paid less for the coffee beans they grow that it costs for them to produce and pick them. What few of us think about as we sip our favorite brew is that coffee is grown by small farmers in developing countries.

In other words, for every gourmet coffee you and I enjoy, the grower of the beans used is descending into a deeper and deeper cycle of poverty and desperation.

It was in recognition of this cycle that the certification process for fair trade coffee was introduced in 1998.

When you buy a pound of fair trade coffee, $1.26 goes directly back to the coffee growers who grew it.

It doesn't go directly into the hands of an individual grower, but to the cooperative to which he or she belongs. Part of the deal with fair trade coffee is that farmers are required to band together in cooperatives. The money then goes to the cooperative and is shared among all the farmers.

The issue of farmers having to join a cooperative to benefit from fair trade is a complex one, with advantages and disadvantages.

However, the big benefit is that when $1.26 goes to the cooperative, and then to the farmer...they are receiving about the double what they would get outside of the fair trade coffee system.

In other words, when you or I buy fair trade coffee, we are providing the grower with twice the income he or she would normally receive.

Over 100 million pounds of fair trade coffee have now been sold in the U.S. alone. Better still, the numbers are growing fast.

Starbucks now offers fair trade coffees and recently Wal-Mart announced that it would start offering fair trade coffee through its Sam's Club outlets.

When Wal-Mart becomes a buyer, you can be sure that the impact on small coffee farmers in Central and South America, East Africa and the Far East will be substantial.

But when you pay that little extra, you'll be making a real difference to the lives of coffee farmers and their families and communities. Yes, it will cost you a little more to buy fair trade coffee.

a beginners guide to choosing keurig kcups

The Keurig coffee maker is quickly rising in popularity across North America. Gone are the days of purchasing the old fashion coffee brewer, with separate filters to purchase and a glass pot to wash. The Keurig coffee maker brews in a few easy steps. Just put in a new K-Cup portion pack and press the start button. Within 30 seconds, you have a freshly brewed cup of your favorite gourmet coffee or tea.

But what if you don’t know what your favorite coffee is? Keurig provides nearly 200 different coffee, tea and hot cocoa K-Cups from which to choose! With so many options, the coffee selection process can seem like an impenetrable jungle of hard-to-understand descriptions and unfamiliar varieties. If you aren’t an expert at “coffee jargon” and aren’t up for endless flavor experimentation, then it is best to do a bit of research before you buy. After all, you want as few hurdles between you and that steaming cup of coffee as possible.

One of the biggest factors in the flavor of coffee is the roast. Before you choose between popular brands and specialty flavors, it helps if you understand the flavor differences created by the roasting process. The beans are made darker through processing at a higher temperature, often for a longer length of time. The roast helps to determine the richness, bitterness, and smoothness of the cup of coffee.

Light Roast : Milder tasting coffee. Beans are characterized by a golden brown hue and dry surface. Sometimes acidic tasting or may lack body. Light roasting preserves more of the natural subtle flavors of the coffee beans, allowing the drinker to taste differences in bean quality.

Medium Roast : Offers a balanced flavor with a less acidic taste. Medium roasting may create a slightly sweeter taste than a light roast. Beans are characterized by a medium, chocolate-brown hue. Compromises between the natural bean flavor and the flavor produced through the roasting process.

Dark Roast : Full-bodied coffee with a smoky or spicy taste. Beans are characterized by a dark brown hue and shiny, somewhat oily surface. Derives most of its flavor through the roasting process and may lose some of the natural bean flavor.

Once you’re aware of the type of roast you prefer, you can easily seek out different coffees in that category. For instance, if you enjoy a light roast, you may want to try Van Houtte Costa Rica Coffee or Timothy’s Morning Blend Coffee. Medium roast aficionados can choose between great options like Green Mountain Coffee Roasters’ Nantucket Blend or Tully's Full City Roast. If you’re a fan of dark roasts, you may prefer Caribou French Roast Coffee or Gloria Jean’s Black Gold Coffee.

There may seem to be an unlimited number of factors that go into the creation of a type of coffee. Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed with coffee possibilities. But, if you put your taste buds to the test, you will soon figure out which roast is right for you. Before you know it, you may even end up a coffee connoisseur! And then you can wow your friends with your new knowledge of the gourmet coffee world.

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 coffee makers , 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 coffee maker





Light Roast

Medium Roast

Dark Roast





About CoffeeCow

Keurig coffee makers http://www.coffeecow.com

folgers coffee the history and background of the folgers coffee company

In 1963, Proctor and Gamble acquired the company. Folger, it took the United States (the largest coffee market in the world) by storm. Founded in the 19th century in San Francisco, California by J.A. Part of Proctor and Gamble, Folgers Coffee is one of the biggest brands of coffee in America today. In Canada, Folgers coffee is limited to Classic Roast and Mountain Roast. There are eight types (called families) of Folgers Coffee in America today: Cafe Coffees, Coffee Pods, Instant Coffees, Folgers Gourmet Selections, Flavored Coffee (Hazelnut, French Vanilla, Chocolate Silk and Cinnamon), Simply Smooth, Coffeehouse Series and Classic Roast. The well known slogan "the best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup!" resonated well with audiences and boosted sales. Quite possibly the most catchy thing about the Folgers Coffee brand is the commercials it ran. Other popular television ad campaigns featured people sneaking in to four-star restaurants and replacing the expensive coffee that customers are used to drinking with Folgers Crystals. Not surprisingly, nobody could ever tell that the expensive coffee had been replaced with the cheaper instant version. In the 1980s and 1990s, Folgers started experimenting with less traditional advertising, sponsoring NASCAR racing. By sponsoring popular drivers, it was almost as though NASCAR itself was endorsing the brand, and the ad campaign was fairly successful. In 2006, yet another untraditional ad campaign was launched through viral marketing. Created by the ad agency Saatchi and Saatchi, the ads known as ìhappy morningsî were seen all over YouTube and various weblogs. In the ads, cheery and happy singers and dancers show up at sunrise to wake people up to greet the day. Dateline NBC held a taste test of most popular brands of coffee, and in their experiment Folgers Classic roast scored last place.

In 1963, Proctor and Gamble acquired the company. Folger, it took the United States (the largest coffee market in the world) by storm. Founded in the 19th century in San Francisco, California by J.A. Part of Proctor and Gamble, Folgers Coffee is one of the biggest brands of coffee in America today.In Canada, Folgers coffee is limited to Classic Roast and Mountain Roast. There are eight types (called families) of Folgers Coffee in America today: Cafe Coffees, Coffee Pods, Instant Coffees, Folgers Gourmet Selections, Flavored Coffee (Hazelnut, French Vanilla, Chocolate Silk and Cinnamon), Simply Smooth, Coffeehouse Series and Classic Roast.The well known slogan "the best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup!" resonated well with audiences and boosted sales. Quite possibly the most catchy thing about the Folgers Coffee brand is the commercials it ran.Dateline NBC held a taste test of most popular brands of coffee, and in their experiment Folgers Classic roast scored last place.

gourmet coffee what makes it so special

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

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

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.

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.

gourmet coffee trivia

Interesting gourmet coffee facts:

• The Boston Tea Party was planned in a coffee house – the Green Dragon Coffee House
• 27% of U.S. coffee drinkers and 43% of German drinkers add a sweetener to their coffee.
• The world's largest coffee producer is Brazil with over 3,970 million coffee trees. Colombia comes in second with around two thirds of Brazil's production.
• Hard bean means the coffee was grown at an altitude above 5000 feet.
• Arabica and Robusta trees can produce crops for 20 to 30 years under proper conditions and care.
• Most coffee is transported by ships. Currently there are approximately 2,200 ships involved in transporting the beans each year.
• In Turkey a husband who refused to provide his wife with the drink could be divorced by her!
• Germany is the world's second largest consumer of coffee in terms of volume at 16 pounds per person. Second to the United States at 19 pounds per person.
• Over 53 countries grow coffee worldwide, but all of them lie along the equator between the tropic of Cancer and Capricorn.
• An acre of coffee trees can produce up to 10,000 pounds of coffee cherries. That amounts to approximately 2,000 pounds of beans after hulling or milling.
• The percolator was invented in 1827 by a French man. It would boil the coffee producing a bitter tasting brew. Today most people use the drip or filtered method to brew their coffee.
• With the exception of Hawaii and Puerto Rico, no coffee is grown in the United States or its territories.
• Up until the 1870's most coffee was roasted at home in a frying pan over a charcoal fire. It wasn't until recent times that batch roasting became popular.
• Each year some 7 million tons of green beans are produced world wide. Most of which is hand picked.
• The popular trend towards flavored coffees originated in the United States during the 1970's.
• Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee is the most satisfying cup of coffee - it donates all its profits to children.
October 1st is the official Coffee Day in Japan.
• The first coffee tree in the Western Hemisphere was brought from France to the Island of Martinique in the 1720's

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

keurig more than coffee

All of us who own a Keurig Coffee Maker can attest that this single cup coffee brewer is the epitome of kitchen excellence. These coffee makers are able to brew a cup of hot, delicious coffee in less than a minute, all with no clean-up.  The keurig is noted for using its patented K-Cups, with over 190 varieties of pre-measured gourmet coffee from a variety of premium brands. Its one-touch technology provides precise control over brewing, leaving no messy grinding or clean up. Simply lift the lid, insert a single K-Cup, close the lid, and select a cup size.  The Keurig Special Edition B60 machine also includes a generous 48 oz. removable water reservoir which supplies an endless reserve of hot water.  Instant hot water for warming up a cold baby bottle, or quickly thawing out food directly from the freezer. 

Its sharp design allows the B60 Keurig Coffee Maker to blend nicely with all countertop decor. So go ahead and fill the water reservoir and press the ON button. However, this time make something other than a flavorful coffee. Wait, something other than the classic breakfast pick me-up? Sure, let me list the many culinary alternatives for the Keurig:

1.Oatmeal or Hot cereal: Pour your mix into a bowl and place it under the Keurig machine. This time, start a cycle minus the patented K-cup. You guessed it! Out comes hot water right into the bowl. Stir and slightly cool. The healthier alternative to nuking water and still ready in under 60 seconds.

2. Instant Soup: Preparation is the same (a recurring theme with all Coffee Alternatives). This time its a wonderful bowl of soup most enjoyed on cold snowy nights.

3. Teas or Hot Cocoa: Speaking of snowy nights, reach into the Keurig Carousel for one of the large selections of Keurig K-cup teas, or how about a delicious Ghirardelli Premium Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa. Partial to your favorite bagged tea or powdered cocoa...no problem. Hot Water coming up!

4. Jello: Whenever a recipe (like jello) calls for a cup of hot water, I have it at the touch of my fingertips. Oh what a sweet treat!

5. Instant Noodles: My favorite! Any grocer has a large variety of instant noodles, however, let me suggest your cities Asian Grocers. The selections are endless, with varieties coming from several countries along the Pacific Rim. After pouring hot water from your Keurig, allow to sit (most under 4 minutes), and Presto!....a light and wonderful tasting dinner.

Keurig Coffee Maker

keurig is great customer service

My first introduction to the Keurig Single Cup Coffee Maker was in the dental office. I work in an office that strives to stand apart from its competition by focusing greatly on customer service. With all the money that we spend on technology in the dental opera tory with lasers, televisions, and computers, the coffee maker has surprisingly been the most cost effective way to make our patients feel cared and special.
We placed one in the waiting room where patients can browse the selections and make a cup of delight at the touch oh their fingertips. The anxious patient can relax with a cup of green tea, waiting moms can recharge with a cup a cappuccino, and kids love the warm sweet cocoa. Our staff is constantly sneaking out into the waiting room to help themselves to a cup of gourmet coffee. I am also guilty! My favorites include the Lemon Blueberry Passion Tea, the Cinnamon Mocha, and the Half Calf for afternoons where I find myself dragging but don't want to up all night.
It was not long after this purchase that a  Keurig Coffee Maker made it into my house as well as the home of my mother. What a great gift by the way! I was the only true coffee drinker in my home so it was great to be able to brew a gourmet cup just for myself. But now with all the delicious choices, my husband has become a fan. Not to mention it's always a big hit with guests.
Now I think the Keurig should be everywhere. Salons and spas usually offer a glass of water or tea, so why not an assortment of 190 different flavors of coffee, tea, and cocoa available in less than a minute? Car dealerships, medical offices, or any place with a waiting room can benefit from a Keurig Coffee Maker.

Keurig Coffee Maker

find the best coffee

The social beverage of the word, coffee, is by far one of the most satisfying addictions one can have. That aroma of a fresh brewed cup of coffee can awaken the senses like nothing else. That first sip of sweet espresso or well made Turkish coffee can entice even the most devout coffee hater. Not any old coffee will drive men to tears over its savory goodness.

Choosing the right coffee blend is an art form. You can compare it to those who choose wines for gourmet dinners. Coffee is no different. Following are several tips to help you on the way to finding great coffee.

1. Do yourself a favor and avoid buying name brand coffee. All that you are doing is helping them pay for their substantial marketing machine.
2. Look for local roasters. They take great pride in their coffee beans and the roasting process. You may find a gem.
3. Roasting is one of the keys to a great coffee. Light roasts typically go way of being acidic in flavor. Dark roasts are more bitter and “full” or “medium” roasts are balanced between the two.
4. The higher quality coffee lends themselves to distinct flavors and sweetness regardless if they are dark roasts, medium or light roasts. A good bean roasted lightly will still be sweet with a touch of bitterness whereas a good bean dark roasted will be akin to a desert that contains nuts.
5. People like to think that certain countries produce different types of coffee. The best coffees produced tend to be suited to darker or lighter roasted coffees. Light to dark the countries are: Central America, South America and Caribbean, Africa and then finishing up with Indonesia and India.
6. Use coffee beans roasted for less than ten days prior. Older beans will simply taste like boring, unsweetened cocoa.
7. Grind your coffee beans minutes before actually brewing. This will give you the height of flavor and substance in your morning cup and make those gourmet coffee recipes shine above and beyond.

Arabica vs. Robusta

When you buy coffee at a Starbucks or online you will generally be buying Arabica coffee beans. Purchasing from a deli (typically an Italian-run one) will be a blend known as Robusta. Robusta is a bitter coffee with twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans.

Arabica is the choice of gourmet coffee drinkers all over the world. It is a subtle flavor that is sweet and nutty, but pleasant. Robusta is simply just too bitter and is really your grandfather’s blend and should be avoided for social coffee drinking.

All of this information is for naught if you do not get yourself a quality coffee maker in order to brew your favorite beverage. One-cup coffee makers are great because they keep your coffee fresh by the cup with no sitting around to get stale and lifeless. Espresso makers with milk steamers are great if you wish to experiment with your coffee. You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on a machine either. Go with the best that fits your budget.

coffee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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